Gathering Together Celebrating Thanksgiving 2025
Gathering Together Celebrating Thanksgiving 2025.
Friends don’t you love to hear the crunch of fallen leaves as you walk, deliberately shuffling your feet, just so you can hear that wonderful sound and watch the leaves flutter around you? It brings to mind plaid blankets, flickering candles and dancing campfires as God has provided this special Season with it’s rich hues of rust, brown, deep orange, burgundy and amber.
It is Autumn and a transitioning time from the lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer… which is now transforming into this beautiful Season with all it’s glorious splashes of color. Too soon, this Season will transition into a hustling, bustling, and most likely icy cloak of Winter. But for now, let us enjoy Autumn. It is a Season of rapid change so let’s sit back and enjoy the ride as the leaves start to change and the air turns cool and crisp. It is sweater weather my friends, which means it’s time to cozy up our homes with Seasonal decor, warming scents and delicious traditional recipes as we embrace the beauty of Fall.
It is at this time we think more about family and loved ones who are no longer with us or who live far away. A contemplation and reflective time when we sit by the fire, roasting marshmallows for S’Mores and drink hot chocolate. Yummy!
So let’s talk about setting a table for the Thanksgiving Holiday..
This is my 2025 Thanksgiving table, which will soon have family and friends gathering as we celebrate the foods from the harvest of some hard working and dedicated farmers. We start with the centerpiece which is …a large Turkey…a Spode 96 ounce Turkey Shaped Soup Tureen with Ladle and I’ve sat it on a bed of greenery, which is actually an evergreen charger from Pier 1 (many moons ago). After walking by the table a few times, I decided to add a few pieces of moss to add to the illusion that the turkey was standing in a grassy field, plus the moss adds the color green (which is in the barely seen salad plate stack) to offset the neutrality of the various shades of brown on my table.
The tureen will hold the wonderful sage dressing that my family adores. Turkey and Dressing will lead the way to other traditional Thanksgiving foods, including the usual accoutrements to snack on before the big dinner…. followed by Butternut Squash Soup, Fluffy, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Maple-Caramel Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Pistachio Salad, Deviled Eggs, Apple Cake and Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream. Our family is not to keen on deviating too much from the same Thanksgiving Menu we have had for more years than I care to admit.
I really like this Spode Woodland Turkey…his presence is notable due to his large size. He is new this year as well as the 14 ounce Spode Woodland Turkey- shaped gravy boat with ladle. Both are the only new pieces this year. I have had the other Spode pieces on the table for quite a few years, so I was glad to add to my set. Everything else is from my collections…. so they are several years old. I have sourced all below. I have added similar pieces for those items not available anymore.
I did not use a tablecloth or runner, but chose instead to use woven chargers for the bottom of the plate stack. Usually I go more formal with a Thanksgiving table but I decided this year there will be no worries of gravy spills on a linen tablecloth. Everything is easily wiped up and that means more time to enjoy guests. The Spode Salt & Pepper shakers sit close to the Turkey and compliment the Spode Woodland Turkey dessert plates. I debated putting the brown linen napkins with antler napkin rings on the side of the plate stack (see above) or on the center of the dessert plate. I decided on the center.
I used a distressed crackle dinner plate and topped it with a green sponge ware salad plate. A few years back, Tory Burch introduced a mochaware collection alongside a spongeware line and both (in my opinion) are beautifully true to their historical roots and create timeless charm. I love the pop of green.
I also love tortoise… and have the flatware with tortoise handles as well as the tortoise water glasses and candle holders. The glasses are actually highball glasses but are generous enough for water. The tortoise candle holders are holding caramel colored tapers. The amber stemmed wine glasses bring additional warmth to this rustic, collected table.
Sources:
Turkey Tureen, Gravy boat, Dessert dishes: Spode Woodland
Tortoise Taper Holders: Similar, purchased years ago
Tortoise Flatware: French Home Laguiole Connoisseur
Tortoise water glasses: Hudson Grace
Green Sponge Ware salad plates: Tory Burch
Antler napkin rings: Pottery Barn
Brown fringed linen napkins: Amazon
Evergreen sprigs charger: Pier 1 (years ago) Similar here.
