Faux Thanksgiving

This tablescape began because I decided I wanted to use a different tablecloth this year for Thanksgiving.  I only host Thanksgiving every other year.  This year is my year for the entire family to come to the house for the holiday. Last year, everyone went to their respective in-laws. So, there will be 11 adults (my  hubby and me, four daughters and four sons-in-law and my cousin who always joins in the fun and is indispensable for her chocolate silk pie and making the turkey gravy just before dinner starts!). There will also be 8 grandchildren this year (since baby Gianna Rose made her appearance 7 months ago!)  Anyway, I decided I wanted to "change things up a bit" and went searching for a brown and orange plaid tablecloth to go with my Friendly Village Johnson Bros.  plates.   You can see last year's table here.

Have you discovered that once it gets into November there is VERY LITTLE around that resembles fall?  Red and green dominate the stores.  I checked around and finally found the plaid cloth I wanted in Macy's.  Except, when I got it home I discovered only the EDGE was plaid and the main part of the cloth covering the table was actually solid burgundy in color!  So......I opened up the table with its four leaves and decided a "dry run" was needed to see if my dishes and this new cloth would be compatible.  So, you will be looking at the dress rehearsal for my Thanksgiving Day table.

HERE'S THE TABLE:

Here's How It Was Created:

I started with my new tablecloth, with a bit of trepidation because it looked so dark and my previous tablecloths have been cream or gold. Sorry I isn't pressed it yet; afterfall, this is a practice run!

My dish stack starts with a silver charger.  This is actually quite a switch for me. I usually use my brown wicker patterned chargers with my Thanksgiving dishes, but they just seemed too dark against the burgundy; I tried my gold chargers, too, but they added another color and it was confusing.  The silver chargers especially fit because I knew I'd be using my late mother-in-law's silverplate flatware for the first time and the silver chargers would tie this together.

Next came my treasured Friendly Village plates. I was pleasantly surprised that the accent color on the plates was not as red as I first thought and actually reflected the burgundy color of my new tablecloth! This new look may just work!!

My salad plate was the next addition.  The colors are not as bright as they are in person, but I hope you can see that this combination just might be successful!

I've always loved the square shape of these salad plates: Johnson Bros. was doing this long before the square-shaped plate became so popular!

To top off the stack I placed the napkins that match the tablecloth.  At first I had chosen cream-colored napkins when I thought the whole cloth was plaid, but when I realized the cloth had a solid-colored center, I went back to the store and got the matching plaid napkins. The look was much better.  I used my horn-o' plenty napkin rings that have been part of my Thanksgiving decorations for many years!

The place setting is completed with my Friendly Village goblets;  a placecard holder made from a pinecone and a faux fall leaf that will eventually hold the name of the guest (I got this idea from another blog; I'm sorry to say I can't remember which one, but in my comment I mentioned to the blogger that I would be "borrowing" her idea and was very grateful.  If anyone knows where the idea came from, please let me know so I can acknowledge this creative person).  The most honored item on this year's Thanksgiving table is the silverplate flatware that belonged to my mother-in-law who passed away last year and left a huge gaping hole in the fabric of our family. The pattern is from the 1847 Rogers Bros. Silverplate Collection, and the pattern name is Heritage. I wish it had photographed better.  I hope you can appreciate the delicate pattern!  I absolutely LOVE it and am proud to have it as a part of our family gatherings.

The centerpiece is placed on two placemats that I purchased at the same time as the tablecloth.  I topped these placemats with my ceramic leaf bowl my hubby purchased for me at the Knott's Berry Farm's gift shop! I filled it with faux gourds, pinecones and leaves.  I nestled it on a faux wreath from Michael's.  Alongside the bowl are Pilgrim candlesticks that I've had for so long, I can't remember where I got them!  I also added two votive candle holders for some extra sparkle.

The accent pieces on the table include two of the serving bowls from the Friendly Village Collection and the ever-present cut glass celery dish from my Grandmother.  This dish is on the family table at every holiday!!

So, some fall leaf scatter on the table, and I do believe the table is complete! I will probably remove the centerpiece (except for the candles) so that the "feast" can be placed on the table, but I am so happy I have a new look for my Thanksgiving table.  It wasn't what I was looking for, but it has turned out to be a happy surprise at how well my new tablecloth and napkins complement my favorite Johnson Bros. dishes!  I'm glad I did a practice run and didn't just return the tablecloth after opening it up!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear Readers, and thank you for viewing my trial run.  Now I just have to press the tablecloth and wash the dishes and glasses since they've been in storage!

I'll be linking up to Susan's Tablescape Thursday at www.betweennapsontheporch.net
and Christine's Table It! Link Party at www.rustic-refined.com
Thank you, ladies, for giving us a place to share our special tables!

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I love your comments.  Your encouragement is always appreciated!     Thanks, Rosie