My goal was to create a Thanksgiving mood board that will not include gourds, pumpkins or a roasted turkey. I wanted a theme that mixed the old with the new. When I saw this adorable farmyard animal trays by Simrin, I found my starting point. Life after the harvest at the farm influenced my theme.

Think about the elements of a modern rustic home. You can introduce the old through your home accessories in the room, not simply the tableware. Show off items made with reclaimed wood and finds from the flea market. Plus, it should not be too hard to find the right tableware since many reedited old style tableware are available in stores this season.

Do not be afraid to make it your own. For example, you can coordinate modern white tableware with vintage French country flatware and a contemporary fall foliage tablecloth. For the colors, take clues from the harvest season, the fall foliage, and life at the farm. Go for orange and natural linen table linens.

Click here if you need the step by step instructions to fold your napkins into a diagonal pocket.

SOURCING:
+ Rattan Handled Pitcher $49 USD at Wisteria
+ Feed Sack with blue Table Runner $399 USD at Wisteria
+ side wood table by Roost
+ Black Laguiole flatware at Williams-Sonoma on the Web 20-piece $289, in store $79 per 5-piece setting
+ Farmyard Medium Rectangular Pig Tray by Simrin $76 USD
+ photo by Jodi Pudge for Style at Home
+ Etienne Rust Table Runner $46.95 USD
+ Lustre Rust Napkin $4.95 USD
+ Kava Saucer $12 USD
+ Wood-handle horn flatware $15 CAD per three-piece set At Design Group

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I have a love affair with orange. Since it is not everyone’s favorite color, I enjoy the fact that I can pitch more orange tablescapes during autumn.  The tabletop developed for a mid-class cozy café shows that you can create an impact by keeping things simple.

The casual elegance of tabletop is something that you can duplicate for your Thanskgiving dinner party. Finding a beige dinnerware is easy. Look no further than the IKEA 365+ or the Dinera line for beige modern dinnerware. Even the Cream Studio dinnerware that is currently in sale at Pottery Barn would fit the design.

You should not regret investing in a pure linen tablecloth since you will get many years of usage out of it. If you are on a budget, fashion your tablecloth with burlap. Lastly, I like the old-fashioned salt and pepper set. You could try to find something similar at flea markets or vintage stores.

+ via Design Work Life and Behance
+ project in Russia from Transformer Studio

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Whenever I am thinking of creating a modern tabletop, the tablemats and table runners made by Chilewich often come to mind as a possible option. I think that their placemats are at their best over a nice surface, like a stunning wood table.

I noticed that they now produce tête-à-tête, which is a type of table linen designed for two guests who seated across the table. Tête-à-tête is wider and shorter than a table runner. I use tête-à-tête for a romantic dinner or on rectangular table. This feels very French. It carries a casual chic sophistication.

I know that many of you are looking for inspirations for fall dinnerware with Halloween and Thanksgiving, being just at the corner. Their stylists put attention to select amazing tableware. Coasters under vases and small bowls are an easy way to add formality to your table. This is why it is always a good idea to stock table accessories which act as jewelry.

I quickly browse their new ecommerce site. One thing that I enjoy is the visual way you can browse by colors, textures and shapes.

MORE:
+ Tête-à-tête range $28- $75 USD

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When it comes to tableware, I prefer to get items that I will be able to reuse more than once a year. Halloween and Thanksgiving have a lot in common since they are both in autumn. It is even closer to the truth in Canada since we celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October at the peak of autumn leaves.

Dinnerware for entertaining

The most important element for entertaining is to get a versatile yet elegant dinnerware set. Organic shapes connect us to the traditional meaning of Thanksgiving Day, which was a time to say thanks for the harvest.

I enjoy the warmth of creamy neutral dinnerware. It feels cozier than pure white. The Classic Century Dinnerware collection is a reproduction of an original 1952 design by Eva Zeisel. Everyone who bought the set still love it but beware that it could chip more easily than typical earthenware set. If you live or entertain often with young children, this dinnerware set is not for you.

