While I am not one to pine for a turkey feast all year, I do enjoy the all-American feeling of Thanksgiving and the gathering of lots of family and friends around the table. I like any Thanksgiving celebration I’m invited to whether it’s a casual midday lunch complete with a fried turkey (I’ve never tried it and I very much want to!), or a formal candlelit dinner with pancetta chestnut stuffing. One thing I am partial to? Canned cranberry. My mom and mother-in-law both make lovely, fresh cranberry relishes but I just prefer good old-fashioned Ocean Spray jelly.
This year, I’m zhushing up my penchant for canned cranberry with a more formal tablescape. My muse? Richard Ginori’s Oriente Italiano china, an original 1926 design by architect and decorator, Gio Ponti. A couple of years ago, fashion house Gucci invested in the esteemed porcelain manufacturer and resurrected classic patterns such as this one for a new generation of old world admirers. Now you can find Oriente Italiano at Richard Ginori showrooms and china shops like my local favorite, Charles Willis.

Does anyone have a great tip for getting lipstick out of linens? Thinking ahead!
To make the cranberry-hued chinoiserie carnations on the plates really pop, I kept the linens simple with a white hemstitch tablecloth and napkins. The traditional two-letter napkin monogram was done locally at South of Hampton—they always deliver with pretty personalization and helpful input in thread color selection. The buttercup patterned silver is my mom’s and lends nicely to the floral motif.

Is there anything more delicious than just-polished silver?
In keeping with the theme of classic designs, Moser “royal” crystal glasses are at the ready for water and wine. This particular style, a diamond cut pattern with a 24-karat gold rim, was commissioned by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of England in 1907. They are quite special in person as you’re able to get a sense of just how much time went into the hand-cut diamond design. If it’s starting to sound like I’m finding the dining accoutrements more delicious than the impending dinner… guilty as charged!

Moser crystal ready for a generous pour! Available at Charles Willis.
If you love a clever brand, you’ll be as besotted as I am with The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co. A few months ago, I found them on Instagram and I’ve been waiting for an occasion to give them a place at the table (pun intended!). These magnolia lovebird illustrated place cards are a way to plan your seating arrangement and provide a piece of art for your guests to enjoy throughout the meal. Mr. P’s will add digital calligraphy to any set you purchase and the shipping is lightning fast!

Each name goes on the back of the card and the silver holder is also a Mr. P’s delight.

Flowers do so much for a table!
The centerpiece is my mainstay Scalamandre Baldwin Bamboo planter that I use for everything—sometimes it’s a wine chiller and often times it’s a flower container. Here’s a tip I learned unexpectedly—if you don’t have any floral tape to make a grid for your flower arrangement, use your husband’s electrical tape! It works just as well. All the autumnal blooms are from Whole Foods, they have a lovely, varied selection right now. I chose an assortment of brass candlesticks with lit cream tapers to make everyone at the table look well-rested and glow-y come evening. Just a little something else to be thankful for!
From our table to yours, wishing you a most wonderful Thanksgiving! xo

Happy Thanksgiving from the Jacksons! Emily, Louisa, Wally and Thomas. Family portrait by Mary Catherine Brownfield.

2 Comments
What a delicious Thanksgiving tablescape! The china pattern is amazing and every single thing you’ve added compliments it so well! Love! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!
November 15, 2018 at 7:35 amSandy, thank you for the kind words!I so appreciate you reading. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 16, 2018 at 8:44 am