Amber stemmed wine glasses: Similar, purchased years ago
Blessings Always
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thank you for visiting Gathering Together Celebrating Thanksgiving 2025.
Of course a big shout out to Rita for all her organizational skills in keeping this Thankful bunch on the straight and narrow. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and may all your days be filled with gratitude.
Kari, such a warm and inviting table! I love to see tables set with Spode’s Woodland pattern — all the pieces are quite lovely. And that tureen is fabulous! I like that there’s touches of blue in his feathers. The blue and the use of greens around the tureen and on the salad plates complement the autumnal beiges and browns. I love the tortoise elements and you might have just inspired me to add some to my cupboard! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kari,your fabulous Spode turkey reigns as king of the table, looking all regal! I love how you tucked a little moss under him and this goes nicely with the green in your green dishes. Love the distressed, crackle charger, the tortoise flatware and the antler napkins rings as well! It all makes for a wonderful Thanksgiving table. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving celebration 🧡🦃
I cannot tell you enough how much I love your turkeys! The china, of course, is beautiful. But the real superstars are all the accessories. They’re so beautifully rendered with such great detail. And of course, you have put all the elements together so seamlessly. Elegant but oh, so warm and welcoming. I love it.
Thank you Jeanie for your kind comments on my Thanksgiving table. I love my Spode turkeys so much, I want to display them all year long. (but I won’t)….I hope you have an enjoyable week as we prepare for all the Holidays. I am going to try to not it get hectic…we will see how that goes. LOL🍁🐿️🍂
Oh look at those darling little turkey salt and peppers!! They are so adorable at the feet of your Spode turkey – just like babies! (Kind of… ) Love your tortoise flatware too – that’s really cool. I don’t think I’ve seen that before. But they go so well with your tortoise glasses. Love the whole setting – so friendly and perfectly fall! It’s always a treat to hop with you, my friend! I know your family will love sitting at this table with you on Thanksgiving!
thanks Barb I do love the Spode pieces and I use them frequently. I have always loved tortoise and have sunglasses, hair jewelry and this season my fingernails. LOL Thanks for stopping by my friend.🥰🍁🐿️
Good Morning Kari, What a handsome Tom Turkey Tureen! He’s beautiful as the star and centerpiece of your table with your Spode Woodland Turkey plates and cute salt and pepper shakers. I love the crackle texture the chargers lend, as well as the pop of green from your spongeware plates and addition of moss at the base of your tureen. The tortoise additions from your flatware and glasses complement your pieces beautifully. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you, Happy November! 🦃🍂🧡
Thank you Mary for your comments and for stopping by. I fell in love with Spode a long time ago and I have not stopped collecting even though my storage is at capacity. I think the colors of the tortoise pieces add to the Autumn glow of the table. Happy Thanksgiving🍁🐿️🍂
Kari, your Spode turkey tureen is nothing short of magnificent on his bed of greens and how great that you have the gravy boat and S & Ps to match! I love the plate stack with the hint of green from the sponge ware under the Spode Woodland dessert plates, all on top of those distressed crackle dinner plates (I love love crackle anything). The tortoise flatware and water glasses are a lovely addition and those the napkins encased in the antler napkin rings are so pretty. The overhead shots are beautiful. The menu sounds so delicious and I would be reluctant to deviate from it as well. I’m so glad that your family will be joining you for this special day and I wish you all a most blessed Thanksgiving!
You are so kind Kim…thanks for your comments. I love tortoise and feel it can be used as a rustic counterpart to anything fussy. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.🍁🐿️
What a beautiful table, Kari! The Tory Burch dinnerware is a handsome pair, and your Spode plates shine, especially with the tureen, gravy boat and salt & peppers. The tortoise glassware is exquisite. I have had my eyes peeled for a nice set of that as well as flatware. Funny fact – I actually put those napkin rings in an online shopping cart two days ago, just waiting to pull the trigger. And in my opinion, nothing can compete with the Thanksgiving menu you described.
Kari, thank you for participating in this blog hop, and for your inspirational devotions you quote each time.I am grateful for you.
