When Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, the turkey feast itself was considered decoration enough for most family tables. If accessories were added, they consisted of fall fruits and vegetables that represented the bounty of the family’s own farm or garden. Since then, we have created our own special traditions and ways of celebrating this day of giving thanks, mixing the old with the new. Whether it’s tossing the football or watching the Macy’s Day Parade, it’s all about food, fun and blessings.
Designer Maureen Anders shares: “I love traditions of every type, especially Thanksgiving. Prep work begins weeks before Thanksgiving when we start putting up the autumn décor, and pumpkin-scented candles start burning. After a traditional Thanksgiving meal (always with some quirky new recipes mixed in), our family loves to spend time playing games and enjoying delicious desserts. We love drinking fabulous fall favorites such as warm, spiced cider.”
With so much to plan and organize, from your centerpiece and flowers, to the dinnerware and menu, Lillian Vernon presents our top stylish and personalized items to make your Thanksgiving table look extra special.
Conversation-Starter Place Cards, with nine Thanksgiving sentiments, two of each included with a total of 18 cards, $4.99. Shop all of our exclusive Conversation Starter place cards
Whether you are hosting the holiday feast, or joining in as a guest, our Conversation-Starter Place Cards bring something fresh and unexpected to the table. Aside from designating who sits where, they each open to reveal one of nine Thanksgiving-inspired questions that prompt you to make the most of your annual gathering. Typical questions include: It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without….., and Tell us something you are thankful for about the person on your left. For more details, shop HERE
Give guests a warm welcome with your personalized Give Thanks Doormat created exclusively for Lillian Vernon by renowned graphic designer Maureen Anders, $24.99 HERE
Keep your children busy with our personalized Give Thanks Placemat, designed exclusively for Lillian Vernon by Maureen Anders. This double-sided, laminated placemat will keep kids entertained (and focused on the important things) this Thanksgiving holiday season. Use washable dry erase markers to color, draw, play tic tac toe and count your blessings. Front and back view, above and below, $9.99 each HERE
Because you make the best lasagna and casseroles, treat yourself to our Cherry Stoneware Casserole Dish, the most unique chef-quality stoneware featuring the name or message you specify. A distinctive way to identify your stoneware at group or family gatherings, school, office, or church events. Personalize name or message for free, up to 21 characters, $44.99
Beautiful fall tablescape by AndersRuff. Photography by Becca Bond beccabondphotography
Design Tip from Maureen Anders: Showcase vintage fall signs, bunches of dried wheat, shutters with printed graphic silhouettes and post cards. I also love rustic candelabras and burlap pumpkins and acorns. Get creative with pumpkins and spray them gold or silver with mercury glass mixed in. You can watch Maureen’s tutorial on how to make burlap acorns for fall HERE
Get creative with your decor, using layers of fall colors and textures, and make it extra special for your family or guests with personalized place cards and Thanksgiving food signs. Click HERE to get their look!
Spread a message of gratitude this Thanksgiving by serving (or gifting) a favorite bottle of wine embellished with our exclusive Give Thanks Wine Labels designed just for us by Maureen Anders, $9.99 Shop all of our customized wine labels HERE
Show ’em who’s top chef, with our NEW laser-engraved Paddle-Style Cutting Board made of American red alder in the USA. Engraved on edge up to 15 characters, $19.99 each
Stylish and useful at the same time, our NEW Reindeer Antler Bottle Opener is made of naturally shed reindeer antlers, and personalized with one initial on a metal disc. Due to nature, each bottle opener will vary slightly in size and shape. Perfect for home, holiday or hostess gift, $39.99
Our Give Thanks Cutting Board was created exclusively for Lillian Vernon by renowned graphic designer Maureen Anders. Made of tempered glass with stay-put rubber bumpers, personalized for free. Makes a wonderful hostess gift or addition to your own kitchen, $24.99
Our exclusive, Personalized Cocktail Napkins combine the look and feel or starched linen with the ease of disposability. Many are designed just for us by Jillian Yee-Pham of 2 Hearts B 1. Set of 125, $24.99 or two or more sets for $19.99. Shop HERE to browse our full collection.
An impressive design for occasions formal to casual and special to everyday, our exclusive, multi-use Personalized Hand Towels can be used in the dining room, kitchen or powder room. Most designed by Jillian Yee-Pham of 2 Hearts B1. $34.99 for set of 100 or $29.99 for two or more sets. Shop HERE to see the full collection. With the look and feel of starched linen this handy helper combines with the ease of disposability for an attractive, soft, absorbent towel. Set of 100 pre-folded towels.
Presentation is a piece of cake with our Domed Acacia Wood Server. Made of durable, lustrous Acacia wood, you can be sure the Be Social Acacia collection will complement any of your entertaining dishes, from condiments to cakes, $34.99. To shop all of our kitchen collection, click HERE
What is your family Thanksgiving Day tradition? If you’re looking for a new one, make a video and have everyone at the table talk about a favorite memory or blessing from the past year, as well as a wish for the upcoming year. Send a copy of the video to any family members who weren’t able to share the day, or upload the video to a photo-sharing site like Shutterfly. Next Thanksgiving, play the old video and make a new one.
Oldie but goodie: Break the turkey’s wishbone as part of your celebration. (The wishbone is found attached to the breast meat in the turkey’s chest.) After the meat has been removed and the wishbone has dried out, two people each take one end of the bone, make a wish, and pull. Whoever ends up with the larger part of the bone gets their wish!
Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from Lillian Vernon!
