Organic Thanksgiving…

What would have been the exact same Thanksgiving table as last year totally took a different turn thanks to a photo on Pinterest! If you did not see the whole inspiration process, you can see it HERE.

It all started with this box my husband made for me…

…and it turned into this: 

I combined rustic wood with sterling silver and lots of outdoor elements to create a table that celebrates nature’s best at Thanksgiving…

I used a Mikasa “Italian Countryside” dinnerplate with a Myott Churchill “Thanksgiving Turkey” salad plate. I really do love this turkey pattern best — probably because of the soft, muted colors. 

The crystal is Durand Cris D’Arques “Longchamp” and I have filled the sherbet glass with different natural elements including arborvitae, azalea leaves, berries, acorns, pinecones and moss.

I paired a vintage crochet edge napkin with a taffeta napkin and bamboo napkin rings wrapped with raffia and accented with greenery.

I love the way the sterling silver flatware looks next to the bamboo charger and the rustic wood of the table. This is an antique pattern by R.S. Wallace and Sons from 1893 called, “Louvre.”

I really wanted dark chargers, so I took the light ones I had from Walmart and stained them with Minwax “dark walnut” stain. I love, love how they turned out! The stain did, however take several days to dry. I cannot seem to find water-based stain in dark walnut here, but that would have been my first choice. Here is how they looked before: 

Love the darker color especially with the medium tone of the table and the creamy matelasse runner. 

Here is the box this table was created around…

I added some azalea branches to the box because I loved the colors the leaves have all turned now. 

I know it’s the middle of the afternoon, but we will have the candles lit during our Thanksgiving meal, which is usually early afternoon. 

So there you have it — my ‘new’ Thanksgiving table using everything old. 

I hope I have inspired you to gather what you have inside and outside the house and reuse in a different way. Everything on this table was something I had here or repurposed in some way. 

I really do appreciate your stopping by! And a heartfelt welcome goes out to my new followers:-) I’m getting around to everyone slowly but surely.

Anita

I’ll be joining:

Tablescape Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday

Inspiration Friday

Seasonal Sundays

55 Comments

  1. Pamela Gordon
    November 9, 2011 / 8:49 pm

    Anita, your Thanksgiving table is just gorgeous! I love it all but that box centerpiece really sets it off. Blessings, Pamela

  2. Denise
    November 9, 2011 / 8:57 pm

    Hi Anita,

    This is truly a gorgeous, "rustic elegant" table! It's just breathtaking. I read your earlier post about the box your husband made and you stained. Don't you love finding visual inspirations like that? I love all the elements on your table and particularly the turkey plates. The colors are really nice. I never knew how many turkey dishes were out there until I started tablescaping. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing and have a great week.

    Denise at Forest Manor

  3. Mari
    November 9, 2011 / 9:08 pm

    Ohhh la la my friend, just divine πŸ™‚ love your gorgeous silver ware πŸ™‚ and those beautiful plates!!! what a truly magnificent table setting!!!

    xo~Mari

  4. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    November 9, 2011 / 9:19 pm

    Anita, I just love absolutely EVERYTHING about this table! You have done an amazing job! The mix of elements is just stunning; and your turkey plates are the icing on the cake! Absolute perfection!

  5. Kathy
    November 9, 2011 / 9:45 pm

    Anita, Your table is so pretty.Everything compliments each other.Beautiful.

  6. Debby S.
    November 9, 2011 / 9:52 pm

    Oh my!!! that box your husband made is wonderful! You really took it to the next level! I have the same turkey plates in the brown…great minds think alike! Just love your tables!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Meredith
    November 9, 2011 / 9:57 pm

    Beautiful! My mom just surprised me with a setting for 12 in Italian Countryside! I can't wait and I have those chargers. I might try to stain two dark because I have 4 dark and 8 light. What a great idea! Your table is beautiful and I love the crystal and silver with all your outdoor organic touches! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
    blessings,
    Meredith

  8. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    November 9, 2011 / 10:05 pm

    Anita, your table is gorgeous! Your centerpiece is so amazing.

  9. Emelia DiCarlo
    November 9, 2011 / 10:19 pm

    Anita, just one of your best. Each table top out does the other!I have learned so much Anita from your blog. I love the rustic elegant look and the silver with wood. The centerpiece is stunning.You have out done Victoria Classic magazine and Southern Lady. Blessings of Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

  10. deb
    November 9, 2011 / 10:27 pm

    Really stunning!

  11. Claudia Fabiana
    November 9, 2011 / 10:36 pm

    Your table is so beautiful and so well put together. I really love the whole room. I'm a new follower…

    stop by and visit again soon..

    ciao

  12. Marigene
    November 9, 2011 / 11:52 pm

    This is my favorite table of any you have done, Anita…it has to be that fabulous rustic box your husband made for you. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Barbara F.
    November 9, 2011 / 11:56 pm

    As always, your table is a masterpiece, with beautiful china, family heirlooms, the outdoors brought in, all working together. I love that you stained the chargers rather than get new darker ones. xo

  14. Lavender and Linen
    November 10, 2011 / 12:14 am

    How creative! Beautiful!

