When it comes to designing a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape, it’s all about blending timeless elegance with personal touches and a bird-themed Thanksgiving tablescape does just that!.
This year, I’ve created a sophisticated bird-themed Thanksgiving table that draws on rich fall tones, unique vintage pieces, and thoughtful layering to create a collected look.
Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving table decor ideas or inspiration for Thanksgiving tablescape settings, this post will walk you through my design process for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner.
SHOP THIS TABLE.
How to Set a Beautiful Bird-Themed Thanksgiving Tablescape
Step 1: Begin with a Neutral Foundation
The foundation of this Thanksgiving table is a neutral tablecloth, providing a clean, elegant backdrop for the layers of color and texture to come. A neutral linen allows the more colorful and ornate details of your tablescape to take center stage, making this a great starting point for any Thanksgiving table ideas.
Step 2: Layer in Unique Place Settings
For this bird-themed Thanksgiving tablescape, I focused on creating a collected, curated look by mixing both modern and vintage-inspired pieces. The place settings began with a brown pheasant feather placemat, which brought texture and a hint of nature to the table. Next, I added a turquoise charger to introduce a pop of color, which beautifully contrasted with the more neutral elements of the setting.
I chose a white dinner plate with a gold rim, which offers a classic and refined base. On top, I placed a Chelsea Bird dessert plate, which is the star of the setting. These beautiful plates have a sense of history, as they are replicas of eighteenth-century porcelain produced at Chelsea in London, considered by many to be the apex of English ceramic art. The Chelsea Bird pattern, originally decorated by James Giles with his birds of “distinctly disheveled appearance,” adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the table.
My goal with this setting was to create a sophisticated, collected look. As designers, whether we’re working with interiors or tablescapes, we often aim to create something that feels as though it has been put together with pieces collected over time. You can achieve this by mixing older, vintage items with newer pieces, as I’ve done here by combining three different patterns in the place setting.
Step 3: Choose Ornate Flatware and Glassware
For the flatware, I selected ornate gold utensils, which add a sense of luxury to the table. The rich gold tones pair perfectly with the turquoise gold-rimmed goblets I used, which hold sentimental value as they came from my mother’s China cabinet in Germany. Incorporating personal items like these into your table setting not only adds beauty but also creates opportunities for conversation and connection around the table.
Step 4: Create a Seasonal Centerpiece
No Thanksgiving tablescape is complete without a show-stopping centerpiece. For this bird-themed table, I created a stunning arrangement using a mix of vintage hydrangeas, orange and pink roses, and yellow pears scattered throughout the table. The combination of real and faux flowers allowed me to add depth and texture while staying in tune with the fall season.
I also used pears in the tablescape to add a natural, seasonal touch that complements the warm tones of the florals. The centerpiece brings together all the elements of the table, tying in the vibrant colors of the plates, glassware, and linens.
Step 5: Add Thoughtful Details
Finally, I added some thoughtful details to complete the table. Gold leaf napkin rings were repurposed as place card holders, adding a creative and personal touch to each setting. The neutral linens with the gold embroidered monogram with a leaf detail, used throughout the table allow the Chelsea Bird plates and colorful decor to shine.Beautiful menu cards with drawings of the pheasants added another way to add to the birth theme. A copper velvet ribbon was added to the menu cards to add a pop of color and softness.
Chelsea Bird Fall or Thanksgiving Table
This Thanksgiving table is the second of my Fall Bird-Themed Table Series, and it’s all about celebrating the beauty of bird imagery through thoughtful design. The Chelsea Bird plates I used have a rich history, adapted from Giles’ originals in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. The collected, sophisticated look I was going for can easily be achieved by combining vintage and newer pieces, mixing different patterns of China, and incorporating decor objects from around your home.
For this table, I’ve mixed three different China patterns to create interest and depth, while using personal items like my mother’s turquoise goblets to add a sentimental touch. The combination of the old and new creates a table that feels layered, sophisticated, and uniquely personal.
Achieve the Collected Look for Your Thanksgiving Table
When creating your Thanksgiving tablescape, don’t be afraid to mix and match! Use pieces from your own collections, pair modern plates with vintage glassware, and mix in natural elements like fruit or seasonal flowers. This approach will help you create a table that feels thoughtfully curated and collected over time.
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving table decor ideas, Thanksgiving tablescape settings, or inspiration for your Thanksgiving table, let this bird-themed design inspire you to create a memorable and meaningful celebration.
Click on over to my next post all about stunning Thanksgiving tablescapes to feel inspired!
