In a world where the internet is full of tablescape goals, it is easy to try to go all-out when trying to set up a classy holiday dinner table.
This time of year, I walk into ANY culinary or home goods store, see the perfect decorations set out, and decide instantly I need it ALL.
The truth of the matter is that all that decor you see is highly on-trend, meaning all the cute things you see will be out next year and you will want to do it all over again. The holidays are highly materialized, and these companies KNOW what they are doing and expect you to be back spending countless dollars with them every year. Plus, what happens to all your special tableware when you paint your dining room a different color, or move to a new house with a totally different feel?
These items I am sharing with you today are what I consider the Thanksgiving entertaining ESSENTIALS. They are timeless, will add class to your Thanksgiving presentation, and should last you indefinitely if well preserved. And trust me, I am not saying that some of those trendy and cute items you see are out of reason, my goal here is to build a simple and beautiful foundation that you can decorate any way you like!
So, here are my Five Thanksgiving Table Essentials that I LOVE and use every year!
1. A Wine Decanter
As a wine tasting expert (haha) I know the benefits that decanting does to your wines in regards to flavor. If you have never tasted a decanted wine next to a non-decanted one side-by-side, it is an eye-opening experience! If you don’t fully care about the concept, it will still make your table look classy AF and any cheap wine taste twice the price. I use mine every holiday! They come in all shapes so pick one that best suits your personality, and bust it out on special occasions to dress up your table.
Amlong Crystal Lead Free Crystal Wine Decanter (58 oz.), Large
Shop other best selling wine decanters
2. A White Tablecloth
Wow does that sound boring typing that, but it is so true! A good white tablecloth will carry you indefinitely through the holiday season. The great thing about a white tablecloth is that it makes your table dressy, but it as neutral as it gets when it comes to decor. You can use it in every season with special plates, holiday table runners, any decor really! Then, if you decide to make a decor change you won’t be replacing EVERYTHING. You can get one for $10 and you will be something that stays with you for decades.
Shop white tablecloths
3. A Classy Serving Platter for your Turkey
The Thanksgiving turkey. The piece de resistance of your dinner table. Your main course of all your holiday meals is always the focal point of the dinner table. You need to make sure you have a good way to showcase this work of art you have been slaving over for the past two days!
If I were to go traditional I would choose something white with a detailed edge so that I could use it for serving any nice holiday meals:
KOVOT Ceramic Oval Platter | Turkey Serving Platter | Measures 15 1/4″ x 10 1/2″
If I were to go a little more modern, this pick from Mud Pie is a favorite since it has a matching serving fork.
Mud Pie Happy Turkey Time Platter Set, White
4. A Carving Set
This holiday accessory is one you can keep your entire life, and if you ask me, makes a fabulous gift for a loved one! We got ours as a wedding gift, and with how much we entertain for the holidays and cook nice meals on special occasions, we use it at least 5-6 times a year and will keep it forever. Since we are talking about timeless items, I would invest in a nice set so that you are never tempted to replace it. Ours came in a nice box for storage and we love to break it out for special occasions!
Wüsthof Gourmet Carving Knife Set – w/Storage Box
5. A Stemware Set
When having guests over, I love to set up a staging area away from the main table. I will make a spread of appetizers and have a wine decanter set out with a spread of glasses. This gives your guests a social area away from the dining room where you are setting up, plus you are making the area look special with very simple items – food and wine!
Riedel VINUM Reisling Grand Cru/Zinfandel Glasses, Pay for 3 get 4
If you are worried about the glasses breaking over time, you could of course opt for a stemless set, or pick up a stemware case like this one…
Stemware Storage Case – Quilted Fabric Container in Gray Measuring 16″ x 13″ x 10″H – Inside compartment is 4″ x 4″ – Perfect Storage Case for White and Red Wine Beer Mugs
I think these 5 basics will carry you a lifetime of entertaining and will help you entertain in style endlessly!
So, what are some of your picks? Any staples that you use EVERY YEAR to entertain with, that you are so happy to have? I would love to see!
X.O. – Abbey Co.
*Disclaimer* I am an Amazon affiliate and get a tiny kickback if you purchase anything from my links… I only share things that I use and love, and it is just a small avenue for me to earn money to support my blog as I go.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas to keep you focused on the essentials. I always like to change up my table every year and just use what I have around the house or bring things in from outside. My mom and I did purchase a full set of dishes, wine glasses, napkins, cutlery for the entire family and a gorgeous tablecloth suitable for all occasions. These items get washed and packed away immediately for the next holiday and having them ready has made life much easier.
Excellent choices!