Personally: Curating an Unforgettable Thanksgiving
As the crisp air of autumn settles in, our thoughts turn to gathering with loved ones around a table adorned with the warmth of Thanksgiving. Beyond the delicious feast, the dining space becomes a canvas where memories are crafted and traditions are honoured. In this blog, each of our designers curates an elevated dinnerscape to inspire your holiday decor.
Discover designs that embody the spirit of gratitude and the beauty of the season, from rustic elegance to modern simplicity. With our unique styles on full display, our kitchens become a reflection of our personalities. Join us as we explore creative ideas, personalized designer recommendations and practical tips to help you create an atmosphere that will enchant your guests and make this holiday truly unforgettable.
1. Shannon
Embracing the Holidays: Celebrating Food, Friends & Fall Decor
I absolutely love the holidays, especially celebrating with great food and wine. As the days grow shorter, I enjoy creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. I bring nature indoors with white and earth-toned pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal florals. My collection of decorative pumpkins—some earthenware, others soft or furry—adds delightful texture. For larger gatherings, I layer linens across several tables, transforming them into one inviting communal space.
Candles of varying sizes and scents, along with white or parchment dinnerware, create the perfect backdrop for added colour and texture. My linen napkins, collected from travels, and whimsical napkin rings add a personal touch. I keep plenty of glassware for guests to enjoy different drinks, while the glowing fireplace and a mantle adorned with candles and greenery set the mood. I always send guests home with a small token—a candy bag, a cute fabric pumpkin, or a decorative sweet treat—to savour after the celebration.
I usually start the meal with a pumpkin harvest soup. Since food is my love language, I make sure there’s plenty for everyone, including perfectly cooked fall vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a large turkey with all the fixings. A carafe of piping hot gravy, warm buns, and garlic butter round out the feast. For dessert, I serve autumn cheesecake, cranberry orange cake, and small chocolate squares. One of my favourite crowd-pleasers is apple cheesecake, which never fails to delight my guests.
Designer Recommendation:
Apple Cheesecake Recipe (allrecipes.com)
2. Victoria
Cozy Elegance: A Communal Candlelit Tablescape
My fall dream dinnerscape perfectly blends coziness and elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere for those closest to me. I picture gathering around a beautifully set table that embodies warmth and sophistication. A classic linen tablecloth in creamy beige serves as the foundation for a autumnal palette of greens, burnt oranges, and warm tones.
The luxurious linen highlights the season’s rich hues, with napkins in deep green and rust, neatly folded in brass rings. Each place setting features white plates edged in gold or copper, while crystal glassware with hints of amber or green catches the light, adding a touch of refinement. A low centerpiece of pretty blooms—rich oranges, deep greens, and subtle creams—is surrounded by candles, their flickering flames casting a warm, inviting glow.
As the evening unfolds, family and friends enjoy martinis served in crystal glasses, their cool refreshment contrasting the warmth of the candles. After we finish eating, the night transitions into board games, with the soft candlelight providing the perfect backdrop for laughter and friendly competition. This dinnerscape is a perfect harmony of elegance and comfort, making for an unforgettable evening.
Designer Recommendation:
Spiced Cranberry Apple Martini (freutcake.com)
3. Cheryl
Fun Friendsgiving: Embracing Gratitude & Connection
This year, I’m trading my own Thanksgiving setup for a welcoming gathering at my closest friend's house, and I couldn’t be more excited! There’s something wonderfully freeing about not having to set a table or decorate an entire space. Instead, we’ll come together for a potluck, which is my favourite way to celebrate this holiday. Let’s be honest: preparing a classic holiday style dinner can be quite the undertaking for one person—or even a couple! A potluck allows us to share the load and enjoy a delightful array of dishes from friends.
As I reflect on what Thanksgiving means to me, feelings of warmth, gratitude, and abundance come to the forefront. While I won’t be creating my dream tablescape this year, I’m already envisioning it for the next time. I imagine deep, saturated colours in my floral arrangements, elegant dinnerware, and a cozy atmosphere filled with laughter and love.