The Classic Cream Century dinnerware looks stunning against the Black Glass Pitcher at Design Within Reach. The Black Glass Collection also includes a short tumbler, a tall tumbler, and a sake cup .

Serving ware

The Pumpkin tureen does not scream Halloween. Being white and its updated treatment means that you can use it anytime during the autumnal season. The wood pumpkin trivet adds a trendy touch to family style food service.

SOURCING:
+ Classic Century Tableware Collection $62.95 – $267.95 USD at Crate & Barrel
+ Black Glass Pitcher $85 USD (on sale at $72.25 until Oct.13, 2009) at DWR
+ Acacia Pumpkin Trivet $9.95 USD at Crate & Barrel
+ Pumpkin Tureen $29.95 USD at Crate & Barrel

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Two classic looks to celebrate the end of summer. Get inspired by these tables dressed by Lexington for the last weekends by the lake at the summer cottage. The fall living table is a mix and match of formal and casual tableware. It is OK to bend the rules to create something unexpected. For an outdoor dinner, do like the French people do all the time and ignore the bread plate, even on a formal dinner table.

If you cannot go of the summer,  you can still use items from the summer catalog. I like the thermal vacuum bottle but I do not know where to find it. Beware that, as far as I know, many of the items are props used by the stylist.

MORE:
+ Lexington

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Thanksgiving is next Monday in Canada. We celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. For this occasion, I assemble two tabletop mood boards with trendy fall colors and patterns. I presented two very different styles.

I invite you to check my Glamorous Thanksgiving Tablescapes on Style Sheet, the blog of HGTV.ca. I am curious to know how you plan to decorate your dining table this Thanksgiving. Share your thoughts.

+ Style Sheet

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Textures and more ornate tableware are making a comeback. This style holds an advantage over the clean modern style as you need to add less decorative elements to make an impact. I will explore this trend further in the coming weeks.

For now, have a look at three fabulous glazed stoneware dinnerware sets made in Portugal. They vary in prices to match every budget and occasion.

Three Dinnerware Sets

Jardins du Monde can stand tall in any formal entertaining. An artful layering of round and scalloped shapes is presented in a berry-and-thread design. The extravagant serving ware celebrates four European gardens in all their glory. Remark that you do not put the coffee cup on the table before it is time to serve the tea and coffee.

Crate and Barrel sells an antique French dinnerware set that can go from everyday-to-formal entertaining depending on the rest of your table. Soft shapes in creamy white with hand-antiqued, embossed vine rims bring charms to this set.

The cheapest option is a white Provencal set (bottom right picture). Again, you get the raised relief border with a soft white finish. The plates, bowls and mugs come in set of 4.

SOURCING:
+ Jardins du Monde Dinnerware at Horchow – price: $64-$575 USD per set of 4 pieces
+ Josephine Dinnerware at Crate and Barrel – price: $7.95-$89.95 USD per piece
+ White Provencal Dinnerware at Cost Plus World Market – price: on sale at $22.36-$25.56 USD per set of 4 pieces

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The basic elements of my tablescape

My starting point was the Dibbern Gold Leaf Dinnerware Collection. This modern bone china collection adds sophistication to a contemporary table. This set wins more points because it is dishwasher safe.

A gold flatware is preferable in this case. I went with the clean lined Due Ice Oro Collection by the Italian brand Mepra. This 18/10 gauge stainless steel flatware has a brushed gold finish.

This dinnerware and flatware combination will stay with you for years to come and the look is appropriate for all occasions. For your upcoming Holiday events, simply change the accessories to create a seasonal look. The reusability factor is important because each place setting does not come cheap.

Then come the table linen

The first accessory of any table is the linen. I selected the napkins and table runners from Dwell Table. Table runners displayed in a face by face orientation produce a more modern look. Dwell sees it that way too because they sell their table runners in set of 2. If you sit people at the table ends, use placemats for them.

You can add interests if you use placemats in a coordinating pattern instead of an exact match to the table runners. This is not always possible. But you can do with the Dwell Table line because their line repeated the same exact colors in several patterns.

