A Thrifty Thanksgiving Table

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“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” — Alphonse Karr, “A Tour Round My Garden”

Thanksgiving is a time of rejoicing in all the blessings that grace our lives. It is a time of reflection and a time of thankfulness. This year, especially, I say thank you for the love of family and friends as we strive for a grateful home.

Welcome, Friends, to the Blog today. I am so grateful you are here to share in this special time. I’m joining a number of creative bloggers to share ideas for a wonderful Thanksgiving table with you. Thanks to Rita from Panoply for being the creative inspiration and leadership behind this Blog Hop. I know you will enjoy her wonderful Thanksgiving table.

My goal this year is to create a traditional look from thrifted finds I already have on hand. It’s rewarding to find a treasure that someone else once loved and give it new purpose in your own home. Every piece tells a story and the remembrance of stories is one of the aspects of Thanksgiving that make it such a special day. So, pour a cup of your favorite beverage and let’s begin.


The table inspiration began with this beautiful dinnerware set by Noritake. Part of their Ireland series, it features a lovely rendering of pheasants foraging in a field, with colors in soft, muted tones surrounded by a deep forest green border. The edge is adorned with elegant gold scrollwork, adding a touch of refinement. This china is in pristine condition, clearly cherished and reserved for special occasions. I can’t help but wonder about the former owners—were they a hunting family, bird lovers, or perhaps outdoorsmen? It’s intriguing to imagine their stories. This plate truly set the tone for the entire table.

The plate stack begins with a beautiful wooden charger in two-toned wood, part of a stunning set of four discovered while thrifting. Placed on a forest green tablecloth, the wooden charger evokes the feeling of a thickly wooded forest, with its rich textures and deep green foliage. It sets a natural, grounded foundation for the rest of the table, perfectly complementing the elegant dinnerware above.

Building the plate stack came together naturally after those initial choices. I completed the look with the matching salad/dessert plate, featuring a stunning drawing of waterfowl that ties in beautifully with the dinnerware’s overall theme. The Wicklow Green pattern, produced from 1994 to 1998, adds a touch of nostalgia and elegance to the table. I was lucky enough to find a set of eight five-piece place settings, including dinner plates, salad/dessert plates, bowls, cups, saucers, and even several serving pieces. This collection feels perfectly suited for the autumn and winter months, making it an ideal choice for my Thanksgiving table.

These sweet little turkeys made a charming visit to the Thanksgiving table, each carrying a homemade name tag. A small square of lightweight cardboard, adorned with lamb’s ear leaves and dried golden yellow flowers, creates a delicate and rustic design. There’s plenty of space to inscribe each family member’s name, adding a personal and thoughtful touch to the place settings, making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.

The entire plate stack is displayed here, with a folded forest green napkin placed between the dinner plate and salad/dessert plate. This subtle touch adds visual interest while giving the eye a soothing break from the intricate patterns of the plates. And, of course, Mr. Turkey is enjoying his place at the table, joining in the festivities as an honored guest, adding a bit of whimsy to the setting.

Crystal stemware by Galway, featuring both water and wine glasses, graces the table. The pattern, “Rathmore,” was produced between 1985 and 1991 and has an elegance reminiscent of the crystal we admired in Irish manors during our visit to Ireland a few years ago. The beautifully cut design evokes a sense of timelessness and charm. I can easily imagine sitting at this table, gazing out over a wide expanse of bright green lawn leading to a tranquil lake, complete with ducks. As we savor a delicious meal, we’d sip a fine red from these exquisite glasses, letting the moment linger.

Silver-plated flatware accompanies the place setting in a simple colonial pattern that reflects the border on the plates. We share a colonial past with our ancestors in England and Ireland. It works well with the rest of the place setting in establishing the overall traditional feel of the table.

The final touch to the table is a centerpiece made from fall leaves just beginning to show their autumn colors. Simple flowers in white, yellow, and purple, which could be found in many gardens this time of year, bring a burst of color and texture, reminding us to savor the fleeting beauty of the season before autumn becomes just a memory. The arrangement is held in an antique copper bucket, one of my earliest antique purchases, adding a touch of history and warmth to the table while tying together the traditional feel of the setting.

Behind the table the gallery wall is ready for Thanksgiving with its invitation to GATHER here and celebrate the season.

An old milk crate filled with large milk bottles holds wooden candle holders inviting friends and family to gather around the table and celebrate with thanksgiving.

A second crate, holding smaller bottles not currently in use, serves as a stand for a watercolor depicting fall country scenes from around the U.S. I have a special fondness for finding original watercolors when thrifting, and the ones featured in this Thanksgiving display have been with me for a few years. Their unique charm and character add a personal touch to the setting, reflecting the beauty of the season and the joy of discovering treasured artwork.

Here, the entire gallery comes into view, showcasing a mix of watercolors, breadboards, and antique pieces. The unifying autumn colors pull the display together, creating a cohesive and inviting look. Each carefully curated piece contributes to a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, evoking a sense of home and family that perfectly captures the essence of Thanksgiving. It’s a display that celebrates the season’s beauty while honoring the traditions and memories that make this time of year so special.

“Give thanks for each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night.
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything they goodness sends.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

It has been a true pleasure to share this Thanksgiving table with you. I hope your day is filled with joy, warmth, and the many blessings that come with gathering together. Wishing you a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving Day!

You’ll find the links to 17 more Thanksgiving tables listed below. I hope you’ll join these creative ladies for some wonderful ideas for your own thanksgiving table.

Panoply – Thanksgiving Fowl and Feast

Hyacinths for the Soul – Fine Feathered Friends

Everyday Living – Counting Our Blessings

Home is Where the Boat Is – Giving Thanks Lakeside

Pandora’s Box – Thanksgiving Table for Two

Life and Linda – Enchanted Woodland

The Cat’s Whiskerz – A Simple and Thankful Tablescape for Thanksgiving

My Thrift Store Addiction – A Cornucopia of Blessings for Thanksgiving

Me and My Captain – To Be Thankful is to Recognize God in All Things

Corner of Plaid and Paisley – So Much To Be Thankful For

The Painted Apron – Thanksgiving Blessings

Thrifting Wonderland – A Thrifty Thanksgiving Table

Dinner at Eight – Thanksgiving in the Meadows and Ponds

Belle Bleu Interiors – A Table of Blessings

Red Cottage Chronicles – Thanksgiving Harvest Tablescape

Mantel and Table – How To Set a Rich and Luxurious Thanksgiving Tablescape

Celebrating Everyday Life – How to Style a Thanksgiving Table with Aqua, Chocolate and Cream Accents