For me, the essence of the holiday goes beyond the food; it’s about the moments we share. Picture this: laughter echoing through the room, champagne toasts celebrating friendship, jazzy background music, and a table brimming with mouthwatering dishes. And let’s not forget the grand finale—a Wii dance party to work off all that deliciousness!
This year, I’m especially grateful for the simplicity of good company and great food, and I look forward to creating warm memories with my friends. Cheers to a holiday filled with joy and connection!
As a special touch, I’m excited to make a scalloped potato recipe in homage to my grandpa. While this isn’t his original recipe, he loved scalloped potatoes, and I’m certain that sharing this dish and its story will evoke many fond memories of Thanksgiving dinners at my grandparents' home.
Designer Recommendation:
Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin (flourishingfoodie.com)
4. Shima
Organic Simplicity: A Mindful Dining Experience
As I envision my dream evening, I am drawn to a concept rooted in organic simplicity and mindfulness, inspired by Japanese aesthetics. My goal is to create a peaceful and calming atmosphere that allows friends and family to connect meaningfully.
Imagine a gathering characterized by clean lines and natural materials. A wooden dining table, perhaps reclaimed, serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by comfortable linen-covered seating. The colour palette would consist of neutral tones—oatmeal beiges, warm grays, and muted whites—that promote tranquility.
Every aspect of the dinner would reflect a thoughtful approach to design and function. Simple, yet elegant, tableware would be carefully chosen to complement the organic theme. Natural textures, such as woven placemats and linen napkins, would add depth while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Soft music would fill the air, creating an inviting backdrop for conversation. The ambiance would be warm and intimate, perfect for a small group of friends and family. I envision a space where we can gather and share, surrounded by the beauty of nature-inspired decor.
The meal itself would embrace the same principles of simplicity and mindfulness. Homemade dishes, crafted with care, would take center stage. Seasonal ingredients would shine, allowing each flavour to speak for itself. Dishes like roasted vegetables, delicate grains, and a beautifully prepared protein would embody this evening.
Turkey Napkin Folding:
5. Sara
Cool Sophistication: An Intimate Friendsgiving
I envision a Friendsgiving gathering that is both chic and relaxed, turning my home into a warm and inviting space. Picture entering my dining room, where soft, moody instrumentals play in the background, creating a laid-back atmosphere. The flickering glow of candles casts gentle shadows, enriching the ambiance and fostering an intimate setting for friends to come together.
The essence of Friendsgiving lies in its communal spirit, and I plan to host a potluck where each guest brings a dish that reflects their culinary flair. This not only eases the burden of cooking but also adds a delightful variety of flavours to the table. From classic roasted turkey to innovative sides, the spread will be a delightful tapestry of our diverse tastes and traditions.
To elevate the experience, I’ll incorporate ambient lighting throughout the space. Indirect, warm lights will highlight the dining area, while reed diffusers will infuse the air with comforting scents of cinnamon and vanilla. The aroma of fresh baking will waft through the home, drawing guests into the kitchen where they can sample freshly made pies and breads.
The overall vibe will be elegantly casual. Think beautiful table settings with simple, yet chic, pieces that invites conversation without feeling pretentious. Plush seating arrangements will encourage guests to linger, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company late into the evening. As we gather around the table, surrounded by laughter, delicious food, and the warmth of friendship, my dream Thanksgiving dinner will come to life—a celebration of gratitude and connection that embodies the true spirit of the season.
To add an element of fun, I’ll have a Polaroid camera on hand to capture the evening’s special moments. Guests can snap instant photos, creating delightful keepsakes that commemorate our time together.
Designer Recommendation:
Music for every taste:
Jazz Standards:
Miles Davis – “Autumn Leaves”
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
Classic Elegance:
Claude Debussy – “Clair de Lune”
Frédéric Chopin – “Nocturnes”
Acoustic and Alternative:
Ray LaMontagne – “Shelter”
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges - “Texas Sun”
Instrumental and Modern Classical:
Ludovico Einaudi – “Nuvole Bianche”
Ólafur Arnalds – “Saman”
6. Becky
Warm Textures: Envisioning a Gathering With Family and Fall Flavours
One day, I dream of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for my family. While this year isn’t the right time—as my three young children keep me busy—I often imagine how it might look. I picture a relaxed gathering where everyone contributes a dish, with a table filled with glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted carrots, fresh buns, and a colourful salad. It would be a low-key, light-filled celebration that blends summer’s brightness with the warmth of the October, allowing us to savour our favourite family recipes and enjoy each other's company.
