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Ideas for Thanksgiving Tables and Outfits

November 16, 2021 By kimwheeler 19 Comments

While everyone seems to be full stop headed for Christmas, I am still in a Thanksgiving mindset and thought I’d share here some of the cutest finds I’ve seen for your Thanksgiving table. I also found some adorable dresses and tops if you’re looking for something to wear whether you’re hosting or a guest.

Let’s begin with tabletop shall we? This is always my favorite part of Thanksgiving hosting. I came from a mom and grandmother who both loved creating a unique table. My grandmother, (dad’s mom), was very old school in her love of classic tables with china, silver and all the special pieces. My mom was more of a casual elegant type, using a lot of natural materials and plants always in her tablescapes. I appreciate both approaches and love beautiful plates and glasses and also adding in natural elements to give a California vibe to our table.

Below a few of the tables over the years..

I think it’s good to forage through your cabinets and see what you can pull together for your Thanksgiving table a few weeks prior. That way you can see what looks good, what has seen better days and can be pitched, and also what vintage things from family can be mixed in with the newer. I did this one year with silver flatware from my grandmother and modern white plates and glasses. Pears and olive branch clippings were my natural bit that year.

Other times we have just foraged the yard for clippings and water tumblers have often made the best vases like these tortoiseshell ones with yard berries and mums, we used one year.

Another year short clear glasses worked well with small hydrangea clippings.

Another thing you can do is try throws, quilts and fabric remnants as tablecloths. I can’t sew well, but I know how to go to the fabric store and make a piece of cloth work on the table. Many times I’ve just folded the ends or ironed them down and it looks great. The important thing is to get creative and find what inspires you.

The tablecloth below was an old remnant of my grandmother’s. I saved it because she made herself a dress of this same fabric in the 70’s that I remember her wearing. It was a last minute idea for a tablecloth and it worked! Grandma would have loved it.

I love pulling a fresh mix of plates and glasses together each year and usually add one new element of some kind. Last year it was water glasses, which are no longer available, but I am obsessed with these beauties from William-Sonoma. These Vintage Etched Water Goblets come in sets of four and are a very good price. They have four colorways, but I am loving the clear and the pink especially. These would be a gorgeous addition to anyone’s tabletop collection!

I do appreciate good flatware. A few years ago, we finally got a new set after 25 years of living with the wedding service that was looking pretty beat. With boys doing the dishes and spoons going in lunch bags that never made their way home again, it was time. A year later, I bought another set. The cost of a flatware set is pennies if you think about all the days, and years they are used! Currently, I am obsessed with the brand Fortessa which seems to have the perfect weight and feel to their pieces and modern styles. I have had the bamboo looking Royal Pacific set on my radar for a while..

I also love the classically mod Arezzo Pattern in a chic black, a burnished gold, or silver.

Don’t you like the fun way these napkins are tied with the flatware above? Another idea!

If you need a whole lot more flatware- Williams-Sonoma also has this pretty set for 12 with a caddy at a good price.

How’s your plate game? Mine consists of a mix of stoneware and my original English pattern strawberry white that is no longer made. I’ve loved this Glenna Pattern that my stylish friend Cindy Hattersley has and it’s been discontinued until recently when it miraculously showed up again at Anthropologie. It’s in my cart as we speak. It’s simply lovely and has an organic feel and look that I really like.

Anthro also has some nice napkin sets that aren’t crazy expensive.. I like this Crossweave Napkin that comes in sets of four, in rust and this olive green which strikes an elegant, but Boho feel..

This is a pretty jacquard Target offering..

Serena & Lily has some of the nicest linen napkins and the price is good for linen, at about $11 a napkin if you buy in multiples. Love the color choices..

Serena & Lily are having their Tent Sale on now with a lot of good things like linen sheets, my favorite linen pjs, the cute wooden step stools, and so much more good things marked down! its a great time to get a few home items.

Target also has a new Stoneware Glazed Plate in their Magnolia collection..

Are you looking for fun plates? I love this stoneware by Jen Hewett Brown at World Market. You can use them all year and they would be perfect with a natural table look.

These Buffalo Check Napkins at WM would be pretty on a white plate or a black dish. Lot’s of options with it.

I dig a cotton smock and this is perfect for over your nice clothes on cooking day and comes in many colors. I can see customizing this with some trim and gifting it to all those cooking that day.. or for a hostess gift!

While we are talking about World Market, I love this dining chair, so stinking cute and has good reviews too. Sometimes all you need is new chairs to freshen things up, not a whole new dining set.