I selected natural beige and black because it complements the gold color. I also feel that for a modern table my design has enough gold as it is. I suggest you mix the Flora Natural Table Runners, the Astor Natural Placemats and the simpler Embroidered Natural Napkins.

Why simpler napkins are preferable?

For all the entire meal, you will look at the table cloth and centerpieces so that is where I put the emphasis. After you sit down, the napkin sit on your lap, so their impact on the table is pretty short.

If you buy a dozen of the linen napkins, their cost adds pretty fast. I prefer selecting napkins that I could use with more than one table cloths. It is a good idea to buy two extra napkins as spare ones. I often use in bread baskets.

The drinkware

The Bottle Holder Stainless Steel by Blomus is a neat accessory that would not ruin you. You can stock a few since these Bottle Holders would come handy as stocking stuffer. Go with your favorite clean-lined stemware glasses because the emphasis is on the dinnerware and flatware combination.

Here, I went with a few products by Stelton from the complete 21st Century Collection next to the timeless AJ Glass Coasters. These coasters were designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1970. Water glasses, water jugs and trays in 2 formats from the 21st Century Collection can equip your entertaining kit.

Signature cocktails for a hip Thanksgiving party

I envision a dinner party for a more fashionable crowd. Any cool party needs a signature cocktail. To go with this theme, I proposed a long drink made with Jägermeister. From a color point of you, the D+d lay fits into our scheme and sounds refreshing.

Recipe of the D+d lay drink

• 20 ml (3/4 ounce) of Jägermeister
• 20 ml (3/4 ounces) of Absolut Citron
• About 200 ml (7 ounces) of Fresh Lemonade

You put in a hi-ball glass with some ice cubes, pour the Jägermeister, the Absolut Citron and top it up with the fresh lemonade. Decorate with a lemon slice.

I recommend the Perfect Lemonade Recipe by Simply Recipes. Since you mix the lemonade with alcohol, you must make the syrup to produce a remarkable cocktail.

If you are like me and you do not like sweet lemonade, you will probably need sweeter lemonade than what you are used to. It is because you need to balance the flavors of the Jägermeister. Thus, one quick solution is to keep syrup on hand and add more to your drink until you get the perfect balance. Your cocktail should not taste too tart. Only trials and errors will outcome the perfect drink. Since two views are better than one, ask the opinion of a friend or a family member when you concoct your recipe.

Recipe of the Jäger Bomb

If you wish to serve shooters, the trendy Jäger Bomb is the way to go.

• 3 parts of energy drink (Red Bull for instance)
• 1 part of Jägermeister

This drink look sharp. Basically, the energy drink is served in an old fashioned tumbler glass with floating inside a short shot glass (pony shot).

I did not experiment in making one at home so I not know the best order to make it. Some people suggest pouring the shooter first, placing it inside the tumbler and then filling with the energy drink.

Others suggest pouring the energy drink first and slowly dropped the filled shoot glass inside the tumbler. My husband Jerome says that the best method depends on the spacing between the glasses and your finger size. One thing is for sure; the Jäger Bomb allows you to show off your new modern glasses.

Drink responsibly, eat a good meal and have fun at your Thanksgiving dinner party.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Dibbern Gold Leaf Dinnerware Collection – starting at $65 USD for a side plate
Buy online: Due Ice Oro Flatware Collection at Lekker – price: $71 USD per 5-piece setting
Buy online: Flora Natural Table Runners at Dwell store – price: $92 USD for a set of 2
Buy online: Astor Natural Placemats at Dwell store – price: $77 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Embroidered Natural Napkins at Dwell store – price: $68 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Blomus Bottle Holder Stainless Steel at Lekker – price: $13 USD
Buy online: 21st Century Collection by Stelton at Lekker – price: $50 USD for the 21st Century Water Jug
Buy online: Arne Jacobsen’s AJ set of 6 Glass Coasters at Lekker – price: $80 USD

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With Thanksgiving at the corner, many of you may be searching for a fall dinnerware set. I got some suggestions for you.

