A Maximalist Thanksgiving Table

Sophisticated pattern mixing for a maximalist Thanksgiving table that feels elegant when bedecked with graceful birds, sumptuous colors, Spode’s Wicker Dell china, Mottahedeh fruit plates, and vintage chintz.

An elegant maximalist Thanksgiving table bedecked with swan camellia centerpiece, vintage chintz, Mottahedeh fruit plates, and Spode's Wicker Dell china

There is just something about a Thanksgiving table that begs for an abundant display with sumptuous colors and sophisticated patterns. For Thanksgiving we celebrate the blessings of the year and the joy of the harvest season, so it’s only fitting our tablescapes reflect that jubilation.

Is there anything more jubilant than a maximalist look? Maximalism is all about the more is more aesthetic with layered collections and design teeming with saturated colors and bold personality. I’m totally there for this look in the right dosage and with the right curated mix.

Maximalism is one design aesthetic that walks that tricky tight rope where all too easily you can fall into gaudy or chaotic terrain. A holiday tablescape is the perfect opportunity to play with maximalism but not need to live with it long term.

Katherine sets Thanksgiving tablescape with maximalist look

A Maximalist Thanksgiving Table

For this year’s Thanksgiving tablescape inspiration, I embraced it with abandon, mixing a warmly saturated color palette with bold whimsical prints and fanciful fowl. You may remember that my decorating theme for this fall was delicious autumn, and this tablescape epitomizes that concept for me!

Thanksgiving place setting mixing Mottahedeh fruit plates with Spode's Wicker Dell china, tortoise shell glasses, and bamboo flatware

Starting with a table runner in a vintage exotic feeling floral chintz, the table look grew out of this mix of colors and exuberance. The china layers Spode’s Wicker Dell plates with Mottahedeh fruit plates, and I love how the textures and colors play off each other.

Blown tortoise shell glass high balls and bamboo flatware add to the rich warm colors, while the swan centerpiece filled with pink camellias and the glittering crystal candelabra bring the drama.

Yes, I will be sharing this tableware with you, so if you see something you love for your Thanksgiving table this year don’t miss my November 4, 2021 sale on Instagram. Head down to the bottom of this post to see all that will be available.

An elegant maximalist Thanksgiving table bedecked with swan camellia centerpiece, vintage chintz, Mottahedeh fruit plates, and Spode's Wicker Dell china

Thanksgiving place setting mixing Mottahedeh fruit plates with Spode's Wicker Dell china, tortoise shell glasses, and bamboo flatware

Tips to Mix Patterns for a Maximalist Vibe on Your Thanksgiving Tablescape:

If you want to try the maximalist look on your Thanksgiving table this year use my tips to mixing patterns!

No. 1 Vary the Scale of the Patterns

This is a tried and true technique to combining different patterns and keeping the look from going too chaotic or overwhelming. Basically, this means when you put two or more patterns together the design elements of each should vary in size from one to the other. Here the table runner print is a large scale, busy pattern, so I paired it with Wicker Dell plates where the florals are much smaller and Mottahedeh plates where one centered design is surrounded by white and a solid peach border.

No. 2 Work with a Color Palette

Tying patterns together works best when they share common colors. On this Thanksgiving table, the runner sets the color scheme, and I pulled warm browns, yellows, and orange hues from it to use in the other tableware.

No. 3 Use a Motif

This tablescape might also have been named blossoms and birds because these are the motifs I used in repetition from the linen to the china to the centerpiece. There are so many delightful seasonal motifs you can play with in your maximalist tablescape to create a cohesive but whimsical setting.

No. 4 Balance with White

This is probably my number one tip for sophisticated pattern mixing if you do nothing else. Balance out all of the different patterns and colors with a heavy dose of white or other neutral color. Here I broke up the pattern layers with solid white chargers and then chose a cream colored napkin. The white swan planter in the center also adds a nice dose of calming white.

No. 5 Mix Sophisticated Classics

Much of the elegance of this maximalist Thanksgiving tablescape comes from the addition of vintage and antique classic tableware that elevates the pattern mix. From the crystal candelabra to the classic transferware pattern stoneware and the silver swan salts to the traditional Mottahedeh fruit plates.

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I’m so grateful for you all and your continued support! I hope my tips and this Thanksgiving tablescape inspire you to play with maximalism this holiday and create a warm, inviting table look that wows your guests.

Katherine with the 2021 Thanksgiving tablescape inspiration

Available Tableware:

A large collection of Copeland Spode Wicker Dell Stoneware, including:

12 Dinner plates

10 Salad plates

10 Teacups

8 Mottahedeh Fruit Plates

8 Tortoise shell glasses

2 Swan planters

1 Vintage chintz table runner – fabric is labeled Texoprint 819-20957

The sale will also include a selection of silverplate flatware and serving pieces perfect for holiday entertaining.

November 4th 2021

 

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