A Perfect Setting for Thanksgiving

The word epergne is taken from the French word epargne, which means economy.  An epergne usually has a large bowl in the center, with branches or arms that extend out holding smaller baskets, bowls, candle holders, or dishes of some sort.  Today it is used as a centerpiece, and I have been searching for an epergne since I saw one on the pages of a Southern Living Christmas book in 2004.  I found one this week at an auction, just in time for Thanksgiving.  Woohoo!!  It's a bit on the flashy side, but it's unusual, and I think it was a pretty good buy.  I used it as my centerpiece for one of my tables today.  I had 17 for dinner, and I am exhausted to say the least, but we had such a wonderful time being together, and everyone pitched in with the cooking.

My Victorian style epergne holds a bowl of roses at the top.  The three arms or branches, as they are sometimes called, hold oranges filled with flowers and rosehips.  Small bowls would normally be placed on the branches, but the oranges seemed to fit better without the bowls.

The epergne was used to save space when all the food was placed on the table.  It was also used to serve rare nuts, fruits, condiments, and other luxuries from the East.  Guests would serve themselves from the epergne.

For this Thanksgiving table, I used my Mother's china, Signature Collection, Queen Anne (Japan).  The green and gold colors remind me of autumn.  By using some of her china and other items, such as the crystal napkin rings, I feel that she is with us in spirit!

I also found a new mirror at the auction, I love the way it reflects the table in this picture.

Now on to table No. 2!  Neither one of my tables will fit 17 people, so I have set two, one in the kitchen and one in the dining room!

A bit more casual, I am using brown chargers from Target and Thanksgiving plates by Queens.

An orange harvest cloth, a brown runner, and lots of pumpkin and artichoke candles, which unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of once lit.  Things got crazy about that time...

I have been so blessed this year and on this Thanksgiving I am giving thanks for my health, my wonderful family--especially my hard-working husband who allows me to play with my dishes, my extended family, my friends, and those who have gone before me.  Thanks be to God!!  I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!  Now on to Christmas!!  Thanks for visiting, as I strive for A Perfect Setting!!