Thanksgiving is a holiday of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. Beyond the meal itself, the table becomes the stage where memories are made. A thoughtfully set table signals to your guests that the evening is special, and it creates an atmosphere where conversation and celebration can flow.
At Scully & Scully, table settings are treated as an art form, blending tradition, elegance, and a touch of seasonal charm. Here are a few elements to consider when hosting your own Thanksgiving dinner:
- A Foundation of Dinnerware
The plates you choose form the canvas of your holiday table. Patterns such as Bernardaud Ecume Mordore bring timeless elegance, while collections like the Royal Crown Derby Sienna Fall Plate or the
Royal Crown Derby Holiday Bouquet Plate adds a modern flair. Whichever you select, consistency across the table ensures a cohesive look that feels polished and intentional.
Royal Crown Derby Sienna Fall Plate
Royal Crown Derby Holiday Bouquet Plate
- Crystal & Flatware to Elevate the Experience
Polished flatware and sparkling crystal are not merely functional; they add a layer of refinement. A set of hand-cut Waterford Lismore Wine Glasses catches the light beautifully, while English stag-horn handled flatware introduces texture and character to each place setting.
English Stag-horn Handled Flatware
- The Glow of Candlelight
Lighting is essential to ambiance. Tall silver or crystal candlesticks down the center of the table provide a soft, flattering glow. Pair them with a low arrangement of autumnal flowers and greenery so guests can see one another without obstruction.
Christofle Jardin d’Eden Silver-Plated Candelabra For Three Candles
Baccarat Harcourt Our Fire Candlesticks
Georg Jensen Bernadotte Tealight & Candleholder Set, 3 Pieces
- The Subtle Strength of Accessories
Details matter… sterling silver wine coasters, braided placemats, and polished salt and pepper mills add layers of sophistication without overwhelming the table. These understated touches complete the setting while remaining quietly practical.
Juliska Rustic Rope Natural Charger / Presentation Plate
Sterling Silver-Banded Ebony Salt & Pepper Mills
Buccellati Oak Leaves & Acorns Sterling Silver Frame
- Textiles & Texture
Cloth napkins, carefully folded or tucked into decorative rings, bring warmth to each place. A linen runner in a seasonal tone, perhaps accented with pumpkins or gourds, adds depth without distracting from the main event.
Etoile Runner, Champagne and Crystal
Bougainvillea Napkin Ring, Gold
Setting the Table for a Three-Course Meal
Thanksgiving dinner is often a feast in itself, but presenting it as a three-course meal can bring structure and elegance to the evening. Each course deserves its own presentation:
First Course — Soup or Salad
For a warm beginning, serve butternut squash soup or pumpkin bisque in our Soup Plate with Mushroom Lid, paired with a silver soup spoon.
Juliska Bilbao Wood Salad Bowl and Server
If serving a salad, the Juliska Bilbao Wood Salad Bowl and Server adds a warm touch without overshadowing the entrée to come.
Main Course — Turkey & Sides
A beautifully roasted turkey deserves a proper stage: place it on a large Silverplated Scroll Tray, with sides arranged in coordinating serving bowls.
Dinner plates from a set such as Sacred Bird & Butterfly
create a sense of tradition while allowing the food to shine.
Mottahedeh Sacred Bird & Butterfly
Pair with sturdy crystal goblets for wine and water, ensuring guests have everything they need within reach.
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 Goblets with Red Knobs, Set of 2
Final Course — Dessert
Pumpkin pie or pecan tart looks all the more inviting on a delicate dessert plate. Small forks or pie knife with silver or decorative handles elevate the simplest slice.
Sterling Silver Rattail Pie Knife
Hosting as an Art
When thoughtfully chosen each piece on the table works together to set the mood for the evening, an interplay of light, color, and detail that celebrates the season and the company you keep. Thanksgiving is, after all, about gratitude. And there may be no better way to show it than by crafting a table where every guest feels valued.