Welcome to the 888th Tablescape Thursday! It’s been a busy week with the wallpaper installer arriving early each morning. He will be here again today, finishing up the prepping and painting of the guest bathroom walls. Then the waiting begins, as we’ll need to wait a full month to give the walls time to fully dry before the actual hanging of the paper. I’m not a fan of Peel-and-Stick wallpaper with its long waiting period between prepping the walls and when the wallpaper can actually be installed. Unfortunately, it’s the only wallpaper type that the design I chose comes in, or I would have gone with pre-pasted or unpasted.
Last week, you may recall that I ordered this colorful Spode Woodland Turkey Soup Tureen.
I have twelve, 5-pc place settings of Spode Woodland and six Spode Woodland turkey salad plates, so I couldn’t wait to see how Mr. Tureky would look in a table set with that dish pattern.
I may have to make some Butternut Squash Soup this year, since Mr. Turkey isn’t just a beautiful autumn decoration but also functions as a large soup tureen.
Fun fact: I purchased this dining table shortly after moving into the Dollhouse. It came with a leaf that expands the table to comfortably seat eight.
I really should purchase another six turkey salad plates just in case I need them for future Thanksgiving dinners, although the salad plates that came with the Spode Woodland dinnerware are also really pretty!
My default mode for greenery around a centerpiece is usually cutting a few leaves from the magnolia tree just outside my home in Georgia. Well, there ain’t no magnolia tree in this front yard! Actually, there is, but it’s not the type that produces big, green leaves for centerpieces. lol That’s okay though because I doubt Mr. Turkey would be found trotting through magnolia leaves in real life. I figured he would be out foraging through damp, forest woods in search of a fat, juicy berry, grub, or grasshopper. So I surrounded Mr. Turkey with some faux Spanish Moss that’s actually made from the bromeliad plant. I scattered a bit of green forest moss across the top for a bit more color. (Both mosses are available here: Spanish Moss AND here: Green Forest Moss.)
Note: The green forest moss came dehydrated and compact. I pulled off sections, added a bit of water, and it immediately fluffed up. I pulled it all apart, then let it dry out over a couple of days. It kinda of shrank back down a bit after it dried, but I still like the way it looks scattered atop the faux Spanish Moss. You have to admit, Mr. Turkey is one handsome guy! If you need a beautiful (and functional soup tureen) centerpiece for fall and Thanksgiving, you’ll find him available here: Spode, Turkey-shaped Soup Tureen with Ladle.
Mr. Turkey is the perfect size for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. He’s not too big to see over and absolutely makes the table. He truly is the star of the table! Can you tell that I’m crazy about him?!
I’m tempted to order a second one to use as decor in another area of the house, and as a backup in case he ever gets broken one day. I would be so sad if that happened. Sometimes backups are a good thing! I could also see adding the leaf to this table and setting the table with two turkeys.
I almost paired my Spode Woodland with my (and your) favorite pierced charger plates.
The creamy white background of Spode Woodland does look great with those chargers. (Pierced charger plates are now available here: Pierced Charger Plates.)
In the end, I decided to go with plaid chargers. I really like how they looked paired with the pretty colors of Mr. Turkey. The plaid charger plates were a find in Williams Sonoma several years back. (See those here: Plaid Charger Plates.) Though they don’t appear to be available now, they are available in a gorgeous green plaid here: Green Plaid Charger Plates.
The glassware is Waterford. The water/tea glass is in the pattern, Araglin, and the Ruby Hock stemware is in the Lismore pattern. I can never remember the name of this flatware pattern. I found it on eBay many years ago and fell in love with its gorgeous patina. Someone loved and used this flatware for many years, and it was this flatware that taught me how beautiful silver or silverplate can become when used regularly. The silky, satin sheen of the patina is stunning! Use your silver flatware every day; it will become more and more beautiful with regular use!