Audun Collection by Villeroy & Boch

The first dinnerware set depicts pastoral scenes in black and white with a creamy yellow accent border and modern Toile accents. A design from the French maker Villeroy & Boch, Audun Chasse dinnerware has all the charms of the past in a modern interpretation.

If you are interested to complete the set, know that 4 patterns compose the Audun collection: Chasse (Hunting), Ferme (Farm), Fleur (Flower), Promenade (Walk).

Chasse and Ferme mix well together. It is a good idea to include a few pieces of the simple Fleur. I am not too keen on Audun Promenade. Audun Ferme delivers all the service ware pieces that you can imagine.

Villeroy & Boch dinnerware will satisfy you for many years to come. For that reason, they are worth their investment. Costco in the US sold a 4-piece place setting at an excellent price.

The Artisan Collection at Pottery Barn

This bisque Artisan collection is currently on sale. The earthy color and organic shapes of Santa Fe inspired our new stoneware serve ware. This set is the typical 4-piece place setting. You can buy the 16 pieces or plates, bowls and mugs in set of 4.

If you mix solid color plates or bowls, you can create a stylish tabletop with this everyday set. Nice color combinations for autumn would be cocoa and bisque, amber and bisque, charcoal and bisque.

Delamere Dinnerware Collection by Spode

The Delamere dinnerware Collection displays Spode’s Flower border in a blue, brown or cranberry version. This set is made of high quality earthenware is sold at Costco.

You can dress up a set like that and create an amazing table. I suggest you get a pure linen hemstitched tablecloth to add elegance.

Evette Dinnerware at Crate & Barrel

This Antique French dinnerware set is just adorable. The dishes feature soft oval shapes, hand-antiqued scrollwork rims and a creamy white glaze. Evette Dinnerware has all the elements that symbolize French Country style.

French uses this type of design both for daily usage and formal entertaining. You should not have trouble finding pieces from other brands to mix and match colors plates.

Sourcing:
For Canadians: Audun Chasse dinnerware at Villeroy & Bosh online store – start at $20.58 CAD (on sale) for a salad plate
For Americans: 4-piece place setting of Audun Chasse at Costco – price: &79.99 USD per 4-pc place setting, S&H included
Buy online: Artisan Dinnerware Collection at Pottery Barn – price: $110 USD for 16-piece set on sale
Buy online: Delamere dinnerware Collection by Spode at Costco – price: $79.99 USD for 16-piece set, S&H included
Buy online: Evette Dinnerware at Crate & Barrel – start at $9.95 USD for a bowl

RELATED POSTS:
+ Autumnal tableware
+ Bears and Moose Tableware
+ Concetto Gallo dinnerware collection

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We are right in the middle of the hunting season. In the Canada and the North of the United States, the colorful sceneries in fall mean that going to the cottage is popular.

Black forest Decor is not a store where I would normally go for shopping. But I discovered there wonderful tableware. It is the proof that we must keep an open mind when it comes to design.

Out of traditional cottage style pieces, I devised a modern Country table top. This type of tableware would look remarkable in a contemporary or a modern Country cottage design because it is unexpected.

The elements of my table top

Whether you prefer the Moose Lodge Collection or the Silhouette Black Bear Dinnerware Set is opt to you. I kind of prefer the Moose Lodge for its warmth but it is hard to judge simply from a picture. Mixing a Stag Horn pewter pitcher and a pewter fruit platter on pedestal elevate the look to higher grounds. The Antler handle flatware set repeats the look of the pitcher through the use of similar finishes. That is how you bring continuity to a design.

Resting everything on a brown or cream pure linen cloth with black or cream linen napkins plus a couple of glass chandeliers get you a look that has nothing to do with the literal and old-fashioned bears and moose home decor. You can easily modernize any traditional dinnerware set with the right accessories.

What you need to know about pewter?

You do not have to worry about drinking and eating from newly fabricated pewter tableware as long as you buy pewter approved for food consumption.