Another find is this Aldo Napkin with colorful gourds by Pottery Barn and it is on sale now..

The Braided Charger/placemat is also cool and would add texture to your table.

Crate & Barrel has much for Thanksgiving and I really these Mercer Dinner Plates that come in sets of eight. A good buy at $45.

And how about these Grateful Napkin Rings? I’d add a little sprig of some greenery like a cutting from an olive tree or rosemary tucked in with it.

These Forest Walk Plates by Juliska are the thing if you want something fun and fall feeling. I can see layering these with some other plates for an eclectic mix!

And these pheasant salad plates would give a Ralph Lauren look on top of a vintage larger plate…

The Cane Napkin Ring is a good choice for Thanksgiving and all year..

Now let’s talk Thanksgiving day outfits. Some people like a relaxed Thanksgiving, and other dress up..I like something that looks nice and feels comfortable.

I like this Mocha Stripe Dress, which can be dressed up or down and would be cute with boots.

This Tiger Mod Dress is fab and has a retro feel..

This Frances Dress from Tuckernuck is another great one in the olive color!

Hosting at home? This J. Crew Relaxed Sweater Dress is adorable and Iooks so comfortable. That’s my kind of Thanksgiving look. And it’s on sale now with code FRIENDS.

They have this version of a sweater dress too.. Both are highly rated and are a nice choice for casual chic holidays.

Other options.. This tiered mini dress.. It could do double duty as a tunic.

This is a great patchwork maxi dress..

Target also has a version of the sweater dress in cream, grey and this autumn color…

This maxi dress with owls and fall florals is lovely!

A few cute tops that could work on Thanksgiving…

This poncho is so cool and I love how they mixed it here with a lace t shirt.

This Fringe Sweater is a fun one for the season..

I just think this Reindeer knit is adorable.

And lastly this Tinsel cardigan is a fun piece that could be worn many ways- and comes in a dark navy also.

Hope this gave you a few ideas to run with!

I love Thanksgiving. Enjoy November and this season.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

P.s. This Burnt Bamboo Flatware, I have had for years and use in the summer and in winter, is on sale now at Horchow at a great price. Another one to consider..

Some links may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: thanksgiving, Uncategorized Tagged With: #californialiving, #tablescapes, #thanksgiving, #thanksgivingoutfits

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annie Diamond says

    November 16, 2021 at 6:31 am

    So many beautiful things for the table! And they would all work well together!! Your table kim, with dried flowers looks gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 7:41 am

      Hi Annie, Thanks so much. I loved those flowers. They were a lucky find at our local Bunches. xo

      Reply
  2. M s. Mary says

    November 16, 2021 at 6:32 am

    Kim- I read all your posts, but rarely comment.
    But today, I am moved to let you know how much I love this post. It is just chock full of great pictures, innovative ideas, carefully curated scenes and a wonderful holiday-spirit feeling. Well done and THANK YOU for taking the time to make this happen. I am aware that much goes into these types of posts (searching out and/or taking photos, editing content, planning on the exact release timing, etc.)
    I especially love your honesty (sewing skills) and shout out to your grandmother! Happy Holidays to you and your whole family. 🙂

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 7:40 am

      Hi Mary, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a note. It does take a while to pull it all together so when someone appreciates it, it is all worth it. You made my day!! Happy Holidays to you too. xo

      Reply
      • Lorna says

        November 16, 2021 at 1:59 pm

        Wow. You’ve shared so many pretty things. I loved all the tops and that poncho is awesome. I saw a lot of that rust colour in Italy. It’s a favourite of mine.
        Your tables are very pretty and now you’ve got me all inspired not do something special this year.

        Reply
        • Lorna says

          November 16, 2021 at 2:01 pm

          I meant to do something special. Geez. I need to go to bed.