Spode Woodland is my favorite dinnerware for autumn, especially for Thanksgiving. I’m so thankful Spode created this pattern! I do love it so much! Initially, I purchased six place settings from Dillard’s—or, or was it Macy’s? It’s been so many years, it’s hard to remember now. I had always planned to add another six place settings, and I finally got around to doing this a few years ago. When those arrived, I was so happy to see that the pattern was just as colorful and beautiful as my original six place settings. I purchased those last six place settings from the Spode store here: Spode Woodland Dinnerware. The turkey salad plates are still available here: Spode Turkey Salad Plates.
After Mr. Turkey arrived and I saw how pretty he was, I had to purchase the adorable salt and pepper shakers, along with the gravy boat. (Salt & Pepper shakers are available here: Spode Turkey Salt & Pepper Shakers.)
I thought about purchasing the gravy boat that was created to go with my Spode Woodland dinnerware, but in addition to being a lot more expensive, it’s not nearly as cute as this guy! I knew I’d regret not having him for future autumn/Thanksgiving dinners.
You’ll find this cute guy available here: Spode Turkey Gravy Boat with Ladle.
This will be my Thanksgiving table this year, although I’ll need to take it apart over the next few days since I’d like to set a Halloween table or two this month.
Happy Fall, Y’all! Looking forward to all the wonderful table settings linked below for this week’s Tablescape Thursday!
If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then copy and paste the address showing in the address bar, into the “url” box when you link up. You’ll need to include a link in your post back to the party to link up and participate. That’s so visitors to your blog will be able to find the party and the other Tablescape Thursday participants. Requiring a link back also prevents businesses and scammers from linking up to sell their products. Please, don’t add your post name/blog name ALL IN CAPS…it tends to create big spaces between the rows of links. Please do not link up table settings that were just recently shared in the last few weeks for Tablescape Thursday.
Get the second turkey! You won’t regret it, but you might if you don’t.
I think you’re right, Barb!
I have also fallen under the charms of “turkey china”. In my case it is Johnson’s Brothers Barnyard King simply love it. I would not be in the least opposed to mixing it with the Spode you so show so well. More turkeys please. I have come to love Thanksgiving as I have aged it is so American and so wonderful. It is nice to have something to look forward to.
Karen, I did a search for Johnson Brothers Barnyard King, and it’s beautiful! What a great pattern for fall and Thanksgiving! I know, I get so nostalgic thinking about Thanksgiving. ♥
The turkey tureen is definitely a great addition to your collection; he really adds just the right amount of color. And how cute are those S/P shakers?! Butternut Squash soup is a fall favorite of mine, so creamy and flavorful.
Thanks, Mia! I know, I thought briefly of buying another set of S & P shakers for the other end of the table, and Mr. Turkey could be Mrs. Turkey with her babies all around her. 🙂
Such a PERFECT table. Love Mr. Turkey. The Spode Woodland pattern looks GREAT on the tartan plaid chargers. Love the napkin combination too. Where did you get the paisley patterned one (outside one)? Lovely table.
Thanks, Toni! I’ve had those napkins for so many years, I can’t remember where I found them now. It may have been Tuesday Morning. They have a discreet sewn-in tag that says, “Lauren Ralph Lauren.” I would love to find a few more since I only have 6. I love that paisley pattern, and I’m surprised how often I end up using those in tables. You may want to check on eBay periodically to see if something like that pops up. They need to produce them again!
As always, your tablescape is gorgeous, Susan. What a classic setting.
Thanks so much, Michele! It was fun to put together with what I have here at the Dollhouse.
I love Mr. Turkey and the gravy boat and the S&P shakers. If you are serving Thanksgiving dinner, would you leave Mr. Turkey on the table even after your soup course? If not, wouldn’t the moss be a pain to remove? Did you put a tray under the moss to make it easier to move? Buy the second one. I never regret things I buy, only things I don’t buy. I’m sure you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
Thanks, Lin! Yes, I think I would leave him there since he is so enjoyable to see and isn’t in the way. We usually eat buffet style since there are always so many dishes so I won’t be placing food on the table.
