Thanksgiving is just 3 weeks away?!??!??!!? Let’s dive right into this quick clip from an appearance on the “Better Kansas City” show to discuss casual vs. formal Thanksgiving tablescapes.
With all that in mind, here’s an example of a more formal Thanksgiving tablescape that I created for a recent community presentation. It has all the trappings of a traditional formal setting with crystal and china and linen napkins, yet it’s pared down to better reflect modern times.
This tablescape begins with a luxurious shimmering gold crinkle taffeta tablecloth, a terrific reflective backdrop to the crystal and china.
I kept the place settings a stark white for the most part, starting with a snow white charger. The absence of color in the setting is briefly interrupted by the thin gold band on the rim of the dinner plate and subtle design on the Royal Scotland soup bowl. A capricious beaded wreath encircles a pristine white pumpkin just for show. I tucked a simple white napkin just underneath the charger to hang over the table’s edge and disrupt the expanse of gold in the tablecloth. Unadorned gold flatware and Cristal d’Arques “Longchamps” stemware complete each place setting.
The formality of the table is primarily conveyed by the pair of hefty gold-trimmed crystal epergnes in the centerpiece. (These epergnes were also used in “Thanksgiving 2010” and “Shake Your Tail Feather“.) I briefly agonized over what to place in the epergne bowls and ultimately decided to repeat the look at each place setting with the addition of a bit of feathery greenery and reindeer moss. The moss recurs in a trio of etched gold ceramic cylinders. The “gold leafed” wishbones are from Hobby Lobby.
The buffet behind the dining table is decked out in white pumpkins of varying size accented with creamy hydrangea, sprigs of white snowberry, deer sheds and bundled birch logs. The crystal votive holders amp up the setting and continue the formality of the table. Over on the bar cart, a bowl of acorns is surrounded by a snowberry wreath. A lone orange mini pumpkin adds a splash of color.
Other Thanksgiving tablescapes on this site include:
“Celebrate Me Home – Thanksgiving 2012“
“Thanksgiving 2010“
“Wondrous Wheat“
“Pheasants & Peacocks“
“Shake Your Tail Feather“
“Over the River and Through the Woods“
I’m joining Susan at “Between Naps on the Porch” again this week for her 475th Tablescape Thursday! I’m also joining the party at “Celebrate Your Story” for the first time. You won’t want to miss the fabulous tablescapes there!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
I wish i could fly you here to design a table for me.. C’mon lottery numbers! Looks fabulous
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I like the rustic tones you added such as the pumpkins. It’s still formal but not stuffy. You inspire me !
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Very beautiful. Love the subtle coloration in this table setting.
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Gorgeous as always! I love those epergnes!!!! And even though I own at least two gold tablecloths, I now want a crinkly tafetta one! Did tiy buy it as a tablecloth or just cloth?
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Alycia, this table is beautiful, but all of your tables are gorgeous. loving those tall candelabras. I want some, where did you find those? The touches of gold are stunning. Trying to get caught up after my trip.
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This is so beautiful Alycia. So much to learn from you. Love the way you have put everything accordingly. Thank you once again. Love and Hugs Sujatha.
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Those epergnes are so gorgeous, Alycia! The table is very elegant and exquisite. So very pretty! I also enjoyed the clip. I am glad you showed it….Christine
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I always learn something from you, I had no idea what an “epergne” was so I looked it up and found out how to pronounce it. What I love most about this table is that it’s elegant but not stuffy and the beaded wreaths add just the right amount of color to this setting. Those gold vases would work with so many themes and occasions and I’ll be on the lookout for a few. Thank you for including your videos, and for the inspiration.
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Very dramatic, elegant and unique! Pretty soft colors and with the gold tablecloth it enhances everything!
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Oh, Alycia, what a splendid table! It is so elegant and sophisticated. Your epergnes are gorgeous and anyone would feel like royalty sitting in this space. Your glittery tablecloth is the perfect base. And I love your white pumpkins nestled in their own beaded wreaths. Absolutely stunning!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
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So elegant and beautiful Alycia! And your sideboard is just stunning!! A setting for royalty!
Jenna
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Alycia, your public appearances are so natural and flowing – you’re a real pro in delivery (and execution!). Speaking of execution, I love your neutral tablescape. Those crystal epergnes are stunning! The sideboard arrangement is beautiful too. Funny thing, Mr. P. had Longchamps pattern wine glasses and old-fashions, and I just found a set of champagnes (which I will likely use as sherbets) at an estate sale.
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So beautiful and elegant. I like it. 20 days till Thanksgiving, eek!
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Alycia, what a stunning tablescape! The epergnes are showstoppers! I love the gold shimmering cloth with the stark white dinnerware…very elegant! I agree with Rita, you are a natural in your public appearances!
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I am with Sandra on this one! I, also, had no idea what an expertness was!! I had never heard that term before. Just goes to prove that I have a lot to learn from you!! Especially when it comes to formal tables. Your table is gorgeous. All of your chrytal looks so regal atop the beautiful gold table cloth.
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I always love seeing you on camera. You are such a pro!! In the short time you have on camera you manage to share the greatest tips and inspiration. Both tablescapes are stunning Alycia!!
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Wait just a minute. Did you say “three weeks away”? As in THREE weeks?? Oh my!
Pretty table. Love the white with pale limey mossy colors. Thank you for the inspiration.
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Thanks for sharing your tips and beautiful table with us! Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving!
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Such an elegant and inviting table Alycia. The dramatic tablecloth is perfection.
Love your Television segment. You are a natural.
Hugs,
Janet
rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com
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What a beautiful combination! Thank you for the inspiration and ideas!!
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Dear friend you have the ‘Midas’ touch for creating every theme tablescape and this one is no exception. I love the pair of candelabra, it gives just the perfect drama to such a lovely Tksgiving table.
Love the gold in the tabletopper, the pumpkins makes the tone for Tksgiving and the elegance is a happy and comfortable one. Beautiful !
Thanks for dropping by, you made me smile, I so appreciate it, therefore you did make my day for sure !
Fabby
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Alycia, Loved your video. You have such panache!
I’m so glad you are blogging again. I have missed you. Glad your back is better. What a time you had!
Your table is beautiful and I always learn so much from you. Your idea to put a triangular shaped white napkin at the end of the plate was ingenious. Worked really well. Your table is stunning in every way.
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This is a beautiful Thanksgiving table, I love the antlers and white pumpkins!!
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