          Reply
          • kimwheeler says

            November 16, 2021 at 4:34 pm

            I hope you didn’t see all my mistakes ! I wrote this post so late at night! I hear you. xx

        • kimwheeler says

          November 16, 2021 at 4:34 pm

          Loree, I know what you meant. Thanks so much!! I love the rust colors too. I hope you share your table. xo

          Reply
    • Heidi says

      November 16, 2021 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Kim,
      Ok first of all, great post!
      I purchased the bamboo flatware (only in a lighter color), so excited, thank you for that link. What a great price! I’ve been wanting a set forever I can’t wait for it to arrive!
      I have the apron from WM, in the same color. Love it, it covers me all up from my overly enthusiastic cooking messes. I just get a little tangled when I take it off!
      Thanksgiving is fun! I love setting a pretty table and will decide the day before what to use. I have a lot of choices. Might use my mom’s wedding china this time, cream with a gold band looks so good with fall colors. If the new flatware gets here on time I’ll definitely use that! Of course flowers and persimmons and leaves etc on the table for natural elements
      What to wear? I need something with 3/4 or shorter sleeves, not too heavy because I’ll be in the kitchen and don’t want to get overheated. Don’t want my sleeves in the food when I’m working either! I usually figure it out about ten minutes before everyone arrives. We’ll be a smaller group this year, 6 total. So, perfect actually!
      Hope you’ll have a great Thanksgiving!
      XO Heidi

      Reply
      • kimwheeler says

        November 16, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        Heidi yay! Let me know how the flatware is! I have been wanting the lighter color too. Glad to hear the apron is a good one. It looks like the perfect size and shape. I love persimmons on the table. Your mom’s china sounds like my mother’s which was also a white with gold band! Must have been the era. I agree sleeve length is a great point! I hope you share your table too. Happy Thanksgiving! xo

        Reply
  3. LA CONTESSA says

    November 16, 2021 at 6:58 am

    YOU HAVE BEEN BUSY!
    ALL DELIGHTFUL AND IF I DIDNOT HAVE THREE CUPBOARDS FILLED WITH GLASSWARE THOSE WILLIAM – SONOMA GLASSES WOULD BE IN MY CART!!!
    SEIZE THE MONTH………………
    HAS ANYONE SEEN CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER IN STORES?
    I CANNOT FIND IT IN MY LITTLE TOWN!
    XXX

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 7:38 am

      Elizabeth, I can see those glasses in your beautiful mix of things! Aren’t they pretty? Good idea to seize the month and enjoy..I have seen a LOT of wrapping paper. Look at my last post here for some good sources http://northerncalstyle.com/2021/11/less-stress-more-holiday-a-few-tips.html
      – Also Homegoods/TJmaxx always has a large selection now. xoxo

      Reply
      • LA CONTESSA says

        November 22, 2021 at 9:51 am

        NOT IN MY HOOD!
        THAT ITALIAN FOUND AT COSTCO!AND I LIKE THE COLORS AND PRINTS………..A WIN WIN SITUATION!
        XXX

        Reply
  4. Wren says

    November 16, 2021 at 7:43 am

    Hi Kim, Great post chock full of good ideas. You don’t give details about the burnt bamboo flatware at the very end. Could you please share? I love the chair from World Market and would Ike to update my dining room….someday. I see a resemblance between the pattern of the fabric you used as table cloth from your Grandmother’s leftovers (she must have bought yards more than needed for a dress!) and the tiered minidress. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family~

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 8:32 am

      Hi Wren, So glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks I meant to link to that dark bamboo flatware. It’s from Horchow and very affordable. It’s on sale now too..I love it for the outside as well as with darker table settings! Mine have lasted a long time.
      https://rstyle.me/+3elt3a34LAVEe1gPxrfYvw

      Yes grandma bought a lot of the fabrics she loved and you are so right, I didn’t even notice how the fabric resembles that tiered dress! I love that look.
      I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving Wren and thank you for all the kind comments and feedback all year! xo Kim

      Reply
  5. Juliet says

    November 16, 2021 at 9:08 am

    So much gorgeous table inspiration, Kim. Those buffalo check napkins! Makes me wish I was hosting. Just to set the table, not do the cooking. Ha! Also adore your Thanksgiving fashion finds. I’m hemming and hawing between two outfits, but now I’m questioning both and wanting a sweater dress. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for you, your friendship and all the amazing inspiration and encouragement you bring through your blog throughout the year. xo

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 4:40 pm

      Hi Juliet, Thanks! I loved the buffalo check napkins too.. Something about them! I can’t wait to see what you wear on Thanksgiving. I did love that dress and the new skirt.. Whatever it is, it will look great! I am thankful for you also – you are always inspiring me. I also appreciate this lovely circle of friends and readers. We are so lucky. xo

      Reply
  6. Mary-Ellen says

    November 16, 2021 at 9:17 am

    Kim! You have outdone yourself with this post!
    I will have to revisit it again tonight to take it all in!
    Mary Ellen

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      November 16, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      Thanks Mary Ellen! So nice of you. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

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