Last week, I went to Arthur Quentin, a store specializing in French Country style. I saw there the most exquisite pewter tableware pieces made in Italy. The manager, Ms. Renee Fournier explained to me that the first thing that a pewter collector does is to look at the several marks under the pieces. The price of pewter pieces is influenced by its maker, the usages and the metal contents. There are a lot more to say on that subject, so I promise to write about pewter dinnerware pretty soon.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Moose Lodge Collection at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $169.95 for 16-piece set
Buy online: Silhouette Black Bear Dinnerware Set at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $169.95 for 16-piece set
Buy online: Pewter Stag Horn Pitcher at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $229.95
Buy online: Antler handle with Sliver end cap stamped Flatware at Black Forest Decor – price: on sale at $104.95 per place setting

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Oranges and browns are the seasonal tones as you can see from these styled shots by Pottery Barn.

I selected pieces with refined country charms to evoke a comfortable ambiance. After all, Thanksgiving is a celebration amongst your close friends and family.

What about the specific items that I picked?

Wood carvers hollow out a single piece of mango wood to form each organically shaped vessel. So each piece is unique. You can fill them with fruits, vegetables or seasonal nuts.

The Harvest table is another autumnal favorite theme. Imagine a space like a manor in the country. Having one-of-a-kind serving ware and accessories immediately add interests to your party.

The Harvest bowl, platter and salad plates fall into that category. Accessories like a set of 4 gourd candles, the Feather table runner, the Pheasant salad plates mixed with the Studio dinnerware and the Antler chandelier complete the theme.

The Studio Collection was designed by New York ceramist Barbara Eigen. These handmade earthenware pieces create a warm and welcoming table. Perfect for Thanksgiving!

More tabletop ideas from Better Homes and Gardens

Bring grandeur to a simple centerpiece by layering it on a cake stand. To make the asparagus, artichokes and green bean wrapped candles, stretch two sturdy rubber bands around a pillar candle. Then insert vegetable stalks underneath the band. Cover the bands with a circle of satin ribbon or Kraft paper.

Another use of a cake stand for decorative purpose is shown with the decorated white pumpkin. Get a stencil, a black pen or paint and you ready to elevate a simple white pumpkin to be the center of attention.

I also gather for you easy to do place settings and centerpieces. A rustic elegance resulted by laying out a leafed branch on a beautiful textured green plates. The branch doubled as a tied-on place card.

But my favorite has to be the Showcase Memories project. I showed you a modern Mobile Memories last Friday, this one looks rustic. Thanksgiving is a great occasion to review your year in photos. Take pleasures in looking back at the most wonderful things that happened to you in the last year.

I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians! We celebrate ours the second Monday of October.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Carved Wood Vessels at Pottery Barn – starting at $39 USD
Buy online: Simple Centerpieces at Pottery Barn
Buy online: Wynn Dining Table at Pottery Barn – price: $1499 USD
Buy online: Studio Collection at Pottery Barn – price: $144 USD for a 16-piece set
Buy online: Antler Chandelier at Pottery Barn – price: $299 USD
Learn more: Inspired Fall Decorating on Better Homes and Gardens
Learn more: Pretty Thanksgiving Centerpieces on Better Homes and Gardens

RELATED POSTS:
+ Recipe for a Brined roast turkey with gravy
+ A non-traditional menu for Thanksgiving

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This French company is sold around the world which makes Genevieve Lethu brand one of my favorites for my blog.

I spot this dinnerware through an advertisement on Le Journal de la Maison, a French magazine. I enjoy the mix of classic and modern design of the Corso fiorelli. The style is perfect for casual entertaining.

Featured on Genevieve Lethu’s Autumn/Winter 2007 Magazine, the company talked about it in these terms:

Deep round shapes, pure lines, silky materials, a dinner service that you choose, as the clothes you wear.

The dinnerware line is quite completed with several options for plates, bowls and cups. Kitchen linens complete the look.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Corso fiorelli dinnerware collection by Genevieve Lethu

RELATED POSTS:
+ Tableware collection by Concetta Gallo
+ Colorful tableware at MOMA
+ ISAK whimsical dinnerware

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