Ok, I’ll admit it that I am not fond of orange or rust. While I like those tones on trees, they are not my favorite for dining room design. I decided to create a tablescape using colors I adore but would still result in a fabulously fall Thanksgiving table. I bring you An Unexpected Thanksgiving Table.
An Unexpected Thanksgiving Table
Drawing inspiration from an antique Victorian postcard, I began with an antique dove gray Métis sheet topped by a vintage charcoal damask tablecloth.
Colors that pair well with gray are various shades of cranberry~ a perfect alternative.
Here is a tiny representation of the postcard that provided my color palette. The image makes a nice place card.
I decided to create an alternative twist on the traditional cornucopia. I began with a highly polished silver tray which gleamed beautifully against the charcoal damask cloth. The fall colored flowers were nestled in… what else…a gravy boat. A shower of grapes, fresh cranberries, and nuts spilling from heirloom baby cups completed the centerpiece.
Fabric Wrapped Candles
Taking the wrapped candle concept one step further I hand dyed small pieces of antique Métis sheeting in similar gray shades.
In the evening, the candlelight flickers beautifully behind the lovely cloth.
No two medals are alike. A few of the votives were dressed in shades of gray and white.
I wanted the buffet to also feel abundant. Piles of rolls, pumpkin bread, and pie look good enough to eat.
Here is a close up of the buffet centerpiece. You can see a larger image of the place card postcard (say that fast 5 times) and another postcard that features cranberry tones. Taller candles add height.
Vintage Silver and Medals
The candles were wrapped similarly to the votives but feature a larger medallion, pearls, and crystals. They are nestled in silver nut dishes which feature an inscription to my MIL from a Panamanian women’s group dated 1971.
Here is a close up of the velvet and silk ribbons and pretty gems.
How are you decorating your table?
Have a wonderful holiday,
Laura
You might also enjoy this Thanksgiving decor post.
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Laura,
YOur sense of style is impeccable!
Although the color scheme is not traditional, it is warm and lovely for Thanksgiving.
I am so fond of thre silver cups filled and spilled with nuts. I keep a big wooden bowl full of nuts, crackers and picks. My family love to pass them around during the Thanksgiving weekend.
You took this idea to a new level. Nuts in silver… I just love it.
The silver trays make beautiful backgrounds for all the friut, candles and nuts. Love it all… but I always do!
Please stop by and enter my Bethlehem Christmas Dinnerware giveaway.
xo Yvonne
Heather says
Everything looks lovely. I love to see- when people think out side the box. I enjoy looking through your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Tootles,
Heather H
Julie Tucker-Wolek says
You create the most BEAUTIFUL table settings Laura! LOVE IT! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Karen says
Love the use of jewel tone colors, so pretty! The silver spilling the bounty of nuts was great! Wonderful table!
Hugs, Karen
* French Farmhouse 425 * says
So beautiful and cozy!! Love it~*Hugs,Rachel
Vanessa says
Olá! Vc tem grandes idéias e a decoração da sua mesa só prova isso. As velas ficaram bem exclusivas.
Parabéns
Bj
Vanessa
Red Door Home says
A very pretty table. Love the buffet display.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Love your idea for the candles, Laura, and how you brought it from the table to the buffet. That vintage image is great and makes for a wonderful place card. Your buffet looks “abundant”, which is what a Thanksgiving dinner makes me envision!
Privet and Holly says
Love your inspiration
card and interpretation!
Cranberry and gray DO
convey fall….and in
a unique and pretty way.
So YOU.
xx Suzanne
Karen says
Beautiful!! I especially like the way you did your buffet. At 6:15 A.M. and only one cup of coffee my mind is swirling with inspiration from you fabulous ideas. Thanks!
Have a blessed day.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
April says
It is very pretty and serene. The colors work very well, and all the special touches–tiny bows, little medals, the placecards–make it SPECIAL.
Great job!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Laura, this looks gorgeous. I love it all. Using the nuts, cranberries and grapes along with traditional items, such a beautiful combination. I hope you have a very Blessed Thanksgiving. Hugs, Marty
Craftymoose Crafts says
I love the shades of gray, cranberry & blue–lovely, lovely table. What time should I be there, LOL!
