Although it’s still weeks away, I’m sharing the Thanksgiving brunch table I plan to set for late morning on the holiday.
Early because, it’s the final day of this year’s Thanksgiving Tablescape Hop. All week long, nearly two dozen stylists have been posting a bounty of ideas for serving up feasts large and small.
Dinner here won’t be served until about six; to allow for family driving in on Thanksgiving day from Philly, D.C., and Cincinnati. Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate everyone at the Buzz Inn; so most will be staying at a nearby hotel.
However, our sons, mom, and Sistah B and her hubby will all bunk-in here. It will be all hands on deck to prepare the feast for about twenty. Gotta feed the worker bees first though! Especially since I’ll be putting everyone to work, while the rest of the family is enroute.
My Thanksgiving brunch table is set for just four, with another three place settings and buffet on the adjacent kitchen island.
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Let’s Pumpkin Spice Things Up
Eating hubby’s pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving comes in second only to my French great-grandmother’s sausage stuffing recipe.
And, because I always need a theme to inspire and organize myself, the late morning Thanksgiving brunch table will be set in a pretend pumpkin patch.
Does the pumpkin-shaped napkin fold look familiar?
It’s a variation of the Fall Harvest Table & Apple Napkin Fold from September’s Early Fall Tablescape Hop. The fold easily adapts to a pumpkin, by simply using napkins in shades of orange.
But, back then it was too darn hot for pumpkins and mums on the table. Instead, I went for an early fall harvest of apples, pears and grapes.
I actually had to stage this Thanksgiving brunch table a week before Halloween. That meant the Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Halloween Table and Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier came down early.
Pumpkin Planning
Hubby and I had to head out of town a few days before Halloween for an open-ended, extended stay in Philly. We packed up the car and took Fibber, my Sweet Scottie Dog, with us. Thankfully, he’s a very good traveler. Plus, our son was delighted to have Fibber’s company during his recovery from the long planned-for surgery.
Before we left, I barely had time to take pictures of the Thanksgiving brunch table. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best time of day in terms of light. It was quite bright with rays of sunshine hitting the table and washing out colors — especially distorting the orange shade of the napkins.
I didn’t write the post or edit the photos until we got to Philadelphia, while caring for our son. So, there was no opportunity to reshoot the table across the state. Hopefully, the folded napkins look like pumpkins and not red apples?!
Flock to the Feast
Underlying the Thanksgiving brunch tablescape is a reversible brown and white tablecloth with a transferware look.
I just celebrated two years of blogging, and one of my first posts — Turkey Tureen is Star of Thanksgiving Table — used the same round cloth.
Doesn’t it go well with the peacock-decorated, brown transferware plates (no manufacturer/pattern listed)? The dishes also layer nicely on the wood-look, leaf and pinecone embossed chargers (Walmart several years ago).
See the vintage-inspired plates in both Birds of a Feather Gather Together and Thanksgiving Horn of Plenty Table.
The tablecloth is decorated with cornucopias, pumpkins, baskets of apples, haystacks, and a rooster and chicken pair.
Noticing the farmyard birds inspired me to use these pale yellow dinner plates (Embossed Rooster Collection by Sweet Olive Designs, retired). The dishes are part of my everyday Rooster Kitchen Decor and Tableware, and also grace the popular Fall on the Farm Rooster Table. But, it’s their first appearance on a Thanksgiving table.
Matching yellow mugs are great for keeping the coffee flowing, while everyone’s buzzing around in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning.
I also like how the yellow contrasts with the brown on the holiday brunch table. And, they pull-out the sunny shades in the indian corn candles and harvest gold juice glasses.
Copper twig flatware (Pier 1 online several years ago) flank the plate stack. You’ll also find similar flatware here.
Everyone loves the twig flatware. And, it’s proven versatile with setting tables year round; including A Tweet Tablescape to Welcome Spring and Moose Toboggan Ride Winter Fun.
Give ’em Pumpkin to Talk About
Back in Fall Harvest Table & Apple Napkin, I told you I planned to use the same fold to resemble pumpkins later in the season (Pottery Barn recent clearance).
