Creating a Casual Thanksgiving with Sabre Bistro Flatware

green plates, blue handled flatware on red table
PHOTO: EMMA FISHMAN FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, FOOD STYLING BY TYNA HOANG, PROP STYLING BY CATHERINE PEARSON

While Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the most formal meals of the year, it doesn’t have to be that way. While sophisticated decor can be beautiful, a more casual look can foster an even warmer and intimate feeling between you and your guests. If you’re looking for a setup that is relaxed enough to feel ultra-comfortable, but still marks the specialness of the occasion, there are many ways to make it happen!

How to Create a More Casual Tablescape

Luckily, many brands have caught on to the casual-chic trend popping up on family dinner tables all around the country. Now it’s easier than ever to find the perfect dining set, flatware, and decor that best represents your family and loved ones.

When it comes to the easygoing look, try to keep the colors, materials, and decorative items as natural and simple as possible. By combining these three elements, you can easily make an unforgettable informal table setting.

Use the Sabre Bistro Vintage Set

One of the best pairings for your Thanksgiving meal is the Sabre Bistro Vintage Set. This set is designed to resemble your favorite neighborhood cafe or restaurant and capture the feeling of sitting out on a terrace and watching the world go by, all while still incorporating a clean and modern feel.

wood handled flatware antique finish

Each set comes in a variety of colors like red, blue, or tortoise pattern, and of course natural wood, which effortlessly blends into any decor. In fact, you can check it out for yourself, as they were recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for their beautiful aesthetic that makes any holiday dinner look effortlessly cool.

We suggest grabbing a set, which is composed of a soup spoon, dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, and teaspoon. It’s the ideal size for family gatherings, as well as day-to-day meals at home. Even better, these pieces are dishwasher safe up to 55° C / 131° F, making your holiday clean up even easier!

Keep the Centerpiece Simple

Your centerpiece doesn’t need to be prim and proper to have an aesthetic effect. Simple objects can actually have just as much of a modern and elevated feel as ornate ones. For example, you could try out a festive piece like a fresh pumpkin, seasonal plants or herbs, flowers with autumnal hues, or even feathers.

Try to mix and match textures and colors for the most eye-catching look. By using natural “found objects” you can easily create a casual look that still has a lot of personality.

Try a Rustic Look

If you’re looking to create a pastoral feel this year, try out rustic classics that are easy to find, like mason jars, earth toned linen napkins, small candles in glass jars, and wooden handled silverware.

For an even more beautiful finishing touch, try tying each flatware set with a piece of twine and a beautiful herb like eucalyptus or lavender tucked behind. You can also pluck a feather or flower from your centerpiece, or even choose something different for each place setting for a more personalized feel.