  15. Gina
    November 10, 2011 / 12:22 am

    That is such a gorgeous table! You've done an outstanding job.

  16. Alycia Nichols
    November 10, 2011 / 12:28 am

    What a great idea to Minwax those bad boys!!! It is hard to find what we want in the right color sometimes, so the only way to fix it is to pull out the ol' paint! Capital idea!!! The whole table is the picture of absolute elegance! I love the flatware…it has such a rich look to it. I think it would feel good in one's hand. Bravo, Anita!!!

  17. Blondie's Journal
    November 10, 2011 / 1:05 am

    You make the prettiest tablescapes, Anita! This one is just beautiful! You are going to get many compliments!!

    XO,
    Jane

  18. Debbie
    November 10, 2011 / 1:16 am

    I love this table!! You had me from the wonderful wooden box and kept me right through to the sherbets. I'm so glad that I finally figured out this pinterest thing. Now, I can save this and remember who gave me the inspiration.

    Really, Anita, I think it's beautiful.

  19. Mid-Atlantic Martha
    November 10, 2011 / 1:33 am

    Wow! This is super duper lovely!

  20. a quiet life
    November 10, 2011 / 2:20 am

    so beautiful, i love the natural warmth of it all, gorgeous setting~

  21. Jemsmom
    November 10, 2011 / 2:29 am

    That table should win an award. I am serious. That is one of the most beautiful tablescapes I have seen. I love the chargers stained darker. Makes it so elegant and the Mikasa plates. Oh my word… stunning!!!

  22. Marlis
    November 10, 2011 / 2:59 am

    Anita.. well you've just set the bar a wee bit higher.. this table is my kind of table.. nothing amiss here. The centerpiece is a masterpiece. I love the candles in the box with all the natural elements. I love your dishes, your chargers, your glasses, your napkins and those napkin rings way way way much! This is magazine perfect, family welcoming, and absolutely exquisite!! xo marlis

  23. Bonnie Bee
    November 10, 2011 / 3:13 am

    Anita, you truly have the creative touch.. Elegant, earthy, AND gorgeous… I think this could be my all time favorite table…

  24. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    November 10, 2011 / 4:05 am

    Oh Anita, this table is THANKSGIVING PERFECTION to me!!!!!! You knopw how I love the box and it is filled so beautifully. Your table, dishes, organic elements, everything is breathtaking!!!!! I love your runner, gorgeous. The silverware is magnificent. And you are correct, your Turkey plates are the prettiest I have seen. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Thanksgiving. You sure have the perfect table to gather around. Many blessings to you!!!!! XO, Pinky

  25. Entertaining Women
    November 10, 2011 / 4:06 am

    I'm so glad that you chose the white for your woodwork/door moldings. They provide just the right backdrop for your gloriously beautiful design. Thank you for inviting us for a peak at your elegant and exquisite design. Cherry Kay

  26. β„³artina @ Northern Nesting
    November 10, 2011 / 4:38 am

    Anita your table looks absolutely beautiful! That centerpiece is my all time FAVORITE!! Martina

  27. Elaine
    November 10, 2011 / 5:00 am

    Wow, the sky's the limit for what you can create with that wonderful box! Your fall is creation is just beautiful. LOVE all the natural colors and textures you used. Great idea on the chargers–I had thought about trying that and I'm glad it works! Thanks for sharing your stunning table!

  28. The Decorative Dreamer
    November 10, 2011 / 11:51 am

    Simply gorgeous! The Miott plates are wonderful and look so pretty on your table. I am still just ga-ga over your centerpiece though! :))

  29. Sandra
    November 10, 2011 / 2:22 pm

    What a beautiful table! I really like the box your husband made for your table. That will be lots of fun to find new and different ways to decorate in for the different holidays and seasons. Thanks for sharing your tablescape…
    Hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
    Sandra

  30. nikkisimone
    November 10, 2011 / 2:47 pm

    That centerpiece is truly a work of ART!!! Love all the elements in and on it – simply stunning!

  31. Emreen
    November 10, 2011 / 3:02 pm

    The tablescape looks lovely… !!! Love the turkey salad plate- soo… Its beautiful !!! Love the way you have placed the leaves above the napkin rings… Looks gorgeous !!

  32. FABBY'S LIVING
    November 10, 2011 / 3:16 pm

    I came back, I'm drawn to this tablescape, the centerpiece is a work of art, it's stunning, magazine worth! I'm also at TT at Susan's, hope you visit pretty lady, you sure are an inspiration! FABBY

  33. Nancy's Daily Dish
    November 11, 2011 / 12:09 am

    That centerpiece is stunning! I wanted to do something similar and am just waiting to find an oblong box like or similar to yours. Everything is set so beautifully!

    Nancy

  34. Unknown
    November 11, 2011 / 12:25 pm

    Absolutely EVERYTHING is gorgeous, from those fantastic turkey china plates, to the napkins, to the silverware, to your gorgeous center arrangement. A feast for all the senses!

