Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving sends some of us out of town and has the rest of us looking for extra chairs. So we rounded up six finds from independent shops and makers, whether you’re setting the table or bringing a little something for the host.
We started right here in Montclair with illustrated place cards from Parcel, then looked a little farther afield. Think striped napkins for the table, candles to light before the doorbell rings, and apple cider caramels to pass around after dinner.
Parcel
Montclair, NJ
We love a handwritten place card. There’s something lovely about walking up to a table and seeing that someone thought about where you’d sit.
Parcel’s illustrated Farm to Table place cards got this whole guide started. We’d write the names by hand and let the youngest guest decide who sits where, if everyone’s feeling brave.
MADRE Linen
Portland, OR
These nubby linen napkins have a papaya-red edge that looks good next to the plates we’ve had forever. We’d keep them out for breakfast, too.
The Floral Society
Beacon, NY
We’d light a pair of these beeswax tapers before anyone arrives. There’s something about walking into a room where the candles are already lit. Even the familiar table looks a little different.
AFTER DINNER
Stay a little longer.
Autumn leaves, something sweet, and a cup of coffee for whoever’s still at the table.
Farmhouse Pottery
Woodstock, VT
The felted Oak & Acorn Garland looks like a handful of autumn leaves brought indoors. We’d let it wander down the middle of the table between the serving dishes, then move it to the mantel for the rest of evening and the season.
Little Apple Treats
Sebastopol, CA
The story behind these apple cider caramels starts in a California orchard. We’d put a few in a bowl and pass them with coffee, especially once everyone has insisted they’re too full for anything sweet. There’s always room for one.
MONTCLAIR, NJ
Bleu Coffee
For the last cup, we’re back in Montclair. Bleu’s Nicaragua coffee has notes of dark chocolate and walnut, just right for when the pie comes out. We’d save enough for the quiet cup the next morning, when the house is yours again.
Wherever Thanksgiving takes you, we hope there’s a seat with your name on it.
