With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I’ve been ruminating over old table settings and wondering what to do this year.  The whole family (only 10  of us) will be here, and I really don’t want to split us into two rooms like we did before.  So that means we’ll be at the long table, with a card table at the end.  I gathered several ideas from past tables.  What would you do – 2 tables or 1 table plus a card table?  In the meantime, here’s a throwback to my favorite Thanksgiving table settings.

A Throwback to My Favorite Thanksgiving Table Settings

My favorite reason to look back at old photos from Thanksgiving is remembering the laughter, the good discussion, the games played, and the tasty food.  I love being together.  

The candlesticks were a great conversation starter.

This was the year I needed to keep it easy but meaningful.  The kitchen walls were blue (not my best idea), but thankfully, we were in the dining room.  Nevertheless, I wanted the table to coordinate.  So I added old blue bottles with fresh flowers in fall colors. 

The meaningful pieces were the candlesticks my mom gave me years ago.  They are so funny!  I believe they are Fitz and Floyd.  Whoever decided to create candlesticks of pilgrims coaxing a turkey down from a tree only to chop its head off and eat it, must have a great personality.  

The other meaningful item was the cake plate under the feather wreath and center pumpkin.  My friend from Minnesota delivered my birthday cake on it the year we moved into the house we are in now.  I cherish it and use it all the time.

Woodsy was an interesting element that year.

Another year I was in a woodsy mood.  I wanted a warm and inviting table so I could use my new bird salad plates.  The cozy vibe came from the leaves hanging from the chandelier and the throw blanket used as a tablecloth.  Using Christmas garland and cedar placemats completed the look.

Showing off the vintage tablecloth.

Not to many years ago, I found the prettiest vintage tablecloth.  Instead of covering up the pattern with a bunch of decor, I thought it would be best to use clear bottles with candles and a simple centerpiece.  I think it came together nicely and in my opinion, the tablecloth was the highlight.

I used the glasses my sister purchased for me and made name tags by tracing out a cookie cutter to make the table a little more personalized.  That was another great year.  Everyone enjoyed having their own place setting even though we were at two separate tables.  Plus it made the buffet-style set up a little more celebratory.

Set up in the old blue kitchen.

Another year, there were only four of us so I put us in the kitchen for something more casual and stress-free.  I couldn’t go without making it special so I set up an appetizer and dessert cart.  

I used the same vintage tablecloth and dressed it up with clear bottles, candles, and fresh flowers.  The desserts were store bought and tasty.  A quick trip to our local grocery store is proof that hosting doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special.

Outdoors at the farmhouse in Navasota, TX

Talk about casual and special!  This is hands down my favorite Thanksgiving tablescape of all time. I can’t get enough of an all-white table, especially set outdoors at the farmhouse. I used the Mister’s grandmother’s vintage plates and gathered Spanish moss from the surrounding trees to use as a charger.  

This table brings back so many memories. I styled it with the very first pumpkins I crafted for the blog many years ago. It also has a handmade runner that’s actually supposed to be at the end of a bed and added an architectural salvage piece on top.  You know I love repurposing pieces.  Like creating a makeshift chandelier using old lampshades.  So cute. 

Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate new plates, crisp linens and a bug-free dinner table as much as anyone. But there’s just something about the magic of being out in the country, surrounded by nature.  And we can’t forget the horse, donkey, and cows roaming nearby.  It’s a different kind of world with a simple kind of life.  Unfortunately though, we can’t be there this year.

So what should the game plan be?

After looking at a throwback to my favorite Thanksgiving table settings, do I squeeze us into one table or spread out and decorate two tables?  More importantly, what should the vibe be… New and improved, fast and simple, or nostalgic and cozy?  Thank you in advance!  I appreciate all the advice.