Refined Thanksgiving Table

Punch Up Traditional Pieces

Hostess Christy Ford shares her secrets for setting a stylish and festive holiday table. She gets her table inspiration from old-master still life vignettes.

• Meet the Hostess: Christy Ford
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Source Guide
Landscape painting: by Dean Dass, Charlottesville, VA; available through Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery; lesyeuxdumonde.com

Give It Some Edge

Balance a whitewashed table with graphic hits of black and navy, such as black candles and leather chairs, slate-gray woven place mats, and navy-rimmed dinner plates.

Source Guide
Goblets: Flavia by William Yeoward Crystal; available through andgeorge.com

Show Your Cards

Mounted on an antique picture stand on a console table, a menu card sets the tone for the meal.

Source Guide
Menu card and place cards: by Erika Jack, Erika Jack Stationnaire; erikajack.blogspot.com

Offer It Self-Serve

Transform any console or side table into a pretty bar so you won't have to play bartender.

Source Guide
Console table (for bar): vintage from The Curious Orange Store; thecuriousorangestore.com
Painting (above bar): by Kiki Slaughter, Charlottesville, VA; kikislaughter.com

Put It On A Pedestal

Instead of arranged flowers, dress your table with a trio of black plinths topped with orchids in silver compotes and natural items that you've collected.

Make It Personal

Place cards are tucked in an array of silver saltcellars filled with moss, turquoise stones, and butterflies for personalized, individual versions of the centerpiece.