Pat says
Beautiful table for Thanksgiving, Laura! I love all the detail.
Tricia@The Dull and the Dutiful says
Lovely table! I really like your centerpiece, and the use of the silver baby cups is such a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Jingle says
This looks great!
fairfieldhousenj.com says
Laura,
You've created a 3D tapestry with rich jewel tones. Your attention to detail is unmatched. Your taste impeccable. Simply stunning.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Lisa @ akawest says
The silver cup with the nuts is my favorite part. You always have the best ideas. The only reason the idea won't be stolen, is because I won't be hosting a dinner.
Barbara says
What a beautiful color scheme! It is rich and very elegant for a Thanksgiving table. I like your silver details. Just lovely.
Designs on 47th Street says
Such a BEAUTIFUL change of pace from the norm. I do love orange, but I LOVE your color scheme and ideas here. You wouldn't mind if I borrow one or two would you?? ;;)
Donna
Linda says
It looks beautiful. Puts mine to shame, and I do prefer oranges and browns but you give me some nice ideas for future tables.
Debbie says
I really love the use of these colors for a fall table. Even though I am nutty enough to like the color orange, I like to see something different.
Those candles are my favorite single thing that I've seen on Tablescape Thursday this week. They are so pretty. I loved the detail.
And I'm so lame that I actually caught myself saying placecard postcard five times. LOL
Beautiful!
Mimi says
What an elegant table…I love the red/white transferware with the charcoal. Your silver tray vignette is stunning.
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
Just beautiful!
Fifi Flowers says
oooh it appears you will be READY for the holidays!!!
Nezzy says
….and the colors ya love made a beautiful Thanksgiving table setting. Everything look so warm and inviting sweetie. What time did ya say you were servin??? I'll bring pies!!! :o)
Ya'll have a marvelously blessed day!!!
Sweetladyelaine says
Thank you for visiting my blog! I love your buffet display especially the silver cup with the nuts spilling out. A very pretty tablescape. Thank you for sharing!
Sarah says
Laura,
Your table is lovely. I like the colors and all the nuts and fruits scattered about. It all looks beautiful on the silver. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous table.
Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Sarah
Marlis says
I so very much love the gray background. Your silver tray is wonderful as are the wrapped candles. I love the nuts and the silver. A wonderful table. Thanks for dropping by
Entertaining Women says
You've taken candlescaping to an art form…so interesting…wonderful texture and visually interesting…design in the details…well done! Thank you for sharing your charming design and for stopping by my post. Please, come visit any time. Cherry Kay
timbuck2mom says
I really like how you did your candles and the tablecloth is complemented so nicely by your choice of colors. And imagine – using a gravy boat! Creative thinking. 🙂
Elisabeth
French Basketeer.com says
Pretty pretty! I love the grey & white & cranberry tones…
lulumusing says
Who says you have to be traditional! With the elements you have used you've created a perfect Thanksgiving table.
tales from an oc cottage says
LOVE! LOVEY! LOVE! LOVE!
m ^..^
Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says
What a beautiful tablescape! My favorite addition are your wrapped candles! Gorgeous!
Sharing with Sherri says
Very Pretty tablesetting! I have to add that I also LOVE your gorgeous buffet too!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
hugs, Sherri:)
heidi says
I'm with you, I just can't seem to wrap my mind around oranges and rusts! Your wrapped candles are super! thanks for commenting on my blog, you are now entered in the drawing!
Hugs, Heidi
(Giveaway on my blog until Nov. 23)
xinex says
Everything is so pretty, Laura. Your color choice looks so good. I love your created candles…Christine
Yellow Rose Arbor says
This is really beautiful! I love the color scheme you did! The medals on the candles is a wonderful idea!
Katherine
bj says
Oh, my…this is, indeed, a beautiful Thanksgiving table. I love everything about it..the silver is so pretty.
Have a blessed and fun Thanksgiving.
xo bj
Bella says
Hi Laura, Dove grey was a great choice it's very striking and elegant! Love the fold of the napkin and the color really pops, and the fruit and nut tray is beautiful and a great victorian vibe:-)) Wow… lovely!
