Thanksgiving is the one time of year I pull out all the sterling silver flatware, serving pieces and candlesticks, polish it up and use it. I love the rich luster of well used and well loved sterling silver. It catches the light and is especially striking when used with beautiful linens.

Sterling silver requires elbow grease to make it shine and clean up requires more attention than just tossing it in the dishwasher. But it’s so worth it! When you look at my table, the gorgeous sterling lets you know that this is an important celebration.

I used several different patterns of china to make it more interesting.

Here is a tip: If any member of your family offers to give you old tarnished silver, grab it. Buy a tub of silver polish, shine them up, and use these heirlooms at your next Thanksgiving.

My tabletop was designed a few weeks prior to the party. Only the charming, last-minute details were on my mind on Thanksgiving day.

Green cake pedestal: Mosser

Porcelain cherub bowls: Vintage German porcelain

When it comes to my tabletop design, no detail is too small.

Sterling silver serving pieces: Family heirlooms

Dinner plates: Minton bone china, Ancestral pattern

Butter dishes: Vintage Copeland Spode, Indian tree pattern

Despite their vivid colors, these plates could not upstage the dessert served on them.

Just like my mother, I made sure to have other options for non-turkey lovers.

Here is what’s on my table:

Tablecloth: Williams Sonoma

Linen napkins: Darby, Sferra

Sterling silver flatware: Gorham, Melrose pattern

Sterling silver candlesticks: Family heirlooms

Sterling silver centerpiece bowl: Family heirloom

Butter dishes: Vintage Copeland Spode, Indian tree pattern

Dinner plates: Minton bone china, Ancestral pattern

Dessert plates: Vintage Myott Staffordshire

Sterling silver salt cellars: Family heirlooms

Porcelain cherub bowls: Vintage German porcelain (eBay)

Tiny flower vases: Salviati vodka glasses (Italy)

Green cake pedestal: Mosser (available at my Amazon Affiliate Store)

Blue butterfly: Lalique (eBay, also available at my Amazon Affiliate Store)

Frogs: Neiman Marcus

Plate under cherub bowl: Vintage Upper Hanley porcelain, Pearl pattern

Tortoise edged place cards: Caspari

Sterling silver serving pieces: Family heirlooms

White candles: Colonial Candle

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