Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Table:
3 Stunning Styles to Elevate Your Celebration
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and indulging in a feast of flavors. Make your celebration memorable this year by creating a table setting that complements the occasion. Below are three inspirational Thanksgiving table settings, complete with instructions to help you bring each vision to life.
1. Rustic Harvest Feast
| Materials: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Burlap table runner – Wooden chargers – Mason jars with tea lights – Mini pumpkins and gourds – Autumn-colored napkins – White dinner plates | – Start by laying a burlap table runner down the center of your table. – Place wooden chargers at each setting, creating a rustic foundation. – Arrange white dinner plates atop the chargers. – Scatter small pumpkins and gourds along the table for a harvest feel. – Fold autumn-colored napkins and place them on each plate. – Complete the look with mason jars filled with tea lights for a warm, inviting glow. |
2. Modern Elegance with Metallic Touches
| Materials: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Silver or gold tablecloth – Metallic charger plates – Sleek white dinnerware – Crystal or glass stemware – Metallic-colored napkin rings – Elegant candle holders with tall taper candles | – Start with a silver or gold tablecloth for a touch of opulence. – Place metallic charger plates at each setting to create a modern base. – Arrange sleek white dinnerware on top of the chargers for a clean look. – Add crystal or glass stemware for an extra touch of elegance. – Use metallic-colored napkin rings to tie napkins neatly and place them on the plates. – Complete the setting with tall taper candles in elegant holders for a sophisticated ambiance. |
3. Autumnal Whimsy with Nature’s Bounty
| Materials: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Plaid or patterned table runner – Earth-toned dinnerware – Fall leaves or branches – Mini pumpkins and pinecones – Woven or rattan napkin rings – Linen napkins in warm tones | – Lay a plaid or patterned table runner for a cozy, autumnal atmosphere. – Use earth-toned dinnerware for a natural look. – Decorate the table with fall leaves, branches, and scattered mini pumpkins and pinecones. – Incorporate woven or rattan napkin rings for a touch of texture. – Fold linen napkins in warm tones and place them on each plate. – Celebrate the season by bringing elements of nature to your table for a whimsical and inviting setting. |
This Thanksgiving, your table will be a reflection of the warmth and joy that comes with the holiday. Whether you opt for a rustic harvest feast, modern elegance with metallic touches, or autumnal whimsy with nature’s bounty, these table settings are sure to enhance your Thanksgiving celebration.
A Bounty of Thanksgiving Recipes to Complete Your Feast
Pair your table settings with delicious recipes that will leave your guests in awe. We’re sharing our favorite recipes that are sure to delight every palate.
1. Appetizer: Cranberry and Brie Bites
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – 1 sheet of puff pastry – 1 cup cranberry sauce – 1 wheel of brie cheese – Fresh rosemary for garnish | 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cut the puff pastry into small squares. 3. Place a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on each square. 4. Add a slice of brie on top. 5. Fold the pastry squares into triangles and seal the edges. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving. |
2. Side: Green Bean Un-Casserole for Mushroom Lovers
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed – 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more as needed – 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more – Freshly ground black pepper – 2 shallots, very thinly sliced (use a mandoline) – 1/2 cup cottage cheese – 1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms (typically sold in 1-oz packages) – 1/2 teaspoon nutritional yeast (soy sauce or a coconut amino makes a good substitute) – 1/2 cup buttermilk or whole milk – 1 lemon, zested and quartered | 1. Preheat oven to 425°F 2. Put green beans on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into a large (preferably) nonstick skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the sliced shallots, season lightly with salt and pepper, and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very deeply brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside. 4. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, dried porcinis, nutritional yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, garlic, and buttermilk. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Spread this creamy mixture on the bottom of a large serving platter. 5. Pile the roasted green beans on top of the porcini cream and scatter the fizzled shallots over top. Sprinkle the lemon zest over top. Serve the lemon quarters alongside the beans, for squeezing, if desired. |
3. Main: Martha Stewart’s Maple-Glazed Turkey with Gravy
Thanksgiving revolves around the star of the show – the turkey. Our star attraction is a Maple-Glazed Turkey that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, creating a memorable centerpiece for your holiday table.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – 1 turkey (14 pounds), neck and giblets reserved for Turkey Giblet Stock – Herbed Cracker Stuffing -½ stick unsalted butter, softened -Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper -1 ½ cups chicken broth -1 ½ cups pure maple syrup | 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Transfer to a rack set in a large roasting pan. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Fill body cavity with 6 cups stuffing. Fill neck cavity with 4 cups stuffing; secure skin flap with skewers. Tie drumsticks with kitchen twine. Tuck wings under turkey. Rub turkey with butter, and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour broth into pan; roast 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees; roast 45 minutes. Brush with pan juices, and tent pan with foil. Roast 45 minutes more, then remove foil, and baste. (If liquid evaporates, add 1 to 2 cups water to pan.) 2. Meanwhile, bring maple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat, and simmer until syrup is reduced to 3/4 cup. 3.After removing foil tent from turkey and basting with pan juices, brush turkey with some of maple glaze (reheat if solidified). Roast, uncovered, 30 minutes, and brush with glaze. Continue to roast turkey until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees, about 30 minutes more. (Take temperature of stuffing as well; if it has not reached 165 degrees, remove it from turkey, then transfer to a baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake until it reaches 165 degrees.) Brush turkey with maple glaze, and transfer to a platter; let rest 45 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, using drippings in pan, make maple gravy. |
