Thanksgiving Table and Giveaway Winner

The Winner...

What a wonderful response to the Bethlehem Christmas dinnerware! I am so honored to be able to host this beautiful giveaway! And thanks for all the great comments and encouragement!!!

Stop back next Wednesday night to see how I used my Bethlehem Christmas in a tablescape.

The winner of the StoneGable Christmas Dinnerware Giveaway is...

Tyla from Tire Swings and Fireflies!

 Isn't that a delightful name for a blog!

Congratulations, Tyla! Please e-mail me with your address and phone number and Pat will get your dinnerware right out to you.

Thanksgiving Table 2010

Here at StoneGable we are busily getting ready for Thanksgiving. We usually host the big day. Setting the table is one of my favorite parts of the preparation!!!

The inspiration for this year's table is the large blue and white gardinier in the center of the table. Purchased at an antique shop years ago, it sits on the buffet in the dining room. I wanted to step outside of the fall color box a little by adding blue to my table. Since blue and orange are complimentary colors I hoped it would work for a Thanksgiving table.

We are sitting 13 around the dining room table this year. Finding pretty dishes for my table was a little challenge. I have 18 of my everyday Mikasa Italian Countryside so they will  be used for dinner.

Alternating dishes at the table can be very interesting and fun. It is a great way to make your dishes "stretch" if you don't have enough of one pattern.  

My favorite berry and leaf  chargers look very dramatic against the dark brown woven tablecloth.

Both variations are anchored with a creamy white charger and an Italian Countryside dinner plate. These plates bring uniformity to the table settings.

One stack of dishes uses a blue transferware plate, a creamy white leaf and berry plate and a brown turkey transferware plate to top it off.

The blue transferware plates are my Mother's. We had these when I was a child living in England. They are a true family treasure!

The alternating stack of dishes use a blue and white floral plate, the same leaf and berry plate and a pretty acorn shaped plate.

Napkins are also alternated. Both are a lovely vintage soft off white cotton with detailed corners.  They are caught up in real acorn napkin rings that I made to continue the acorn theme.

Brown ribbed goblets are ready for ice and water. I thought the sun reflecting through the glass and onto the pumpkin was very interesting!

Each guest will easily find their place at this Thanksgiving table...place cards are little embellished frames holding their baby pictures. These frames are also a sentimental take home gift to hang on their Christmas trees using an attached ribbon.

An ecru cotton lace table runner fills in the middle of the table and gives definition to the centerpiece.

The large gardiner is the focal point from which all sorts of bounty flows on either side. Pumpkins, acorns in all shapes and fashions, clove studded fruit, feathers, dried hydrangeas, pumpkin vines and pine cones are casually arranged to fill the large bowl.

Colonial and Oriental inspired blue and white pieces are dotted along the center of the table.

Two  stately pheasants have flown from my mantle to be a part of the table. Each flanking the center urn.

A garland of acorn rests on the lace runner, as do white and orange pumpkins and clove studded clementines.

Burnt orange turned candles in glass cylinders with silver hammered bases are nestled in a handful of glittery acorns.

Tall ornately designed silver candlesticks, a beloved gift from my sister years ago, hold slender orange candles.

Other touches of blue and white are in the salt and pepper shaker and a bowl that will hold cranberry sauce. 

As our family gathers to give thanks to God for all His rich blessings in our lives, I too am thankful.

Thanks you dear blogging buddies, friends, followers and readers! You are one of the blessings I will count this year!

May God bless you!

Happy Thanksgiving!