The picture below more accurately reflects the coral shade of the napkins. I like the way the color works with the brown transferware plates and other Thanksgiving tableware and linens in my entire collection.
Start the fold by lying the cloth napkin wrong side up. Next, place a napkin ring in the middle and pull the fabric through about an inch or so.
See how the bright lighting totally changes the color of the fabric in the picture below? Makes the orange look more cranberry. Darn!
When making the napkin fold, I suggest using a thick ring. It helps to make a plumper pumpkin or apple shape when tucking in the fabric. Check out all the steps in Patti’s easy tutorial here.
Whereas for the apple-shape napkins I inserted a tree stem with leaves, for pumpkins I used large corks and a paper leaves (Michaels recent clearance).
I’ll write names on each paper leaf, so they can double-duty as place cards for the actual Thanksgiving brunch.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Centerpiece
First, a woodcut charger was set in the middle of the table to anchor the pumpkin patch centerpiece.
Then, I placed the largest sweater pumpkin on top, and surrounded it with smaller ones.
Most of the small pumpkins were made from the sweater’s sleeves.
And, a couple of the gourds were actually made from cashmere socks — are you surprised? Learn to make your own at Easy to Make Fall Decor: Sweater Pumpkin.
Surrounding the sweater pumpkins are four indian corn tapers in various height, brass candlesticks.
Here, I’ve elevated the center pumpkin on a wooden stand. Which way do you like the centerpiece better — with or without the stand? I’m thinking I’ll remove it to allow for better conversation at the brunch table.
You might remember seeing the candles on the fireplace mantle in Finally Fall Season Decor.
They’ve graced the mantle for numerous years, but for display use only. This year, however, I’m finally going to break down and light them for the Thanksgiving brunch. Especially since I can order more from Amazon (see Related Post Picks below).
Since I’ll be setting three tables for the feast, the sweater pumpkin and candle centerpiece will also be used for the main meal.
Overhead, I’ve decorated the light fixture with leaf garlands, faux mums, and pinecone ornaments. See more in Decorate a Chandelier for Fall in 3 Easy Steps.
Fortunately, it only took me five minutes to remove the skeleton, skulls and bone garland from the Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier. An easy decor conversion from early fall in September, to Halloween, and finally back to Thanksgiving.
I’ll share the Thanksgiving brunch settings and buffet on the adjacent kitchen bar in an upcoming post.
In the meantime, you can see more of my holiday-decorated home at Thanksgiving Figures, Pilgrims and Indians.
Will you be hosting a Thanksgiving meal this year? If so, how do you plan to set the table?
Related Post Picks
Thanksgiving Tablescape Hop
Wow, what an amazing week! Begin the table tour here. Warning: if you are a dish addict, this could be dangerous, LOL!
Monday
Red Cottage Chronicles | Panoply| My Thrift Store Addiction | The Little Yellow Corner Store | A casa di Bianca
Tuesday
Life and Linda | Home is Where the Boat Is | Corner of Plaid and Paisley | Everyday Living
Calypso in the Country
Wednesday
Katherine’s Corner | The Painted Apron | Intelligent Domestications | Celebrate and Decorate | Bluesky at Home
Thursday
White Arrows Home | Create With Cynthia | Gwen Moss Blog
Friday
Debbee’s Buzz | The Sweet Sensations | My Family Thyme | Zucchini Sisters
Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Our Crafty Mom
Hopefully, by the time this post is published, we will be home or on our way back. As I write this, the surgery, hospital stay and recovery at home have all gone as expected. Slow and steady progress.
Feeling very blessed!
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, your centerpiece is the star of this brunch setting! I love the pumpkin patch (non-elevated would be my favorite). Those sweaters and feathers so soft and pretty, they make for a highly tactile display! I can tell which one was the sock, with its cute little ruffle (the brown herringbone. right?). Those Indian corn candles are unique, a great addition and, of course, the napkin fold so clever. I am really liking that transferware-like cloth also – a great staple for fall table designs.
Here’s hoping you not only survive but also thrive with having your large group for Thanksgiving. Sounds like with your mother and sister you’ll have plenty of good help.
