For the month of November, I’ve styled a brown and blue Thanksgiving table using vintage Liberty Blue dishes in the formal dining room.

Liberty-blue-platter-pumpkin-handle-fork

It’s one of a bounty of 22 settings in this year’s Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop. The annual event is hosted this year by my blogger friend and fellow plate addict, Rita of Panoply.

Actually, it looks like she positioned me at the top of the hop, so if you’re starting from Rebecca’s tablescape (oh those fabulous vintage Italian plates!) at the end of the list, welcome!

My table also pays a nod to the past with vintage Liberty Blue dishes. Depicting scenes from Colonial America, it’s not pilgrims but patriots that are displayed on the various plates and serving pieces.

Previously, I used the dishes for other patriotic holidays, like Give Me Liberty Blue Tablescape Celebrates July 4th, and Set a Presidents Day Table with Liberty Blue.

Inspired by a new table runner, it’s the first time I’ve used the Liberty Blue dishes to style a blue Thanksgiving table.

I use affiliate links and am an Amazon Associate. If you make a purchase I may earn a small commission that helps to offset website operating costs with no additional cost to you. Your support is appreciated! Disclosure Policy.

Out of the Blue Inspiration

blue-runner-Thanksgiving-table-centerpiece-overhead

This Thanksgiving, we’ll be spending the holiday at our youngest son’s home in historic Philadelphia. His 101-year-old row house interior has gorgeous exposed brick walls, and is decorated with gray walls and mostly mid-century modern furnishings throughout. Accent colors of blue, with pops of gold, are throughout the three floors of living space.

So when I happened upon this unique blue table runner (TJ Maxx/Home Goods), with appliqued pumpkins and gourds in shades of gray, I knew it would look great with his decor and bluish gray dishes.

Since I won’t be hosting the feast this year, I decided to incorporate the runner into a blue Thanksgiving table in my dining room. I also wanted to set a seasonal tablescape for my mom, who is here in Pittsburgh for a visit, but won’t be traveling with us for the holiday in Philly.

Vintage Liberty Blue

Liberty Blue ironstone is a beautiful blue and white pattern. In the center of each plate are a variety of historical scenes, surrounded by a floral, wavy-edge rim.

Liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-setting

Enoch Wedgwood manufactured the dishes in the Staffordshire district of England between 1975-1981. In celebration of American’s Bicentennial, they were made in the tradition of 19th century historical blue china. There are 17 different scenes depicted across all the pieces.

Patriots & Peacocks Instead of Pilgrims

horn-of-plenty-Thanksgiving-table-plates

At each setting, I’ve layered two Liberty Blue plates over a colonial blue placement and brown leaf charger. To the left side of each setting is a small Betsy Ross bowl.

Independence Hall is pictured on the underlying dinner plate, while General Washington at Valley Forge is depicted on the luncheon.

Both of the scenes have personal significance, as a family ancestor is linked to both historic events and places. Read about Peacock the Rebel Bird in, Celebrating Patriots.

Usually for Thanksgiving, I use brown and white plates depicting a peacock in his honor.

You can see them in multiple settings, including; Thanksgiving Horn of Plenty Table, Birds of a Feather Gather Together Table, and Pumpkin Patch Table for Thanksgiving Brunch.

liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-platter-Washington-crossing-Delaware

On the Liberty Blue platter, Washington is crossing the Delaware on a wintery Christmas 1776.

Liberty-blue-platter-pumpkin-handle-fork

To serve the turkey, I’ve used a large salad fork with a beautifully decorated leaf and pumpkin handle. It pairs with the spoon to serve mashed potatoes from the covered vegetable.

liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-covered-dish-Boston-tea-party

Depicting the historic Boston Tea Party scene, the lidded server is my favorite piece of Liberty Blue.

liberty-blue-paul-revere-pitcher

Another cute piece is this pitcher depicting the midnight ride of Paul Revere. Read more about Liberty Blue dishes and where to find them in, Set a Presidents Day Table.

Turkey Tureen Centerpiece

It wouldn’t have even occurred to me to style a blue Thanksgiving table if it hadn’t been for that table runner.

blue-table-runner-grey-applique-pumpkins

I think the gray tweed pattern pumpkins will appeal to my son and work well with his home decor.

large-Fitz-Floyd-turkey-tureen

A large Fitz and Floyd (retired) turkey tureen holds center stage on the table. He’s flanked by a pair of recently acquired turkey salt and pepper shakers (Goodwill). Not sure they are actually vintage, but I was delighted to find the shakers for only $2.

turkey-tureen-back-fruit-detail

The tureen is beautifully detailed with fruit, vegetables and leaves in both front and back.

Liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table

On either side of the tureen are a mixture of brass, pewter and tall wooden candlesticks. All eight were received long ago as bridal shower and wedding gifts.

Indian corn and sculptural blue candle tapers coordinate with other elements and color accents on the blue Thanksgiving table.

liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-turkey-tureen-centerpiece

I like how the yellow and orange colors pop with all the blue shades on the tabletop.

