Thanksgiving brings wonderful opportunities for a variety of tablesettings. The rich colors of autumn provide an endless supply of inspiration for decorating the table. In this tablescape (which does not have to be reserved solely for the Thanksgiving holiday), I am using Victorian English Pottery “Pheasant Woodland” dinnerware that has a distinctive fall theme. It’s one that can be used throughout the entire autumn season.
Like a lot of English transferware, this pattern tells a story and has earthy colors; however, I also recognize that it is a busy pattern. In order for the dinnerware to stand out on the table, it benefits from the use of solid-colored charger plates to frame and “ground” each place setting. Busy-patterned dinnerware also looks best on solid-colored placemats or tablecloth. When I am using this type of dinnerware, I want it to stand out on the table so I ensure that other elements on the table, including the table covering, don’t compete with it for attention.
To add a punch of color, I have used my plaid napkins encased in natural-toned napkin rings. The orange in the napkins ties in with the shades on the pheasants in the dinnerware pattern. Placing the napkin on the side of the plate (as opposed to across the top of the bowl) allows the dinnerware pattern to be displayed for maximum impact.
Again, because the pattern of the dinnerware is quite busy, I have kept the centerpiece relatively simple – a traditional-styled fall-themed arrangement in the centre flanked by two pillar candles on glass candlesticks. The use of the glass candlesticks keeps the focus on the centerpiece.
The colors in the centerpiece correspond to the color scheme of the dinnerware. With this classic style of tablesetting, it is important to maintain the colors of the dinnerware in other elements of the table – for example, the centerpiece, candles, napkins, and charger plates.
The leaf-etched neutral-colored candles blend with the color of the centerpiece urn and the background in the dinnerware.
The candles and their placement add symmetry to a classic tabletop centerpiece. So, only three items in the centerpiece – two candles and the floral centerpiece – to keep it clutter-free. This is particularly important if the table is not large. I wanted to see some clean white space on the table.
In keeping with the style of this dinnerware, I have used some of my vintage glassware which also blends with the candlesticks. Clear glassware adds life and sparkle to a tablesetting and also gives it an airy look and feel.
I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of my Thanksgiving tablesetting.
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To view the Bistro’s other Thanksgiving tablesettings, follow these links:
