Thanksgiving: Southern Style

There is nothing more exciting than turning on the television first thing in the morning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or spending time with family on this special day. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year, not because of overstuffing my belly with delicious food, but because of what it symbolizes. It’s a day each year that means gathering with the ones you love, whether that be extended family you haven’t seen all year or just some good, close friends. It is a time to reflect on what you’re most grateful for and all the blessings in your life. And best of all, it is the official start of the holiday season!

The Summerglen Dining Table is perfect for hosting a southern Thanksgiving feast

I moved to North Carolina from Delaware two years ago, so each year on Thanksgiving morning my husband Keith and I make the 7 hour trek up to Delaware. This is our new tradition. It may seem crazy to some to leave at 4am Thanksgiving morning to drive 7 hours, but we actually enjoy it because it’s something to look forward to. Plus, we avoid all of the Wednesday night traffic. Our annual pilgrimage to Delaware, as well as some other unconventional traditions, is what make the holiday special to us. This year, I am planning to incorporate a bit of southern charm into our Thanksgiving table setting when we are in Delaware.

Here, I have gathered some southern, vintage ways to spice up your Thanksgiving holiday:

Tablecloth or no tablecloth?

I say do without the tablecloth this year. Covering up your beautiful dining table just hides it from shining on the holiday. Maintain its dignity by not covering it up. Instead, try using stylish round placemats at each place setting and placing a table runner down the center.

Need a beautiful dining table for entertaining? The rectangle dining table from the Rhapsody Collection by Hooker Furniture is a beautiful piece that does not need to be hidden by a table cloth!

The Rhapsody dining table is big on size for big parties.

Make a rustic centerpiece

Pull out a tall vase, head outside, clip some branches with leaves, and place them in the vase.  Get some small vases of varying heights and place them around the tall vase with little flowers in them. This is an easy, eye-catching, rustic centerpiece. See the image below from Southern Living for vase inspiration.

Photo by Southern Living. Vases of varying heights make for a rustic centerpiece.

Mix and match China

Have a few different sets of China? Mix patterned China with some solid China for an eclectic place setting. I especially love vintage sets. It can really make for a shabby-chic look. I love this look Southern Living magazine put together.

Photo by Southern Living. Multiple China sets mixed together create a vintage, classy setting.

Enjoy the feast!

Prepping the dining table is always a must, but now it’s time to eat! The turkey is always center stage in our house but the side dishes are what make the meal. Growing up, my mother always made mashed sweet potatoes with roasted marshmallows on top. If you haven’t tried it, you must this year! Another side that we are making this year has a bit of southern flair to it, Green Bean-Goat Cheese Gratin. It is rich and creamy and oh-so-delicious! You can find the recipe here at Southern Living. Enjoy the feast but remember why you’ve gathered on this holiday—to reflect on what you’re thankful for and appreciate the loved ones in your life.

Photo by Southern Living. Green Bean-Goat Cheese Gratin is a delicious southern side!