Now that fall is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about my favorite meal of the year ~ Thanksgiving dinner! I can’t wait until we dig into turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Add cranberry sauce (the jellied kind straight out of the can), corn and home-made rolls and I’m in foodie heaven. My cooking is limited to carving the turkey and peeling potatoes. But, setting the table is where I shine. 

This year I’m using a set of English Staffordshire China from J&G Meakin called “Olde Avon Dale.” I found a complete set at Goodwill that included dinner plates, salad plates, little bowls, cups and saucers and several serving dishes. Each piece cost between $.49-to- $1.99. The pastoral design is so charming I thought of Thanksgiving as soon as I saw it.

I decided to go topless … on my table that is. No table cloth, just twig placemats and pewter chargers, also from Goodwill for $1.99 each. I love the contrast between the contemporary pewter, the rustic mats and vintage china.

Silver napkin rings (four for $1.99) also serve as place cards. I printed everyone’s name in a pretty font and cut and glued them to the rings. 

Each place setting gets an “I’m thankful for…” slip of paper. You can let your guests choose their own, or give them a blank one to fill out themselves. Before dinner have everyone read theirs out loud.

Finish the table setting with candles and a pretty centerpiece.