Gaggle of Gobblers

Blue goblets (Goodwill) also help to carry out the color scheme on the blue Thanksgiving table. They are paired with heirloom etched crystal stemware (Cambridge Rose Point), passed down to me from my great grandmother.

liberty-blue-place-setting-Thanksgiving-table-turkey-napkin

Regular followers have seen them grace many tables on Debbee’s Buzz, as have the copper twig flatware that compliment rich brown shades in the embossed leaf chargers.

blue-Thanksgiving-table-turkey-napkin-fold

Positioned at the top of each Liberty Blue plate stack, are napkins folded in the shape of a turkey.

Festive Turkey Shape Napkin

It’s the 20th different style of napkin fold I’ve now used to embellish tablescapes! I just can’t help myself, lol! One of these days, I’m going to run out of new ones to try.

See them all at, Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions. It’s the cheapest and easiest way to dress up or elevate a table setting.

Other napkin ideas appropriate for Thanksgiving tables, include the super simple tail feathers tucked in a glass. See them on the Thanksgiving Horn of Plenty Table.

Or, try the unique pumpkin shape used on Thanksgiving Table Setting: When Three’s a Charm. Depending on the color or print fabric of the napkin, the same fold can also be used to represent an apple.

For the turkey shape fold, you’ll actually need two napkins for each gobbler.

White napkins — matching the tablecloth — are in a simple accordion fold to resemble the turkey’s tail feathers.

Thanksgiving-table-turkey-shape-napkin-fold

Either dark blue or rich gold napkins were folded to form the body and head of each turkey — including it’s beak. Gobble, gobble!

Do you see it?

Thanksgiving-table-turkey-folded-napkin

Neither of the two folds is difficult. Search for instructions online; “turkey napkin fold. ” What can be challenging, is getting the accordion fold to stand in place, and the turkey beak to stay bent.

Napkin Fold Tips:

  1. Both napkins for the turkey body and feathers should be about the same size.
  2. Use a more moderately-sized napkin. I started with 20″ napkins and the turkeys were monster sized!
  3. Choose napkins made of fabric with some stiffness or body, but not too thick or heavy to hold folds.
  4. Ironing at each step helps to keep the folds in place.
Thanksgiving-turkey-place-card

Finally, turkey place cards are tucked above each gobbler shape napkin fold.

liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-place-setting

Related Post Picks

Bounty of 22 Thanksgiving Tables

Special thanks to Rita for organizing our large group of stylists — especially while in the midst of a giant move! Next up is Rachelle, with a table set in traditional colors, but with a modern twist!

Debbee’s Buzz  Liberty Blue Thanksgiving Table with Turkey Napkins

My Hubbard Home – Thanksgiving Table With Brown and White Traditional Colors

Everyday Living – We Gather Together

Home is Where the Boat Is – The Softer Side of Thanksgiving

Panoply – Thankful

Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One – Home for the Thanksgiving Holiday 2021

Pandora’s Box Leopards and Checks

Hyacinths for the Soul – A Place at the Table – A Harvest of Ideas

Celebrate and Decorate – Set a Heartwarming Thanksgiving Table with Neutral Colors and Natural Elements

My Thrift Store Addiction – Vintage Thanksgiving Breakfast Table

The Little Yellow Corner Store – Celebrating Thanksgiving a Little Differently

Me and My Captain – Football AND Thanksgiving

Life and Linda – Thanksgiving with Elegance

Sweet Sensations – Dining with the Gents for Thanksgiving

The Painted Apron – Pumpkins and Pickups

Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Thanksgiving 2021 – A Bit Boho

Living With Thanksgiving – Blessings at Thanksgiving

Belle Bleu Interiors – A Heart Full of Thanksgiving

Bluesky at Home – 9 Steps to Set a Thanksgiving Table

Dinner at Eight – A Seasonal Table for Thanksgiving

The Bookish Dilettante – We Gather Together

Zucchini Sisters – Vintage Thanksgiving Table Setting

Philadelphia 2.0

Last year, was a different kind of Thanksgiving blues. Because of the pandemic, Thanksgiving at our son’s home in Philadelphia didn’t happen. I imagine many of your own celebrations were also adversely impacted?

Instead, our feast for nine was whittled down to four here in Pittsburgh. Eldest and his girlfriend joined us. But that was mainly because they had to temporarily move out of their NYC penthouse apartment, while emergency repairs and remediation took place after a giant pipe burst on the roof!

Extensive foot surgery and being on a knee scooter to get around, meant all the cleaning, shopping and a lot of the cooking fell on dear hubby.

It was a quiet, but nice Thanksgiving — although we missed our youngest terribly.

So this year is a do-over in Philadelphia! D is thrilled to be hosting and is planning to make our first ever smoked turkey. Learn more about how Using a Smoker Grill Enhances BBQ Meals & More.

And I’ll finally be able to set the table with DIY, Painted Thanksgiving Turkey Glasses as Table Favors I made last year!

Wishing you a most happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Debbee-signature-very-sm

Pin Me

Liberty-blue-Thanksgiving-table-turkey-napkin-fold

Featured Post

Link Parties

I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.

Debbeesbuzz-bee-icon

Subscribe Today!

Join the hive and receive periodic email messages when Debbee publishes new posts.

Thanks for following The Buzz

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This