I didn’t put anything under the moss since I placed the Spanish moss down first and sprinkled the green forest moss on top. So I should be able to lift the Spanish moss up in large sections to store away in a large 2-gallon ziplock bag to use another time.
That is so true! I was thinking about that earlier today, and I did go ahead and order a second one.
Your table looks great! Mr Turkey looks right at home in the moss bed. Perfect!
Thanks, Linda! He seemed pretty happy there, trotting around looking for grubs and bugs. 😉
A Thanksgiving Dream Table! 🙂 Love Mr. Turkey. I also have turkey plates for the holidays, and they never fail to perk up the table. Happy Fall!
Aww, thanks, Rosie! I keep thinking about the turkeys I saw taking their time, sauntering down the road, casually blocking the whole road in Big Canoe. They were hilarious!
We see turkeys that roam the arboretum where we volunteer…and just hang out and hike through. They are VERY good at eating all the crabapples, digging through mulch for insects and flying down from trees when you least expect it. 🙂 But what I enjoy most from these really tame ones is the beautiful color in their feathers that you don’t really see from afar. And when the sun hits the feathers just right, it is stunning. They are usually unafraid of people and just kind of saunter around. Perfect for their ‘close ups’!
I love your table Susan – Mr Turkey and his little pals are perfect with your plates, and the plaid chargers are some I’ve had my eye on for quite a while. They all look great. Thanks for sharing all the inspiration, and for the party! Happy October!
Thanks so much, Barbara! I was sad when WS finally ended all the great plaid they had going on for several years. It included bedding, tablecloths, mugs and a bunch of other pieces. I hope they bring it (or something similar) back again one day. The green plaid charger plates they have right now are really pretty! Happy Fall!
For sure go with the second set of S&P; not just from an appealing look on the table, but it always seems that when you have 6 or more dining together, 2 people at opposite ends of the table are looking for the S&P at the same time! Don’t think you will regret it! Your table looks so inviting! I have the same Williams Sonoma charges; never thought to use them with my Thanksgiving dishes. Gonna give it a try this year – thanks for inspiration!
That is so true! It really does make sense to have them at both ends of the table, then no one has to wait too long is they need them.
Yeah, it’s funny, but I’ve found those plaid chargers to almost act like a neutral with other patterns. I’m surprised by how many china/dish patterns I can pair with them.
He is SPECTACULAR, isn’t he???!!! Love him & how those red tartan chargers look on the table!!! Beautiful job!!!
He is! lol Thanks so much, Vickie!
Beautiful table Susan and I love love all the mixes of patterns and colors. Mr. Turkey Tureen is gorgeous and is indeed the star!
Thanks so much, Kim! This was a fun table to put together with a lot of my old favorites, and of course, Mr. Turkey. lol I hope you’re having a wonderful October so far! Happy Fall!
Fall tables will always be my favorite. Put a turkey on a dish or tablecloth, I love them all! Yours is beautiful! In case you’re interested, Amazon is selling the Spode Woodland flatware (also at Walmart online) that has the original design (not the Wallace brand) with the little animals stamped on the base of the spoons, forks and knives. I had searched for years for it, and it finally appeared. I also saw in your old picture of the pierced charges the little duck to hold the knives, and that was one of my first times that I saw something on your blog that I HAD to have; I searched and searched and finally purchased them! They make an appearance every Thanksgiving (and Christmas) on my tables and I have always loved them! Also, did you know that Spode Woodland also makes a beautiful tablecloth and placemats? I found a set at a Ross store near my house and even though I haven’t used them yet, they seem to be very decent in quality. Can’t wait to see what you brought from your GA house for Halloween tables!!
Mr. turkey looks handsome with the moss. Perfect!
Mr. Turkey looks very handsome with the moss, Perfect!