Warm and Rustic Thanksgiving Table Setting

By Produced by Paula Disbrowe
Photo: Jody Horton

Thanksgiving tablescapes don’t need to be formal to feel special. Instead come up with a compelling mix of fancy and rustic items to create a unique and personal Thanksgiving tablescapes. This Texas-style Thanksgiving table is set with a mix of different China patterns giving the table a neighborly friendliness like a dishware potluck. A neutral table runner keeps the different plates from becoming overwhelming, while the teal plaid napkins add a saturated and unifying pop of color to this Thanksgiving tablescapes. Weight glasses, serving platters, and silverware round out the table along with mixed bouquets of fall flowers and a scattering of antlers.

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The Place Setting

Photo: Jody Horton
Make each setting unique by using different combinations of vintage china, flatware, and glassware. Vintage-rental companies, such as the Currens' source, Austin-based Loot Vintage Rentals (lootvintagerentals.com), are a great resource to find a fun mix.

Get the Look
Royal Albert Moonlight Rose Dinner Plate by Royal Doulton, $50; na.wwrd.com
Tortoise Gold Finition Charger, by Jaune de Chrome, $255; devinecorp.net
American Thumbprint Goblets in Topaz, Cobalt Blue, and Olivine, $34.95/four; store.metmuseum.org
Eclectic flatware, $35/five-piece place setting; laylagrace.com

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The Linens

Photo: Jody Horton
For an unexpected pairing, use formal china with casual linens, such as this nubby French grain-sack runner and oversize plaid tea towels.

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The Placecards

Photo: Jody Horton
Embellish simple office-store hang tags with individually stamped letters that spell out each guest's name. Use the same technique to make labels for drinks at the bar.

Get the Look
Hudson Kitchen Tea Towel, in Bosco, $19; libecohomestores.com

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The Centerpiece

Photo: Jody Horton

Upgrade simple blue glass Ball jars with lush bouquets of flowers and foliage. The addition of succulents gives each a true Texas touch. Fill in between the jars with old wicker-covered bottles, pillar candles, and stag horns.

 

Get the Look
Ball Heritage Collection New Pint Jar, $12.99/six; freshpreservingstore.com

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Favor Idea!

Photo: Jody Horton
Treat your guests to a second piece of pie to go. Use single-letter stamps to put the word "Pie" on individual wedge-shaped boxes.

Get the Look
Deluxe Pie Box Kits with Forks by A La Modo, $25/25; alamodo.etsy.com

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Get the Menu: Tried & True Thanksgiving Menu

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Celebrate Thanksgiving with big flavor and Texas-style ingredients from the Currens.

 

Recipes:

 

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Meet Mary Catherine and Andrew Curren

Photo: Jody Horton
It didn't take long for the two Texans to seek each other out in culinary school in New York back in 2003. Mary Catherine, a native Austinite, was 18 and Andrew (friends call him Drew) Curren, 7 years older, is from Houston. They bonded over a shared passion for honest home cooking. "We talked about what we'd name our restaurant on our first date," says Drew.

After graduation, they moved to New York City and landed jobs in high-end restaurants. But eventually the two began to long for things that don't come easy in New York: a backyard, a grill, and a dog. It was time to come home. They moved to Austin in 2008, just as the city was poised for a culinary renaissance.

Since then, Drew has amassed a mini-empire of thoughtful restaurants, including 24 Diner, Easy Tiger, and Arro. And each Thanksgiving, the Currens have a full table of enthusiastic eaters.

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