Bella
kemy hill says
Wow! Amazing decorative pieces, they are all fantastic. Specially i like the most candlelight flickers. Thanks for sharing these stuff.
Ohio State Buckeyes Products
Mary says
Love your beribboned candles & color combination of your table!
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
LOVE the cranberry and grey!! I am not a huge fan of rust or orange either but this is beautiful! Great job!
Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says
I love everything about this gorgeous setting Laura!
The colors work so perfectly and the textures and silver add so much more.
I need to get over here more often!
Hugs Friend,
Cindy
Sailing Simply says
Thank you for visiting and for your kind comments on my tablescape. I printed off that postcard too for decor, so I just love how you used it for inspiration. I really like the colors you used for this setting. Your wrapped candles are just wonderful too! Beautiful table!
Shelia says
Hi Laura! Oh, you did it! You sure did. I love your non orangey yellow Thanksgiving decor! It's gorgeous! Love the tray with those pretty flowers. I have a very similar olden buffet and set yours up so loverly!
I pray you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage says
Hi Laura,
I love the cups filled with spilled nuts and the silver trays! I am not an orange and rust gal either but you've made a very lovely tablescape using pops of other colours. Wonderful!
Blessings,
Sandi
Honey at 2805 says
Your tablescapes and settings are so lovely and with so many unexpected touches. I'm taking lessons from you and becoming a follower! Thanks for welcoming me to blogland…it's so appreciated.
Dawn-Hydrangea Home says
Beautiful! Love your candles too!
Sherry says
Beautiful Laura! Very nice on the buffet too. Love the place cards.
Sherry
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Laura, Your table is beautiful and I love the non-traditional colors you used. The candle holders with the medals are wonderful.
Thanks for your visit and sweet note you left on my Gratitude Journal post. I always love hearing from you.
Hugs,
Sherry
Alycia Nichols says
I really love your grey napkins and the great initialed napkin rings! Beautiful!!!
Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says
Some nice touches there! Like the grapes, nuts and berries. You don't see that too often. I love your blog.
Bringing Pretty Back says
You do such an amazing job! GORGEOUS!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space says
What a glorious tribute to the harvest of Thanksgiving! Inspiring! hope you have such blessings dear one!
Renae says
You did a great job with the colors you love…why not? A pretty table is a pretty table!
Happy turkey day!
xo
Miss Sandy says
Laura,
What a lovely setting, your guests will feel like royalty. I especially love the colorful centerpiece. Have a great weekend.
The Primitique says
The candle wrappings are just the most eye catching feature for me! I love the layering and the medals. Great job, Laura! I can send you my address when you are done with them, if you'd like. *wink* We go out to eat, so no table decor necessary for the feast. ~Mindy
The Pennington Point says
Very clever! I don't care much for the traditional fall colors, but I never thought of just changing them! Love the candles and the dyed linen. It's beautiful! Lisa~
emptynester3 says
I love the alternate Thanksgiving colors! Love the use of cranberries! Thanks so much for visiting me~ Love, ~Nana~
Liz says
A lovely color choice! Very unexpected! 🙂
I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving!
~Liz
Pam says
Everything looks gorgeous. And those candle wraps are fantastic.
Tricia - A Rosy Note says
How beautiful and elegant. I love the addition of the nuts and how you wrapped the candles in fabric…very nice 🙂
Mimi says
HI LAURA!!
Your table looks fabulous!!
I will be using a New Thanksgiving tablecloth I bought on clearance last Nov. It is a cream color background, with cute cutouts and leaves in all the fall colors, so I bought the napkins in all 6 colors, and I added a few burgundy ones I already own.
I will do a pictorial of mine later this week.
But your table is lovely
love it all
hugs,
jamie
~Tablescapes By Diane~ says
Hi lovely lady, I love your Tablescape so elegant just like you sweet lady. Am sorry I did get to see your table but I was out of town. Thanks so much for your lovely comments about my Tablescapes ~~You have a lovely Thanksgiving day.