Hostess With The Mostess: Mismatched Thanksgiving Table Setting

Whoever said matching dishware was a must is surely wrong.

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which means it’s time to start planning the table setting. Who is going to sit where, how many can fit at the table and…oh, what’s the deal on the plate situation?

So, the other day, as I’m going through that list, I realized the miss “hostess with the mostess” that I’m trying to portray doesn’t own a set of matching plates. Instead, I have one set of large white dinner plates, and tons of small mismatched plates that I’ve collected over the years from grandma + thrift shops. So, challenge accepted. If you are in the same spot as me, don’t give up. It all will come together in a quirky, beautiful way. Here’s how:Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Take Inventory. I counted the number of white plates I had, and decided to make those the base of the setting. If you have a bunch of different colors and shapes for the large plates, don’t sweat it! I bet your guests will be thrilled with the change-up. Next, count how many little salad plates you have, as they will serve as the contrast to your base plate. If you don’t have any funky salad plates, check out your local thrift shops and antique stores — you’ll score, and do so on the cheap!

Texture. Soften the glass up with some fabric. I’m always amazed by what I can find after a dig through my drawers and closets, like this crochet piece that centered the table, and some hand-embroidered napkins that just broke my heart.

Little Details. We’ve mentioned this a million times on the blog, but it’s so perfectly true — it’s all about the little details. I took an antler from my hanging wall, grabbed a little jar and added a few sprigs of flowers, and even tied off my napkins with twine and some pretty filler. These accents help blend the whole vibe together. I wanted mine to be light, sweet and happy.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Add Glass. Clear glassware will help to break things up visually. If you don’t have matching cups, even better! Mix mason jars, modern glass and wine flutes. The options are endless. Placing glass in between people’s place settings will keep the table from feeling so busy.

Have Fun. I mixed a painted, more conservative ceramic serving plate that belonged to my grandmother with a modern arrow serving plate. Don’t be shy, and have fun!

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

No matter how mismatched your stuff may be, there is always a way to make it work. I was nervous as I first began, but it’s amazing how things just ended up making sense.

What are you planning for your table settings this year? Will anyone else be mismatching with me? Let me know in the comments!

Follow FPMadisyn on Instagram and take a peek at her blog!

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
7 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Lisa
8 years ago

Now I know how to make my collection current! Beautifully mismatched and refreshing thanks!

8 years ago

I love mismatching things, to my eyes the result looks amazing!
I wish I had plates as pretty as yours!
xx
https://chroniclesofamermaid.wordpress.com

Livvy
8 years ago

So creative!

8 years ago

I love how every plate looks unique but they all work together and create such a beautiful arrangement. Wonderful idea!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

amanda
8 years ago

where are the tiles from? love them

Alison
8 years ago

Love it, some of the best tablescapes are mismatched! You should check out the vintage tea sets and tableware the girls at WingsHawaii on Maui got goin on! So cute too!
http://www.wingshawaii.com

8 years ago