  35. Unknown
    November 11, 2011 / 10:12 pm

    Beautiful! What a Box!

  36. Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes
    November 12, 2011 / 2:02 am

    I am totally in love with this tablescape; it is stunning! You have filled your new centerpiece box with the most beautiful arrangement. I love how you stained your chargers darker; what a great idea! Anita, you have done a fabulous job with this setting. Love, love, love it.

  37. Debbie@Mountain Breaths
    November 12, 2011 / 10:29 am

    I'm glad I found your blog through TT! I love the box that your husband made, and am inspired to use my azalea branches for my Thanksgiving centerpiece this year. After perusing a few posts on your blog, I have decided to become a follower. I know I will enjoy my visits to Far Above Rubies!

  38. The Charmed Life Online
    November 13, 2011 / 1:04 am

    I found your blog through TT at BNOTP. I am so glad that I did, this table is amazing! My favorite (which was hard to narrow down) is the box your husband made. What a meaningful table!

  39. Babs
    November 13, 2011 / 2:56 am

    Anita, Your table is stunning! I love the mix of rustic and elegant. Your husband did a great job on the box and you filled it perfectly. It's so funny, because my husband made a box for me to use for Thanksgiving, but I haven't stained it yet. Our table is very narrow and I was having trouble finding something to go in the center so he made the long box. Thanks for the inspiration for ways to arrange the filler. Have a great Sunday.

  40. Debbiedoos
    November 14, 2011 / 3:31 am

    WOW Anita, this has to be your finest table ever. I always seem to think that, and even say it, but then you go and outdo yourself again. It is just gorgeous. I love the centerpiece so much that your husband made for you.

  41. Anonymous
    November 14, 2011 / 1:01 pm

    You always inspire me, Anita! This is gorgeous.

  42. Unknown
    November 15, 2011 / 8:23 am

    Beautiful! You are so clever!

  43. At The Picket Fence
    November 16, 2011 / 2:52 am

    Hi Anita! We are still making our way through last week's links and I just wanted to tell you how absolutely gorgeous I think this is…as in, my mouth dropped open! πŸ™‚ You have such a gift, my friend, and this perfectly captures all of the best of Autumn to me. Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Friday last weekend!
    Vanessa

  44. Nayana
    November 16, 2011 / 3:16 am

    This is truly stunning..very well done…

    Nayana@cherishdreamlive

  45. Anonymous
    November 17, 2011 / 2:44 am

    That is, by far and without a doubt, the most beautiful Thanksgiving table I have ever seen. Kudos to you! You are so very creative. I'm sure glad I found you.

  46. Liz@A Dish Here, A Glass There
    November 17, 2011 / 5:09 am

    Wow Anita! That is one gorgeous table! The colors are rich and that centerpiece box is awesome! The matelasse adds a great texture and looks perfect with your new box! You did an outstanding job on decorating it!

  47. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage
    November 18, 2011 / 12:22 am

    So charming~ what a beautiful table!!! Thanks so much for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!

  48. Audrey
    November 20, 2011 / 4:56 am

    Hi Anita … Love the long box with all the candles. Beautiful table. Thanks for sharing. I am a new blogger and learning so much. Hope you will visit me at Timeless Treasures. Thanksgiving Blessings.
    Audrey Z.

  49. Kelly
    November 23, 2011 / 4:38 pm

    Oh my goodness! Your table centerpiece is truly one of the prettiest that I've ever seen. I love the box going down the center filled with all the Fall bounty and candles. Every little detail has been done perfectly. I know that your family is going to treasure sitting at your beautiful table!

  50. Debra@CommonGround
    November 23, 2011 / 7:45 pm

    Hi Anita, just joined as a follower, and so glad to find you here. This inspiration photo is one of my faves, came from a book I have Celebrating Home. Your table is wonderful with this great look alike wooden box. Super job you guys! xoxo

  51. PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com
    November 26, 2011 / 11:57 am

    Beautiful table, I love the box arrangement. I do love those turkey salad plates too. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  52. Deanna
    December 1, 2011 / 5:56 am

    Oh Anita,
    This is stunning….outstanding!!!!
    You have created a masterpiece. Love it.

    God bless and may you have a wonderful Holiday Month.
    d

  53. Kathysue
    December 4, 2011 / 5:44 am

    Anita it appears we had the same inspiration!! My hubby built me a box also. I Love what you did with your box, it looks more like the inspiration picture than my did. You will have to come and visit my blog to see mine. Kathysue

  54. Renae Moore
    December 10, 2011 / 3:44 pm

    Your table is stunning. I showed it to my husband and want him to make me a box such as yours. You are a beautiful stylist!
    I'm going to follow along to keep up with what you have going on!
    Blessings to you for a wonderful Christmas.

    Renae

  55. Unknown
    October 6, 2014 / 3:44 am

    I can't wait to duplicate what you have done here! I can't stop looking at it!!!