Modern Thanksgiving Table

Even a stark-white-and-metallic table feels Thanksgiving-appropriate when paired with rich burgundy flowers.

Related To:

Mod Squad

Let's face it: Rich harvest hues and nature-inspired decor are not for everyone. If your tastes lean more modern, here's a punchy, graphic table that still feels appropriately seasonal — it is Thanksgiving, after all.

Singles Table

Prepare single-flower arrangements to achieve a striking, stylized look with little effort. Choose three differently shaped flowers in the same shade and cut them to approximately the same length. We opted for a dark burgundy color to add that purpley pop while feeling autumnal.

Make a Modern Arrangement

Decide whether you want to make single-flower arrangements or mix the various burgundy and purple flowers together. The amaranthus cruenthus are normally very long — don't be afraid to cut stems to the length you need based on the vases you're using and the desired overall height.

Circles and Squares

Clean white linen forms the backdrop for lots of geometric drama. Fold a metallic napkin (with punchy circles, to boot) into a narrow rectangle and tuck it beneath the salad plate. Simple stainless flatware, round goblets and tall cylindrical glasses maintain the streamlined look and allow the square plates to stand out a bit more.

Okey Dokey, Artichokey

With their overlapping leaves and rich hues, artichokes are incredibly beautiful and architectural. Add drama and color to each place setting by topping the plates with a small purple artichoke. Turn them into seating assignments by tacking place cards to each with a pin.

Light Up

Small clusters of textured mercury glass votives add instant ambience to your table when lit. The flame will reflect off the inside of the metallic votives as well as the larger vases nearby and add warmth to the stark table.

In the Bud

Stick tiny stems of some of the same flowers in bud vases to add more visual interest to the table. We love how the negative space in these combo napkin ring-bud vases adds to this table's geometric variety.

To Be Transparant

Mercury glass vases complement these highly textured flowers and allow their base colors to peek through. The black calla lily's green stem stands out in comparison to the amaranthus and seedum's purple bases.

Just a Crock

If you don't have or can't find mercury glass vases, try using a regular stainless utensil crock — the kind you probably have lying around in your kitchen. Your utensils will be busy with all the Thanksgiving preparation, anyway! If you'd like to brighten up the table and steer away from the monochromatic scheme, add some lighter flowers or foliage with a hint of pink.

Fit to Be Tied

Tie each single-flower arrangement with floral tape to keep all the stems in place.

In the Fold

Add even more geometric variety to the table by alternating styles of napkin folds between every other place setting. A simple square fold placed on the diagonal creates a diamondlike effect with the plates.

Design and Styling by Lisa Fireman Dorhout, Studio Sweet Pea.