Think of Thanksgiving, and images of a classical dining table will likely follow. However, while we're not one to knock tradition, Martyn Lawrence Bullard has reminded us that not every holiday table needs to replicate the same time-honored aesthetic.
'Everyone thinks about Thanksgiving as a traditional holiday to decorate with, but you can be modern, contemporary, and cool,' he says. To achieve this, he turned to Soho Home, who are (unsurprisingly) setting tablescape trends this season.
'I’m looking to autumnal earth tones and a more organic vibe, inspired by new [Soho Home] collections to show how a mix and match of textures, shapes, and styles make for the most original and modern take on such a great tradition.'
To create a contemporary space that will impress this Thanksgiving, Martyn prioritizes a beautiful autumnal palette, including tinted glassware and brassy-toned candleholders that pay homage to the season.
'Always add candles, even if you’re dining in the middle of the day, because it adds romance, it adds that little bit of sparkle,' he adds. 'As the light goes down and the evening comes in, the glow is going to make the table look amazing – and you.'
Here are our top picks from Martyn's tablescape, all of which will impress on every dining room in every type of home.
Inspired by the light fixtures found in Soho House Rome, these wine glasses allow us to savor the complexities of a glass of Malbec or Merlot in style. Each piece is crafted from mouth-blown glass for an exquisite finish every time.
Created by artisans in India, these brassy candleholders bring unexpected texture to tablescapes and serve as the perfect base for a tall tapered dinner candle that will burn and glow long into the evening.
This tableware is typical of brocante-style crockery, with an eye-catching bright blue rim that pays homage to its French-inspired roots. Each piece comes from an artisan workshop in the countryside just outside Florence.
Forged in cast iron, these candleholders stem from the natural tones and textures seen throughout Soho House Barcelona. They aim to bring an old-world feel to any dinner setting and look great standing alone or as a statement pair.
These highball glasses are inspired by the tactile, natural interiors at Soho Roc House, overlooking the sea in Greece. Each piece has subtle variations in tone and finish, meaning they're all individual.
These tumblers are made for enjoying a long refreshing soft drink or cocktail (perfect for a post-Thanksgiving dinner tipple). They add a lighthearted twist to the traditional tablescape we may associate with the season.
When Thanksgiving passes, these pieces will continue to impress long over the Christmas period and beyond. Glassware, bowls, and candlesticks such as these struggle to age; we can rest easy that our investments will continue to impress for seasons ahead.