I envision a collection of candles in various shapes, sizes, and colours, casting a delicate, inviting glow. Light yet warm linens would layer the table, enhanced by fresh greenery. Earthy taupes, browns, and a hint of rust would add warmth, while a subtle checkered pattern would bring that classic fall touch. Artisan clay dinnerware would complete the look, offering texture and charm.
As family gathers around, seasonal music—perhaps something like Autumn Variations by Ed Sheeran—would play faintly in the background, creating the perfect atmosphere. After dinner, we’d wrap up the evening with family games, sharing laughter and enjoying the togetherness that makes Thanksgiving so special. I look forward to brining this vision to life someday.
Recipe:
Pumpkin Caramel Tart (theviewfromgreatisland.com)
7. Aina
Golden Hour Gathering: A Heartfelt Patio Family Dinner
Over the past couple of years, we’ve started hosting holiday meals—partly because my sister moved away and I was “voluntold” to take the reins. As I envision my dream dinnerscape, I picture our whole family gathered for a big feast on our covered patio during golden hour. There’s something truly magical about that lighting; it instantly creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel happy.
The setting would be simple yet elegant, featuring stoneware dishes we already own, soft linen napkins, and perhaps some “special occasion” cutlery as a little splurge. I’d adorn the table with hydrangeas from the front garden and some simple greenery for a fresh touch.
This year, we’ve decided to forgo turkey, as we’ve discovered that no one really enjoys it. Instead, we’ll be making my grandma’s incredible stuffed chicken legs. She truly is the best cook, but living in Hungary means we rely on Facetime to recreate her recipe each year. I love cooking for people, but I also want to stay engaged with my guests, so I ensure the kitchen is lively with appetizers on the island for everyone to nibble on while I cook. A well-stocked drinks station is also a must for those who appreciate a good cocktail!
An important detail for us is the layout. We always eat at a round table to help my daughter, who is Deaf, feel included. It allows her to see everyone’s faces, making it easier for her to follow along with conversations—even if she doesn’t fully understand everything at just two years old.
Inspiration:
Name Tag Design (Traumanufaktur)
8. Taylor
Rustic Sophistication: An Inviting Evening for Family and Friends
For my ideal Thanksgiving dinner, I envision a gathering that seamlessly blends class, sophistication, and rustic charm, bringing together family and close friends in an inviting yet polished atmosphere.
At the heart of the celebration would be a large light wood table, tastefully set with black dinnerware that contrasts beautifully with the warm wood. To enhance the cozy ambiance, I would incorporate an array of candlesticks and fresh greenery, along with a striking centerpiece of local blooms to spark conversation.
Each place setting would feature delicate plant decor elegantly wrapped around the napkins—no placemats, please! Soft music would provide a soothing backdrop, complementing a warm colour palette of taupes and browns that fosters relaxation and connection. Printed name tags for guests would add a thoughtful personal touch, while an abundance of festive drinks would keep spirits high.
One of the highlights of the evening would be cooking alongside my mom, sharing cherished memories and infusing our meal with love and tradition. In this gathering, every detail fosters a sense of connection, celebrating the joy of togetherness in an elegantly refined setting with the loved ones I’m thankful for.
Recipe:
We hope you’ve found inspiration to create a setting that reflects your unique style and captures the spirit of the season. Whether you lean toward rustic charm or modern elegance, your table can beautifully express gratitude and bring warmth and joy to everyone who gathers around it. By blending thoughtful design, delicious recipes, and personal touches, your Thanksgiving celebration will be not only memorable but truly unforgettable. Here’s to creating lasting memories and honouring both old and new traditions this holiday season!
Images Sources: Pinterest & Unsplash
Happy Thursday!
