PLEASE DON'T GO AWAY! Love seeing all your pretty dishes and the way you arrange the tables. So glad you found that turkey, I really like him allot. I can't say which way I like best, they are lovely. Did I read correctly that those white plates came from CTS? I really like them allot too. Both the white and orange pumkins look great on your tables--just depends on which look you are going for, right? Thanks for "playing" with all your pretties and sharing with us. I'll be looking forward to the next arrangement. Luvs

Jane, you did an outstanding job. It's so classy. I fell in love with Tam's turkey last year too. Found one that is similar, but has more of a carved wood look. Mine's not nearly as big or as stately as yours.
You have mastered the layer look. I must say, I am getting the Friendly Village bug. I do like the "feel" of them for a Thanksgiving table. And I like them paired with the white dishes (especially those special pumpkin bowls!).

I like how you picked up the color of the house (schoolhouse?) by using the burgundy napkins and candles and accents under Tom Turkey. Really made the whole setting come together, I think.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank YOu Luvs...
Yes, in the first tablesetting, the white plates are from CTS. I kept seeing them everytime I went, and didn't need MORE white dishes. However, one day I just gave in and bought them. Now I'm glad...they really are pretty, and the price was too good to pass up.

In the last setting, the white dishes are Mikasa Italian Countryside.

With 'Tom Turkey'... before I packed him away last year, I gave him a Spray of Satin Varnish. It really brought out all the details on him. DH liked him 'natural' which was a little dull for my liking, but when I sprayed him...DH agreed I was right !!
:)

What do men know!! hehehehe

jane

Slinkey, I am glad you spiffed Tom up, he looks wonderful.
I love that spray for bringing out colors in things!
Your burgundy napkins and setting are right up my alley.
Burgundy is my 'other' favorite color. My accent wall in living-dining room is that color.

I can't believe your DH and DGS got the Village done. Wow.
Can I borrow your DGS, he must be wonderful. And I certainly could use a pair of 'young legs'. LOL.

hugs, Karen

Terrific fall/thanksgiving tablescapes, Jane! Love seeing all the details. Your turkey is magnificient and looks like he is presiding over the feast....little does he know, one of his relatives IS THE FEAST! LOL! Seriously, I really like how you have put the dinner candles and the leaves, gourds etc around him and that he is at one end of the table rather than centered. Beautiful dishes too!

DD

Jane, you have outdone yourself. I love all the elements you pulled together to make such a lovely setting. Since I am a burgundy person, I really like how those accents pull the colors from your Friendly Village plates.

Elevating Mr. Tom *really* makes him the center of attention. I think Kathleen needs to watch out -- you are giving her a run for her money re: bargains.

How did you finish off your ribbon napkin rings? If you have time, could we have a primer?

Thanks for sharing such pretty settings.

Lee

Your turkey is so majestic!
I love those salad plates! Lovely!
A beautiful table for sure..
So you are putting away Tgiving decos BEFORE Tgiving??
Or did I misunderstand?

Jane, Everything is beautiful, but Mr Turkey stole the show. When he is present all eyes are on him.

Man, he is awesome! What a deal you found him for, too.

I love how you set a table. So many layers and different touches to make it sooo put together. Everytime I scroll back to look, I see something I missed the first time.

Betty

Jane,

This table is delightful. I just love all of your tables. You are so good at this and seem to love every minute of it so just keep on entertaining. I just love to come here and enjoy.

Punk

Very nice and I really like the traditional look of everything. The white is a nice touch, of course everyone is right, Tom Turkey steals the show. All your settings are lovely and I so enjoy them.
Syble

You did a fabulous job on your table. I am so jealous of your turkey. I don't really get jealous but I love, love, love that turkey. Did a mention that I love the turkey? What do you have him sitting on? Just love how you have him at the end of the table with all the candle sticks. Love the dishes also. Wish I had CTS here but maybe it is a good thing.

Going to look at your pics again.

Thank you again everyone...I'm so delighted no one passed out!!

Karen...so you know what I mean w/the Spray Varnish?
It's amazing what it does to plain finishes.
Your DR/LR must look beautiful with the Burgundy as an accent color. I think it gives a room such a warm look and compliments everything.
Yes, DH & DGS did such a fast job on setting everything up. I was just amazed, but then again, like you said it's have those 'young legs'. DH has a hard time bending down to do wiring, because of some past leg/knee injuries. So it was so helpful to have DGS do it for him..and quickly!
If we were closer, he would love to help you. He really enjoys it. We've started him off with his own 'mini' village..(a few buildings,figures and trees)...so he's excited to set his up for his family.

