How our readers set a Thanksgiving table

We love to consult our readers on all kinds of matters: According to them, etiquette rules are outdated, whether it’s okay to show up to a potluck empty-handedAnd things they would never cook in a cast iron skillet. Given that we are now heading towards full speed Thanksgivingwe thought it was time to ask another question: what’s your color scheme for this year’s Thanksgiving table? The answers ranged from traditional, sentimental to downright hysterical. Here’s what our audience had to say.

Nature-inspired schemes

If our readers’ responses are any indication, you can expect to see plenty of nature-inspired palettes on Thanksgiving tables across the South this year, from traditional pumpkin orange and yellow tones to leafy greens and watery blues.

Many rely on classic autumn shades. One woman wrote that she is going to decorate with “fall colors.” As always.” Another wrote that their table will be covered in “orange, gold and red.” The table will be set with white plates, brown coasters and an orange-green tablecloth.

Others incorporate some spicier shades into the otherwise traditional mix. “I’m using my orange, turquoise, yellow and red Fiesta dishes,” one woman wrote. “We mix and match it. My fall placemats and napkins feature these fall colors. Center is loosely arranged fresh autumn flowers. We try to make it festive, but not fussy!” Another reader is also looking forward to using her dishes to introduce less expected shades. “My dining room is beige; I love the monochrome look,” she wrote. “It’s punctuated by hints of scarlet, cobalt, clover and sunflower – my beautiful Fiesta tableware!”

Heritage-led place settings

In our Facebook group What is cooking with Southern Livingour community of 36,000 members (and counting) often shares beautiful photos of their beautiful table centerpieces and place settings, so we weren’t surprised when readers detailed the ins and outs of their thoughtful plans, right down to the cherished hand- me elements down.

One reader wrote, “I always use my Lenox Autumn china with Lenox Rhythm glassware and my mother’s vintage silver Towle Chippendale cutlery – all on an ivory cut tablecloth with matching napkins. The centerpiece is a floral arrangement of colorful mums and autumn leaves in a large crystal bowl and matching crystal candlesticks with ivory candles… I enjoy setting a formal table and serving a buffet.”

Another also referred to setting the table with pieces that once belonged to her mother: “My mother’s china, now a discontinued pattern. Sterling silver cutlery. Waterford crystal. Pheasant ceramic salt and pepper shakers, also vintage. My family is small, with one or two extra couples, so our holiday table is formal and we bring out the good china, crystal. and sterling silver,” she wrote.

What color scheme?

Of course, for every serious response highlighting the valuable pieces that would appear on their tables, we received a host of other light-hearted responses that reflected the festive nature of the day.

‘Silver – a silver fork, a silver spoon and a silver knife. I’m ready to eat!!” wrote Wayne Odom, father of our very own Ivy Odom. (Her sense of humor is genetic.) Another replied in a similar vein, complete with a laughing emoji: “White and red (plastic cutlery , paper plates and Solo cups).”

There were also people who kept their attention on the main event: the food. “Color scheme?? Turkey brown, stuffing brown, cranberry red and pumpkin (orange).”

And last but not least, some readers actually said, “Tablescape, who?!” One wrote: ‘You’re joking, right? I am fortunate that I can (find) chairs for everyone, including lawn chairs and buckets.”

However you choose to set your table (or not), we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, marked by a full table, surrounded by those you love.