Ever since Adam and I got married, we’ve hosted Thanksgiving for both families at our house…and since this year will be Phoebe’s first, no doubt it’ll be an extra special day where we’ll all be giving thanks for the incredible new blessing in our lives. Although I really love the traditional aspects of Thanksgiving, I always have fun choosing a fresh color palette and styling the table in a new way. A couple months ago, we designed this rustic-meets-refined Thanksgiving buffet for HGTV, and I’m thinking that my real celebration will end up looking quite similar. The ladies at Loot Vintage Rentals loaned us this gorgeous weathered sideboard and lots of antique cheese crates that I used to provide height on the buffet, and Elizabeth Lewis of the Nouveau Romantics created the lush, organic arrangements of flowers and branches, along with that to-die-for bay leaf garland on the buffet. (Liz, can you come back to my house for Thanksgiving, please?!) I incorporated a few family heirlooms – my cousin Sarah’s “Lavinia” china and my mom’s brass candlesticks – which always adds so much character and richness to a design. Not to mention that, especially on Thanksgiving, it’s those personal touches that make a table feel really meaningful. A few gourds spray-painted white and simple stoneware serving pieces let the main event – the food! – take center stage. Keep reading for a few of my fave outtakes by Ashley Garmon (including pumpkin mousse & ginger parfaits created for us by Bake Sale!!) and hop over to HGTV to read the full article and see the photo gallery!
Get the recipe for Roast Turkey with Lemon & Sage.
Maple-glazed brussels sprouts with toasted walnuts.
My friend Jess brought her sweet kids – Samuel, Elyse and Whitney – to be our models for the day. They were great sports and each ate an entire Thanksgiving feast despite the September heat.
Andrea of Bake Sale created these Pumpkin Mousse and Ginger Parfaits that incorporate lots of the same flavors as traditional pumpkin pie, but are presented with a gorgeous twist!
*special thanks to Loot Vintage Rentals, the Nouveau Romantics and Bake Sale for helping us make this shoot beautiful and delish!
**photos: Ashley Garmon
