By Felicia Czochanski Bisaro
If you’re someone who celebrates Thanksgiving, it may seem like it’s all about the food. But it’s also a holiday dedicated to taking the time to appreciate the special people in your life and enjoy a delicious meal together. It’s one of the more casual holidays, too; you can show up to the Thanksgiving table with a sweater and leggings because the food is the star of the show.
In my family, we live all over the country now. When we are lucky enough to be together for Thanksgiving, we make the most of it. We have all different preferences — vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free — and the few who will happily eat just about everything. We spend time cooking together, so we have different versions of dishes everyone can enjoy. There are at least two versions of pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and stuffing! Taking the extra time to make the people you love feel heard and supported makes all the difference, especially when you’re only with one another once or twice a year.
This type of considerate bonding comes into play when setting the table. You can get creative with folded napkins and homemade place cards to make things feel extra special. You can put just as much effort into your tablescape as you do the food to create a unique atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family. Not only that but if you choose to shop for holiday dinnerware secondhand at Goodwill, your purchases are supporting those in the community who need job training, education or other resources. Each purchase can help people better provide for themselves and their families. There is no better way to show gratitude for what you have than to give back to others who could use some extra help.
I have been lucky when shopping at Goodwill’s home goods shelves. I’ve found some pretty great platters, teapots, vases and more! Some of what I’ve found is fun and quirky, while other items fit in a more classic and elegant style. You never know what you might find.
1. Thanksgiving Dessert Platter
After mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, Thanksgiving becomes all about the dessert for me. I love to bake, and putting my creations on display for others to enjoy is the best part for me. This ceramic platter was a perfect find, with light brown floral detail throughout it. I’d add some pumpkin chocolate brownies to this or a sampling of orange ricotta cookies like those pictured here.
2. Perfect Brunch Display Tower & Muffin Holders
Oftentimes, the main Thanksgiving meal takes hours to make. My family likes to do a casual brunch in the morning while we watch the parade on TV. This buffet-style breakfast lets people nibble as they get hungry but makes sure no one gets too full before the real meal starts. I love this fun muffin display and the tiered platter. I’ll use this as a centerpiece and surround it with a quiche and fruit. Once all the muffins are gone, you can use the same display for cupcakes.
