How to Style a Thanksgiving Table–with Tips from a Homeware Buyer

The holidays are just around the corner and the biggest one of all (read: Thanksgiving) is fast approaching. If you’re ahead of the game and have already planned out your tablescape, that’s amazing. But if you haven’t a clue where to start, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

When it comes to looking for inspiration, who better to ask than Moda Operandi’s home buyer and curator, Caroline Corbin. As the home curator for the luxury e-commerce destination (and one of the key developers of its beautiful in-house collection, Moda Domus), you can trust her when it comes to all things stylish tableware. Even though when she first started out, the home division was completely new to her, it was a huge passion of hers on a personal level.

“I would always watch my mom put together amazing tablescapes–whether it was for family dinners or for the holidays,” says Corbin. “She always had her table put together–you can say my love for tableware started at a young age.”

Today, the buyer and curator channels that excitement when she’s looking for the next new thing.

“When it comes to curating brands for Moda, I look for originality and the identity behind the brand,” says Corbin. “I also gravitate towards artisanship. It’s important to give small businesses, craftsmen and artisans a platform to showcase their products.”

For someone who's constantly thinking of new tablescapes in her head, we tapped the buyer/curator for a few tips on how to style a Thanksgiving table.

Bring your personality to the table

"What excites me the most is being able to see one's personality through the tableware they’re using. I feel like once you lay eyes on a tablescape, you can immediately tell if this person is traditional, a minimalist or a maximalist.”

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

“Have fun with your table–mix and match tableware patterns and collections. For me, I always look for new dessert plates because I feel like it’s the easiest way to change out your tablescape.”

Flowers make great centerpieces

I always try to make sure I have a centerpiece on my table–particularly floral centerpieces. I think they make such a beautiful finishing touch. Scatter small bud vases around the table or simply decorate with it around one’s place setting. To me, florals complete the whole look!