An elegant twist on a cool modern dinner table for Thanksgiving

Last month, we sadly canceled a trip to Boston where I planned a visit to Lekker. That is probably why there was the first retailer I think of for my Thanksgiving tablescape.

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