Last Thanksgiving, I made some recommendations on table setups that work well in small homes. This year I’m going big on accessories: the dishware, decor, linens, and tools that really stand out for one of the few traditional dining occasions we have left.
Keep it real, by using high-quality and natural materials whenever possible on your Thanksgiving table. (Photo: Aunt Willie’s Wild Flowers)
I know, I know … more stuff. It’s hard to justify hanging onto things that take up space in drawers and cupboards and are used only once or twice a year. To that, I say: You never know. A well-equipped kitchen and dining room might convert you into a thrower of dinner parties. At the very least, I think you’ll find these things will elevate the pleasure you and your guests get from eating together.
The best gravy boats have spoon rests on both sides and a built-in splatter plate. (Photo: eBay)
Gravy boat
I challenge you to name anything better for spooning gravy over mashed potatoes than the gravy boat. These pretty vessels come either with a single spout and handle, or with spoon rests on both sides. I prefer the latter, and I like having an attached saucer because people can be really clumsy with the gravy. Gravy boats are at every antiques store and are modestly priced. You should also invest in a gravy spoon, too.
If you’re left-handed like I am, be careful not to fall for a spoon with a spout on one side. It’s almost always meant for right-handed people. Look for a nicely arched handle, too.
Substitutes for specific serving pieces like gravy boats are not so easy to find. I’m partial to gravy boats in particular because they are great to have on hand for those dinners requiring special sauces or dressings.
I found all of these gorgeous trays and serving ware on my last trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Silver trays
For years I was one of those people who managed (not that well) without trays. I don’t know why I resisted using them. Trays are indispensable at Thanksgiving and beyond, especially if you have a favorite outdoor eating area and need to transport lots of items from the kitchen in an efficient fashion.
Silverplated trays lend an elegant, rather Old World aesthetic to the table. You may want to go more modern or casual; keep them within a similar material, color, and/or pattern. I recommend having a large tray with handles, a medium-sized tray, and a couple of smaller trays. I guarantee you’ll use them more than you think.
Elegant, easy to carry, and an impressive way to start your Thanksgiving feast. Serve pumpkin or butternut squash soup tableside in a classic soup tureen. (Photo: Spode)
Soup tureen
Sure, a nice dutch oven or pot works just fine for dishing up the first-course soup. But if you’re ready to take it up a notch, invest in a decorative soup tureen. Simply pour the soup carefully into the tureen, cover, and bring to the table. Tureens help keep the soup warm, offer a more elegant presentation, and gets you out of the kitchen. Use them also for hot mulled cider, stews, chilis, and sangria during the summer.
Bib aprons are best for keeping the oil and tomato spatters off your clothing while cooking. (Photo: April Cornell)
Apron
An apron is a “duh” essential … or at least it used to be (and should be again). Protection in the kitchen stemmed from meals made from scratch, a chore that has declined significantly in the past fifty years. A lot of people today don’t wear them, but when you’re prepping a multi-dish, multi-course meal you’re gonna want one. Aprons not only protect your clothes, they also provide a quick wipe for your hands and pockets for your tools. They also signal your culinary prowess. I love April Cornell’s aprons but there are many hundreds of options for you to find your own look.
I’m showing this stunning array of brown transferware as a conceptual base for centerpiece ideas. It was created by my good friend and blogger Mary McCachern, who I just found out died a few months ago. She was my autumnal and holiday muse and a delightful person. I will miss her. (Photo: Home Is Where the Boat Is)
Centerpiece
Pick something meaningful to you and build a unique table centerpiece around it. You might have a small collection of silver, cut glass, or ceramics. Fill some of them with bittersweet, maple leaf branches, or mums.
Using a table runner is a nice way to highlight your centerpiece. This is the evening when real candles and candelabra are a great choice.
At just $25, this basic whetstone from Amazon is a good place to start for someone who has never sharpened his/her own knives before. (Photo: Serious Eats)
A whetstone
Here’s a shocker: Nearly 20% of people surveyed by Sharpow by Vivront, a knife sharpening service, toss out their dull knives and buy new ones. What a waste!
Now I grant you, DIY knife sharpening is a little daunting—actually a lot daunting. Manual sharpening involves a whetstone, which is a hard flat block of stone made of specific types of rock that provide just the right coarseness (grit) for sharpening.
Knives require a very precise angle against the stone for proper sharpening, and those angles vary from knife to knife. Some experts say it takes a lot of practice and patience before you’ll get consistent results. So I may have a lost a few of you already. BUT.
My daughter just told me she invested in a whetstone and says it works really well. I found one on Amazon that got a very positive review on Serious Eats, as its “best budget whetstone.” What I like is that it provides a non-slip base and an angle guide so you can maintain the right swipe.
And everyone knows just how satisfying an ultra-sharp knife is in the kitchen. So it might be time for you (and me) to acquire a very useful new skill.
A classic table layering includes a base cloth (solid or pattern) topped with a shorter cloth of lace or complementary pattern. (Photo: Women’s Alphabet)
Layered tablecloths
Quit worrying about not having the perfectly sized tablecloth. Do away with the boredom of using the same tablecloth year after year. Layering your cloths is the way to go.
Layering tablecloths adds visual interest and allows you to use seasonal textiles of almost any shape or size. (Photo: Design Hunter)
Start with a more restrained combination, such as a solid color topped with a neutral lace. Something more boho? Use two patterns in similar colorways. Another fun look is using a base tablecloth (or two) and a table runner.
It’s tempting to go overboard, so control yourself and trust your eye. I saw a lot of strange layerings on Pinterest, with rumpled cloths and random linens perched on the edges of the table.
A bridge too far? You might consider limiting the layers to three and keeping the table smooth and flat.
Now is the time to take stock of your ingredients, both food and table/service ware, and consider a few changes that will make this beloved holiday even better.