Pine, Citrus, and Spode Woodlands Inspired Thanksgiving Table

Last year’s Thanksgiving table was maybe one of my favorites because of a very good day on eBay last Fall! I think that was when I realized how much I loved the adrenalin rush from winning a bid on eBay…. There I was one day, just minding my own business, when I saw an auction for Spode Woodlands dinner plates. I had started collecting the salad plates a few years previously, but wanted some dinner plates, as well ( not that I needed them, but like that’s ever stopped a dish addict ) So I placed my bid, then forgot about it. When I found out I’d won, I was beyond! It was for a 12 piece assorted hunting dog dinner plates-just perfect for my hunting dog lovin’ self. I think I won them for like $149! If you know the price of one Spode Woodland dinner plate, this was a very good bargain. 

The Inspiration

Many of you who follow me on Instagram know that we are out in nature and the North Georgia Mountains most any given weekend with our dogs, so nature is usually always one of my starting points for my table settings.  

Our puppies were my next inspiration. This picture was taken last Spring of our 2 “late in life children,” as I lovingly refer to Hank & Daisy, but at Thanksgiving last year, we only had Hank. We knew we were getting Daisy in Alabama in December…Another reason I loved the hunting dog plates so much! 

Pheasant feathers are some of my favorite Fall and Winter decor elements. They add such great pattern and color and a cozy feel, I think. I can’t remember where I saw or thought of the citrus aspect of the table setting, but it was one I’ll definitely do again. Along with the fresh pine, it smelled amazing around the table!

I found these deer salt & pepper shakers while looking for some ( you guessed it : hunting dog shakers), but thought these went with the theme just as well, plus since they are technically “reindeer” I can use them in December and in the Winter months. They are so well made and prettier in real life!

The Table Setting

I used all table linens from previous years, with the exception of the linen napkins which I found at Tuesday Morning. The base is a linen tablecloth from Home Goods topped with an orange plaid table runner from Pottery Barn. Next, I added a few magnolia and pinecone stems from Kirkland’s. I just laid them straight down the center of the table on top of the runner. This formed a good foundation on which I could build by adding my other elements. 

I found the cypress chargers here. They really add another layer/depth to the table that keeps the wicker charger and plate from feeling too flat. If in doubt, keep layering until it feels rich!

I added fresh pine, green and peach hypericum berries, walnuts, Bosc pears, a pair of little birds I had ( love the extra detail of their wing pattern), and some unscented white votives.  I bought the dark bamboo flatware here, and the crystal glasses were part of our wedding registry many moons ago. The sliced pink grapefruit really did add the extra finishing touch and smelled wonderful!

I have learned over the years to keep the centerpieces low in order to have good conversation and less hassle moving things around. Our family usually serves Thanksgiving buffet style in the kitchen and around the kitchen island, then eats in the Dining Room. Extra ice, drinks, butter, etc can be easily tended to by the meal hosts. 

Thanksgiving is 3 weeks from this Thursday! Have you made all your meal prep lists, planned your table, etc? I’m currently working on this year’s table. It will also be a nature inspired table, as I love bringing in the natural elements. It’s easily accessible outside your home and even at the grocery floral/produce section and the possibilities are endless….

XO