Rita I have done the same thing many times…put something in a cart to “think” about it. But before I know it, I have pulled the trigger…I have no self control when it comes to dishes. Thanks for stopping by.
Your large Spode turkey soup tureen is the perfect centerpiece for your beautiful table, Kari. How wonderful to add to your collection. The distressed crackle dinner plate is one of my favorite pieces on your table. Those antler napkin rings are so lovely for Fall and Thanksgiving. Happy November!
Thank you so much Kitty…I enjoy my dishes almost as much as my family. LOL Just joking. Happy November back at you.
Kari, I love the Spode Woodland turkey tureen. I looked at him online and talked myself out of buying him, I am out of storage. However, it made me happy to see him on your table my friend! After all he is the star of the table!! The Spode Woodland turkey dessert plates are the perfect topper for your lovely plate stack! I have long admired the antler napkin rings and they are the perfect addition to your table. The tortoise flatware and water glasses grabbed my attention, I love anything tortoise. Not using a tablecloth provided a charming setting. The menu sounds delicious. Your sentiments in the opening paragraphs are much like mine!
It is always a delight to hop with you and pull out a chair at one of your tables. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving season!
I hear you on the storage issue. The Captain is adding shelves to the spare bedroom closet as we speak. I just can’t part with any of my dishes …my centerpieces etc. I don’t think anything short of an intervention will help. LOL. I would be honored to sit at the table with you my dear friend. Thanks for stopping by.
Your Spode Woodland Turkey surrounded by the moss makes for a wonderful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
Thank you Karen for stopping by. Happy Thanksgiving…
So beautiful and elegant! I do love that Spode tureen. I don’t have a large turkey figure for my table, but I really think I need one, and I think I need this one. I bought one years ago, and I’m talking 35 years ago, but it had a lot of blue in it. At the time it went quite well with my home, but not so much anymore. I have those napkin rings from Pottery Barn. I love them, but generally don’t use them for Thanksgiving. You have given me a lot of good ideas here.
So glad you stopped by Patti and for your sweet comments on my table. Hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful.
Kari, your Spode Woodland turkey tureen is fabulous! What a great find. I have long admired Spode Woodland series, have a few plates, but have never seen the larger serving pieces. Your turkey makes an amazing statement and useful too! I’ve never added caramel to sweet potatoes, but I want to try it. Caramel is definitely a favorite flavor for me!
Happy Thanksgiving! Grateful for your friendship and inspiration!
Sarah I really love that big and wonderful turkey. So colorful. thanks for stopping by.
I am lovin’ your green dishes, so unique. And you large turkey is stunning! Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family!
Thanks Patti…I really like the sponge ware too. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kari, you have set a lovely table for Thanksgiving. Your tom turkey tureen is a beautiful turkey, surrounded by moss. I love the Spode woodland plates, so handsome. I have the pheasant plates. The angler napkin rings are to cute. The tortoise glassware, flatware, and taper holders are so fun. Your menu sounds delicious. I have never added caramel to my sweet potatoes, something new. I usually stick to the same foods for Thanksgiving too. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving.🍁🦃🍁
Caramel gives the sweet potatoes another layer that is so good. thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kari, love how that beautiful turkey tureen on the moss becomes the star of your table by foregoing the tablecloth and going with a palette of earthy colors. Your napkin rings brought back fun memories of our visit to Jackson Hole. Lovely table and yes to keeping the traditional menu. I love caramel but never have added it to my sweet potatoes. Sounds so good. Thankful for finding your blog, sweet lady.
What a great start for KU. So great to see the teamwork.
Hey Jan…what a great in last night. So glad it was not one of those last minute wins…I just hope we can keep it up. UNC is next. I am sure Roy will be there, but perhaps a little torn. LOL
I know what you are talking about in Jackson Hole…I have always wondered if they keep adding more because they were doing that in the 60’s and 70’s. Have a great Thanksgiving my friend. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.
What a lovely table you have set. Your turkey soup tureen is a handsome fellow. Perfect for your table. The added moss made it even more special. I love all your Spode Woodland plates along with the antler napkin holders.
What a beautiful table. Thank you my friend!
Happy November!
Thank you Nancy…so glad you stopped by and we all have so much to be thankful for. Have a great week.