The Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving

By Southern Living

There’s not one Thanksgiving table décor look that suits everyone’s style, but if we had to select one Thanksgiving place setting that could satisfy most people it would be this relaxed, but beautiful assemblage. This Thanksgiving place setting is a blend of formal china offset by more casual, natural elements like pumpkins and gourds with loose vines wrapping their bases. A traditional white tablecloth would have been too stiff for this hi-low Thanksgiving place setting so instead the copper table remains bare adding a bit of informal modernity to the table. If you do prefer a table cloth, World Market offers a range of green and white block print varieties that will maintain the organic vibe of this Thanksgiving table décor inspired by the fine leaf-patterned china.

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Bountiful Thanksgiving Harvest

Photo: Hector Sanchez

What happens when you pair one of the South's most creative stylists with one of its rising culinary stars? Thanksgiving gold. SL Style Director Heather Chadduck Hillegas created the season's most inspired table, mixing vintage finds with traditional patterns, alongside Athens, Georgia, cookbook author Gena Knox, who crafted a modern menu full of classic dishes with smart new twists. Follow their leads, and ease up on the formality this year to host your most gracious holiday yet.

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Down-to-Earth Combination

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Vintage brass flatware, weathered urns, and leaf-patterned plates create an elegant, outdoorsy vibe. 

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Go for Gold

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Painted gourds and wheat sheaves refine the rustic decor. 

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Simple Centerpiece

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Vines encircling the pumpkins echo the china pattern. 

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Set the Table

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Eleven pieces to help you set a naturally stylish table.

Hammered Copper Pitcher, $39; birchlane.com
William Yeoward Fanny Goblet in Green, $99, available through Table Matters; 205/879-0125
Pewter Pears Salt and Pepper Shakers (R116L), $85; vagabondhouse.com
Ecru Crochet Trim Napkins, $23.96/set of four; worldmarket.com
5-inch Golden Leaf Pin Tray, $6.99; jamaligarden.com
ColorBurst Green Cereal Bowl, $77; pickardchina.com
Constance china in Green by Bernardaud (bernardaud.fr), from $54, available through Bromberg's; 205/871-3276
Copper Charger, $69.95; williams-sonoma.com
Bamboo Salad Servers, $72, available through Table Matters; 205/879-0125
Wood Bark Coasters, $14.99/set of four; worldmarket.com
Artichoke Wine Stopper, $75; aerin.com

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Grill-Smoked Turkey

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Grill-Smoked Turkey

The dry brine used on the turkey is inspired by a wet brine that cookbook author Gena Knox sells through her brand Fire & Flavor (fireandflavor.com).

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Roasted Cauliflower-and-Garlic Soup

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower-and-Garlic Soup

Roasting cauliflower brings out its delicious nutty flavor, and it can give soup a gorgeous silky texture. This fantastic soup only requires a single, large head cauliflower, simply seasoned with olive oil and kosher salt. If you would prefer to make this in advance, you can prepare the soup through Step 4 up to two days ahead. Let it cool; then cover the soup and chill. Reheat just before you're ready to serve. Serve the soup as a seated starter while your turkey rests. Serve this with any of our suggested garnishes: olive oil, pomegranate seeds, and  fresh thyme leaves are all wonderful.

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Cane Syrup-Glazed Acorn Squash

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cane Syrup-Glazed Acorn Squash

Cane syrup adds old-fashioned Southern sweetness to this stunning side. Feel free to use maple syrup or honey instead.

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Three More Thanksgiving Sides

Photo: Hector Sanchez
Recipe: Herb-and-Cream Biscuits Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole Recipe: Green Bean Salad with Hearts of Palm

The crème fraîche and herbs in our Herb-and-Cream Biscuits make them a perfect choice for Thanksgiving dinner. We prefer chopped kale in our Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole, but feel free to use your favorite green. When preparing Green Bean Salad with Hearts of Palm, if you can't find haricots verts (small, thin French green beans), use regular beans. 

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Butterscotch Meringue Pie with Pecan Crust

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Butterscotch Meringue Pie with Pecan Crust

We won't revoke your pie credentials if you use a purchased piecrust in this recipe, but we love the way the homemade crust's earthy flavor elevates the caramel filling so much that we recommend you give it a try. A few rules of the road: Be sure to finely grind your pecans to ensure the crust will hold together. And if the crust tears just a bit, don't be alarmed. As with all piecrusts, you can easily press it back together with your fingertips or use extra scraps for patchwork.
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