Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around the table, sharing good food & enjoying the company of family and friends. Having lived in California for a good chunk of my adult life (and being married to an American - not many people realise that!) We still revel in celebrating Thanksgiving back here in London. It’s often the little details that make these occasions feel special, from a thoughtfully dressed table to a welcoming home as guests arrive. With a few simple, seasonal touches, you can create a warm & inviting atmosphere without overcomplicating the preparations. Here are 9 ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving gathering.
1. Bring the season into your home. I love decorating with seasonal foliage and natural elements at this time of year. A few branches of autumn leaves, dried flowers or dried hops arranged along the mantel can bring colour and texture into a room. I also like to carry these details throughout the house, so the feeling of the season extends beyond the living room and into the dining table and other rooms in the house.
2. Make an Autumnal simmer pot. As guests begin to arrive, gently simmer apple peel, cloves, cinnamon & orange on the hob. The combination creates a naturally warming fragrance throughout the house- it’s such a lovely welcome before everyone gathers around the table.
3. Have something to offer as guests arrive. I always think it’s nice to have a few things ready for guests to enjoy while everyone gathers. A simple charcuterie board, some olives or a bowl of roasted nuts are easy to prepare in advance and give everyone something to graze on before sitting down to dinner.
4. Make time for the details by preparing ahead. A little preparation in the days leading up to Thanksgiving makes all the difference. Mackenzie and I like to get as much of the cooking done in advance as possible, from preparing cranberry sauce to assembling side dishes that can simply be finished on the day. It leaves more time to think about the table, welcome guests and enjoy the occasion rather than spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen.
5. Create a warm, softly lit atmosphere. Lighting can make all the difference to the feel of a room. Switch off overhead lights in favour of table lamps, candles and smaller sources of light to create a softer, more intimate atmosphere. Scatter votives and candlesticks along the table for a warm, inviting glow.
6. Dry your own citrus slices. For an easy finishing touch to your drinks station, slowly dry orange or blood orange slices in the oven. Once cooled, arrange them in a small bowl or dish for guests to use as a garnish for cocktails and seasonal drinks.
Thoughtful details for your Thanksgiving table
7. Make each place-setting feel considered. I love adding a little detail to each place setting to make guests feel special. A piece of seasonal fruit, a sprig of foliage or a handwritten name card are all lovely ways to bring a personal touch to the table. Even a simple, beautifully folded napkin can make all the difference.
8. Use a mix of old & new. I’ve always loved a table that feels collected over time, rather than everything matching perfectly. Growing up, our table was often set with a mixture of vintage crockery, much of it a little chipped or worn, and I still love that sense of history. Mix treasured family pieces with newer favourites, combining different patterns and textures to create a table that feels personal and full of character.
9. Make a batch of rosemary salt. Combine finely chopped fresh rosemary with flaky sea salt to create a fragrant finishing salt. Serve it in our Coquillage dish placed throughout the table so guests can help themselves, or decant it into little jars to give as a thoughtful take-home gift.
