Thanksgiving: Modern Classic Style

By Karl Lohnes & Butterball Canada

Directions

Have your parents always hosted Thanksgiving dinner? This year it’s time for the ‘kids’ to take over the celebration. Serve up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in a non-traditional setting by adding a youthful, contemporary flair to the classic table. For example, on the table are old country roses in red, gold and pink, but instead of crystal, accent with red glass water goblets and set on a soft lime green tablecloth.

Modern accessories set against heirloom family china, along with bursts of colour, give this tablescape a fresh, new feeling. Choose a contemporary colour palette that complements your formal china and make that your theme. Mix vintage and modern pieces for an eye-catching eclectic look. Suited to any décor, the modern classic table is just like updating your wardrobe for the season.

How to Get the Look

Update traditional family china by emphasizing one of the colours within the pattern. For example take a pattern with a small pink flower in the design and create an explosion of pink throughout the table, with accessories like candles, flowers, placemats and glassware

Add new, contemporary-style flatware to traditional dishes to update the look
Fashion fabrics can be a great inspiration for giving a table a modern edge: pink-and-brown hounds-tooth suiting fabrics, beaded organza and striped silk fabrics are excellent choices for making your own table runners, placemats and cushions
Tie bright-coloured ribbon around the back of each chair and include a fresh flower within the bow
Replace the formal silver candelabra with funky candleholders or votives. Set a long tray on the buffet table and fill with pillar candles in your colour theme
Choose a contemporary floral arrangement like fuchsia mums packed tightly in a dark wood square vase
Cover chandelier bulbs with small silk shades to add more colour above the table
Serve a large stuffed Butterball turkey adorned with bunches of mini red champagne grapes on a restaurant-style cake stand as an unexpected center piece