Glad you enjoyed the sweater pumpkin centerpiece Rita. Yep, that’s a sock alright! And, I’ve already ordered two more sets of indian corn tapers so that I’ll have fresh ones for my mantle next year.
We got home late last night and I’ve been regrouping all day. For the holiday, I’ll have plenty of help with the feast. My husband makes pies and helps with the turkey. My son that just had surgery, loves to cook and will making his signature brussel sprouts. And, my three SIL will all be bringing appetizers, snacks, more pies and desserts, breakfast breads, etc. It will be happy chaos!
Debbee, I, too, used the sweater pumpkins. Your pumpkins are beautiful and make such a warm and cozy statement. Great work! I love your pumpkin napkin fold. I still need to practice. Your fold is done so well, resulting in an exquisite accent. Your Indian corn candlesticks are one of a kind and so perfect for this holiday season. Your turkey transferware salad plates are stunning. I wouldn’t mind owning a set myself. They are a classic and make the tablescape look rich and traditional. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving holiday. As always it is great to blog hop with you.
Marsha, these were the first sweater pumpkins I’ve ever crafted and now I’m addicted! Next year I plan to try velvet and flannel. Just what I need…another collection, LOL! But, I’ll be sending home half of this year’s pumpkins as a favor with each of the ladies here for the feast. Loved your turkey theme, and I’m sure your family will be thrilled to have a seat at your stunning table.
hi Debbee, those Indian corn candlesticks are so unusual!! I love your little Indians too and of course the sweater feather pumpkins are fabulous! I love the fat pumpkin napkins too, it’s all so cute~ I wish your son a speedy recovery and hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving…
Thanks Jenna, especially for the good wishes for my son. By Thanksgiving, we’re hoping he’s feeling back to normal. I know the entire family is looking forward to seeing him.
Debbee, I love the centerpiece with the sweater pumpkins and Indian corn tapers. The pumpkin napkin fold is creative and adds the perfect pop of color. The peacock transferware is quite lovely as is the tablecloth. Wishing your son a speedy recovery and a blessed Thanksgiving season for you and yours!
Thank you Pam, it’s always fun to get “together” for the monthly hop. If only we could do it in person! Appreciate your good wishes for my son. We are home now and he is gradually improving with each day. I’m happy that he’ll be home in a few weeks to celebrate the holiday.
This table is just as pretty and ornate as the one I commented on yesterday. The feather accents on the sweater napkins are just right and I love that you used a cork for the pumpkin stem on the napkins. Safe travels and I hope your son has a speedy recovery.
Sandra, how very sweet of you to visit both tables and comment after the little mixup — most appreciated! We just got back home and I’m trying to regroup. My son is making slow but positive progress. Fortunately his aunt and uncle live in Philly, and he has lots of supportive friends.
I am trying again to comment, since first two times didn’t go through! I love the pumpkin napkins with the cork stems!! Too cute!! I would also have a hard time lighting those adorable corn candlesticks!!! there is so much to take in with all the texture and interest on your table. It is always fun to hop with you, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Ann, thanks for going to so much effort to leave a comment. I’m not aware of anyone else having the problem on my site. Wishing you a fabulous holiday at your sister’s.
The pumpkin napkin fold with the cork stems is perfect! I love all of your textures, too. Very pretty, Deb!
Thanks Cecilia, it’s a quick and easy fold.
Wow Debbee this is great! Sounds like you’ll have quite a bunch to join you on Thanksgiving! The morning gatherers will surely love your table! The pumpkin napkins and the pumpkin (s)centerpiece really make the table!
Thanks so much Liz! It’s been a tough year losing my dad and then a number of family members dealing with significant health issues. We wanted to provide an opportunity for everyone to gather for a happy occasion. Will you be in Pittsburgh this year or hosting?
Hi Debbee, The table came out beautiful. I especially love the sweater pumpkins. The chargers are similar to mine. Hope you are home and settled back in and that your son is doing ok.
Cynthia, thanks for visiting and commenting on both tables after the mix up — very kind of you. We are back home, which means my son is over the hump. He still has another week or so until he can return to normal activities and eating, but is progressing well. Appreciate your good wishes.
