Setting the table

Is it too early to set the table for Thanksgiving?  That's what I'm doing today because it's on my list.  Actually, today I'm also making my list for the coming days ahead.  This is going to be an easy Thanksgiving because we have only 5 of us and the big eater, Nick, won't be here since he and Sachiyo are in Japan this year. 

Nick always looked so forward to eating all this favorite foods during this time and Lauren does too, but just not in the same quantity.  I also have a lot of time off from work this year so I'm not in such a time crunch as I was last year so actually, I probably don't even need do a list, but I like doing one anyway so I will!  I also like setting the table so that's what I plan to do today for fun. I got new napkins and turkey napkins rings for half price this week so I'm eager to see how they look on the table, as you can see above.  I think they are quite effective!  I've never had turkey napkins rings after all these years of doing Thanksgiving so they do add a special touch to the event. The reason I like to set the table is because I like getting out all my cute little Thanksgiving trinkets I put on the table.  These little squirrels are new this year.

They are another half price item from last year shopping after Thanksgiving, as were the acorns that I sprinkle around the table. (from Pottery Barn which have gold covered acorns this year)  I've had the pilgrims made from eggs for years.  I also have multiple turkey candles on the table

and around the house.  You can never have too many candles and ones that look like turkeys are especially appropriate.

I never burn them because I don't know where to buy more.  I think I also got them at Pottery Barn a few years back and don't see them around to replace so I have to save them each year.  I buy the usual taper candles to burn since you can buy those anywhere.  This year, I also have a new addition of the salt and pepper shakers I bought in New Orleans in January which look perfect with the French chickens on them.

When I bought the napkins and turkey napkins rings, I also bought this water pitcher on sale

because it went perfect with the amber water glasses I got a few years back.

These go well with both Thanksgiving and Christmas theme since I have the gold charger plates. As you can see, it really takes YEARS to get all the stuff to coordinate setting a table for a festive occasion!  I got these wooden pilgrims something like 15 years ago at a craft fair which I've used for years.  I've never gotten tired of them which happens to a lot of old stuff and then I put them in the Goodwill pile and move on to something more contemporary.  But I've always like these, simple but effective.

Every year I plan to polish the silver which I plan to do again this year so it's not on the table yet. And every year I don't polish the silver…it's not one the of things I like to do.  Funny, it never seems to make it on the list, either, which is why it doesn't get done.  Interesting how that works. But when it's all said and done, it makes for another mouth watering table to sit down to for the feast.  Have fun with all your preparations this year!