DD..too funny 'one of his relatives for the feast' !
I thought I'd give him a different look this year and elevate him rather than place him in the center..I think it worked out well. Sometimes a centerpiece is just too overwhelming for a table, expecially a REAL tablesetting..lol

Lee...I have clear plastic rings that I pull the napkin through...then I use the wide wired ribbon and wrap it around the ring, overlap and slightly fold one end, then hot glue the ribbon to itself. I've done this so many times...especially when I'm looking for a striking look w/o breaking the bank.
I still think Kathleen is 'THE' Queen of Bargains..she find the most beautiful items for next to nothing !! lol

Betty...I'm so happy to see you posting again. I hope you and DGson are doing much better.
I agree, 'Mr Tom Turkey' does steal the show! I can't beleive the price either. The woman from Ebay was so nice she wrote and said I'm So Glad He's Going To A Good Home!!
He's been sitting in my Shop for so long, collecting dust.
She wrapped him up like he was real, and not wanting any harm to come to him. He arrived in One Day! I was just so surprised at what an amazing transaction that was.

Thanks Punk...glad you liked all the tables...I so enjoyed yours, and will look forward to more from you too.
I'd love to see your Pumpkins come out and play!

Syble...Because I have so many white plates and accessories, it's easy to pair something up with them. I seem to get lots of mileage out of the same dishes this way.
The white is like a 'Backdrop' for anything you put with them.

dd50..thank you.. I'm laughing over your Turkey envy..LOL
I'm sure there's more of him out there.
As far as what I have him elevated on.. > I used a small white cake stand, laid down leaves...put him on top of that, then layered the gourds w/more leaves in between, around him.
It was so easy, and from everyone's comments, gives a nice appearance.
Putting him on the end, was a better solution, so he wouldn't be in he way. Last year I had him on a large platter, with leaves and fruit and gourds..he worked out in the center that way...he wasn't up high.

Thanks again everyone for looking.

jane

Slinkey, beautifully done! I really enjoyed your tablesettings!

Your tables are gorgeous, and I am completely envious of your Italian Countryside. I'm putting that on my "someday" wish list. Really beautiful & versatile! Is it somewhat "kid friendly?" I try not to get too many dishes that are too frou frou.
I also like the looks of your Friendly Village. I taught first grade for 16 years, so I like that it includes a school house in it's scenes.
Now about your turkey . . . what is he made of? Is he ceramic, resin, wood . . .? He really makes a show!

judith...Great To see you!
Thanks for the compliments.

cindy..I bought the Italian Countryside on Amazon, about 3 yrs ago.
They had a great sale 45 pc Service for 8, with free shipping.. $175. I got them with the wide rim soup bowls.
The following year, I wanted to add 4 more place settings to serve 12.
Amazon was having another sale..buy 1 place setting get one free. With/Free Ship. So I ordered two. When they arrived, two plates were broken. I called them and they said they would ship two more place settings to me. I asked about returning the others..they said Keep them - no charge! Now that was a great deal...
They are also VERY durable. I can't believe how much abuse they get, and I use them all the time when my 4 Gkids are over. As far as the Friendly Village, the School House is what drew me to them too. My GKids..are excited for me to use them.

The turkey is a Resin..and has a good weight to him too.

Thanks again.

jane

OMG, how did I miss this post?!? Jane, your new turkey is magnificent! I know that I told you I'd decided on a painted turkey, but after seeing the close-up of yours, I'm now having second thoughts about that! I love your beautiful table using the Friendly Village dishes . . . it's very warm, especially paired with the white.
Have you decided which of your many beautiful tables you're going to use on Thanksgiving yet?
Lynn

Thanks Lynn..
actually, This will be the first year in quite some time, that I won't be doing Thanksgiving. However, that's okay with me.. My DD will be hosting (to give me a break), because the following week Dec 5th..I'm having DH's family over for a Christmas Family Reunion..that's about the only time we get to see everyone, all at once.
It's also a good time, because some run their own business, and they get a little break, right After Thanksgiving..and enough time before Christmas.

Hope you find that Turkey... don't give up, keep looking.

jane

Jane, you have wowed us once again! I love this table as much as your others, and the turkey looks so majestic!

"I'm thinking this really didn't look too Thanksgiving looking..." IMO it looks very upscale refined Thanksgiving. Love the transferware, I have some similar. I also have some urn shaped glass (crystal?) candleholders like yours but have never used them on the table. Your turkey is *amazing* and such a good price. Good tip about the ribbon napkin rings and clear satin spray on the turkey.

Thanks for the ideas and inspiration. I have learned so much from your threads as well as those of others here.