Debbee, how lovely your table is. I love the cozy sweater pumpkins. Those candles are amazing! Such a warm and welcoming table for Thanksgiving and I loved seeing those pumpkin napkins again! thanks for hopping with us once again!!
Thanks so much Chloe! What an amazing week of tables. How you manage it all long distance is amazing. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Those sweater pumpkins are so cute! Such a pretty table and centerpiece. I love the warm fall colors and how you decorated the chandelier. I always decorate mine at Christmas but never thought to do it in the fall. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Shelley
Decorating the chandelier has become a new normal for me! I call it “going vertical” LOL! Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving Shelley.
I am new to your blog! This was the first post I saw. The table setting is gorgeous set with those pretty yellow plates! And the candles are so unusual. I love them! And the napkin pumpkins are getting pinned! I am doing those for my fall Tablescapes next year!
Beautiful Blog!
Welcome Nancy! Although, I think you’ve stopped by to comment on several travel posts before? We both live in Pennsylvania too! Think you will find that pumpkin napkin fold easy peasy. See another version in Fall Harvest Table & Apple Napkin Fold. I’ve been in a napkin folding binge of late with many of my tablescapes.
Lovely table Debbee. The plates are gorgeous, along with the yellow plates. Very different candles, i love them! You pumpkin napkin is adorable. Decorating the chandy is always so pretty. I also wonder where you store your dishes? Always a pleasure Debbee to see your creative and pretty tables. happy Sunday.
Thanks Linda! I needed to put together that casual table rather quickly, while preparing to be out of town for several weeks. I always enjoy our hop, seeing small to large, elegant (like yours) to simple, classic to whymsical, and neutral to colorful. Where to I store stuff — simple answer is everywhere, LOL! I partially explain in Store Holiday Decorations, Tableware and through my 3-part Remodeled Kitchen Design & Layout Tour. But, I am pretty much maxed out. So, I try mixing up what I already have and trying new things like napkin folds.
Your table is delightful. Those candles are so fun! But the pumpkin napkin fold is the cherry on the cake of this lovely pumpkin patch table! Your warm colors and inviting style say welcome and Iknow any meal enjoyed at this table will be a beautifully remembered one. Pinned and it’s a pleasure to hop with you.
So very sweet of you to say Katherine — thank you! I was in a rush putting it together. But, editing the photos and putting the post together was a good distraction while my son was recovering.
I love those plates and I love that you did the special napkin fold again for pumpkins. I love the cork for a stem! Your knit pumpkins are so pretty! Have fun with all your family! How special to all be together!
Thanks Kirstin. When I realized the birds on the plates were peacocks, I just had to have ’em! And, after finding the apple napkin fold so easy for the earlier fall table, it was a no brainer to use it for pumpkins.
Debbee, Your table is a cornucopia of colors and textures with your pumpkins, Indian corn and chickens. The pumpkin napkins and your chandy add to much interest to your setting, but I can’t tear my eyes away from your adorable feathered pumpkin patch! Sending your son well wishes for his recovery. As always it’s a treat to blog hop with you , Happy Thanksgiving! ?
Thanks so much Mary. I’m a little late coming to the make-your-own pumpkin “party,” but I sure did enjoy crafting and finding another use for an old favorite sweater. Hoping the little ones will make nice table favors too. Appreciate the good wishes for my son. He’s heading back to work this week. Have a wonderful holiday.
Debbee, what a warm and cozy table you’ve created. I think the sweater pumpkins and those Indian corn candlesticks add so much charm and those napkin folds are so unique! I’d feel so special being a guest at such a festive table. I’m so happy to meet you through the blog hop.
Aww.. that’s very sweet of you Leslie. So glad you joined our group!
Deebee, I’m in love with your yellow plates with the chicken and rooster. They are so cute. The sweater pumpkin with feathers is stunning. What a lovely tablescape. Enjoy Thanksgiving with all your family.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too Carol. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m loving all the pumpkins, napkins and dinnerware! What a wonderful table for Thanksgiving brunch. xo Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen. You are such a thoughtful and generous link party hostess — visiting and commenting on so many blog posts. Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!