For foodies, Thanksgiving is unanimously the holiday of choice. Yes, the menu takes center stage, but just as important is the atmosphere you create. A beautiful tablescape — lavish to minimal, formal to ultra-casual — sets the mood for one of our favorite meals of the year.
Dallas Interior Designer Javier Burkle is a big proponent of setting a stylish table. His M.O. is to pick one favorite thing — china, a centerpiece, even something personal — and build a story around that. Say, for instance, china with a gold rim.
“From there, you can add vintage brass candle holders or a gold lining on napkins. The key is start with one piece and start building,” he says.
For this year’s table, Burkle is using a green theme, inspired by a fun leaf-patterned fabric. Then he starts layering—think green china, Nichols and Hardie topiaries, copper-colored metallics and always, decorative cloth napkins.
“Layers make it more personal, more fun.”
If clients were to invest in just one thing, Burkle recommends china. “It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find great pieces at World Market, Target, and estate sales, then mix and match with ones you already own.”
Another example of the designer’s handiwork is featured at the current Dine by Design: Table Display. The exhibit, benefitting five local nonprofits, is open to the public now through Nov. 14th at Galleria Dallas.
Burkle’s tablescape combines tones of orange, blue, and navy. Decorative accents pay tribute to his Mexican heritage, including terracotta pumpkins and cempazuchitl—exotic marigolds used to adorn graves and altars during Day of the Dead celebrations.
“It’s a blend of high and low, new and old—Schumacher fabric, Williams Sonoma dishes, Ralph Lauren glassware I’ve had forever,” he says.
“Everything in the same tones makes it all come together without looking like a mix of random things.”
Here, some additional tips for setting a memorable holiday table.
Create multiple centerpieces.
Interior designer Jan Showers combines a variety of glass vases, adding visual interest without detracting from the main course. An added plus: guests will have a view from wherever they’re seated. Re-create the look by lining up a few bud vases and filling them with a variety of seasonal blooms.
Mix laid-back with luxe.
Pair formal china with a casual tablecloth and napkins. “There’s something about the juxtaposition of it all that feels warm and inviting, rather than formal and pretentious,” according to designer Jenny Dina Kirschner.
Make a statement.
Maximalist? Why not? This table by designer Liz Caan mixes oversize florals, crystal candleholders, and high-impact glassware.
White looks right.
Fashionable Hostess uses a variety of faux and real white pumpkins. Eucalyptus makes the ideal accent.
Show gratitude.
Leave it to design diva Martha Stewart to create a “Thankful Tree” centerpiece. Ask guests to pick a leaf and write about what they’re thankful for—the perfect reminder of what Thanksgiving is all about.
