A Navy Blue & Burgundy Thanksgiving Table [Plus My Appetizer & Wine Pairing Picks!]

How is the big day almost here already?! No, not Christmas, but the all-around best day for the 3 F’s – Family, Friends and FOOD! When you can gather around the table with your closest loved ones any day of the year it’s a wonderful thing, but there is something extra special about being together over the holidays. And if you’re anything like me, I wish we could dedicate more than one day to all of those yummy Thanksgiving dishes! Today, I’m sharing my dining room table all set and ready for a feast! I decided to term this year’s tablescape – A Navy Blue and Burgundy Thanksgiving Table! Plus, I’ve partnered with 90+ Cellars again to bring you three different delicious appetizer and wine pairings, so there is definitely a little something for everyone sitting at the table!

[*Affiliate links are used in this post.]

THE LOOK

I love using rich, moody tones in my Fall decor and this year I thought a burgundy and navy blue combo would achieve that look! I’ve been crushing on velvet EVERYTHING lately and when I spotted this burgundy velvet table runner, it stole my heart and hopped in my cart! After getting home and realizing how little contrast there was between the runner and the table, I decided to layer the white and gold foil spotted runner [from last Christmas’ Table] underneath of the velvet one to really make it pop!

You guys, the photos do not do this velvet beauty justice!

A few mini pumpkins were spaced out on the runners, along with two small vases of flowers and a couple of candleholders. Earlier this Fall I scooped up a could of extra tall burgundy taper candles from the thrift store and knew they would work beautifully on the table! Something happens when I see these candles [like when when they inspired my Spring Table], a tablescape instantly starts forming in my head right there in the middle of the thrift store aisle!

As for the placesettings, I also thrifted these gorgeous, super thick animal print charger plates and used them with these woven ones at the heads of the table since there were only four chargers at Goodwill! Navy blue & gray cloth napkins were laid out, then my navy blue striped plates and gold rimmed appetizer plates went on top. [Shhh, don’t tell anyone that they’re actually paper!] Since this gathering is focused around appetizers, I thought they would be perfect options for having a few nibbles, then a few more and then a few more. Isn’t that usually how it goes with yummy apps? You just can’t stop until you realize you’ve used 3 plates and are now so full, it will be hard to eat the main course!

A new addition to the table are these black flatware pieces I scooped up after learning about them at the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event in September. Did you know BHG has a line of products at Walmart?! They were a steal of a deal [only $1.88, can you believe it?!] and fit perfectly with the rich and moody vibe I was going for!

Next up is the drinkware! I’m all about the high-low mix, so I’m using my absolute favorite wine glasses right now alongside the gold-rimmed glass tumbler Dollar Tree finds for water! Oh and the good news is, you don’t have to buy these glasses by the case, like you do most of their products online, you can actually purchase as little as a set of four. Grab 8 and you’re set year-round!

Last, but not least, I attached my recent DIY Autumn Leaf & Berry Wreath to the back of the hostess chair to add even more burgundy to the space!

Now on to the best part…

THE FOOD & DRINK

Interspersed between the table decor, you’ll see several bottles of wine…like I mentioned earlier, it’s always good to have a little something for everyone! When hosting, having a variety of wine offerings is best. Not only do people have different taste preferences, but the food on the table tastes all-the-better when perfectly paired with the right wine!

Here is what I’m serving, along with my recommended pairings…

Stuffed Mushrooms & Pinot Noir

• 90+ Cellars Lot 75 Reserve Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma CA 2016 
  • The ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile when it comes to food pairings which is perfect for a Thanksgiving table filled with many different food options. It doesn’t overpower dishes, but many Pinots (especially those from California) have an abundance of bright fresh fruit that compliments so many flavors so well and it is a classic pairing for turkey especially so make sure there are extra bottles to continue into the main meal. Pinot Noir works with so many dishes, but goes perfectly with a hearty stuffed mushroom…one of my absolutely FAVORITE appetizers to serve year-round! [Recipe post coming to the blog soon, so be on the lookout!]
  • Tasting notes of Lot 75 Pinot Noir: Alluringly scented with aromas of juicy black cherries and cocoa backed by lurking notes of cedar and violets. The wine’s flavors are boldly expressive and distinctly stacked upon one another. 

Balsamic & Honey-glazed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Cabernet

• 90+ Cellars Collector Series Lot 94 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley CA 2016
  • Rutherford cabernets tend to display brighter fruit flavors and an iconic earthy flavor. For a wine a little more robust as this Cabernet, a wonderful pairing is Balsamic & Honey-glazed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon.  The bitter flavor of the brussel sprouts balance out the bitter tannins in this Cabernet. 
  • Tasting notes of Lot 94 Cabernet: Deep crimson in color with lavish aromas of black currant, mocha, and savory herbs with trailing notes of tobacco and vanilla. Full and well rounded with soft edges and a lively dose of bright cherry fruit that unfolds into a smooth finish.

A Charcuterie Board & Rosé

• 90+ Cellars Magic Door La Belle en Rose, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France 2016
  • This rosé was just named in HGTV’s Holiday Gift Guide as their “Year-round Rosé”! It is a delicious wine to enjoy in any season, but is especially fantastic on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Open a nice bottle of Pinot Noir-style Rosé to enjoy with the sweet and fruity dishes like cranberry sauce, a Thanksgiving stale. To keep things light and sweet, I am pairing this one with a super simple charcuterie board – with Prosciutto, salami, Brie with fig spread on top, Gouda and red and green seedless grapes – the perfect combo of sweet and tart! My new marble & brass serving tray was perfect to set-up this easy appetizer!
  • Tasting notes of Magic Door Rosé: Pale pink with elegant aromas of strawberries and watermelon accompanied by hints of flinty minerality and crushed herbs. The wine is light bodied and silky but with enough girth to nourish your taste-buds. Like most Sancerre there is a racy acidity which cools its texture and carries the wine’s fresh berry aromas and lip smacking mineral flavors well into the finish. This wine combines the carefree nature of a Rose with the steely intensity of a fine Sancerre Blanc. 

My mouth is watering as I’m writing this post! What about you?!

MY 5 TIPS FOR HOSTING A FLAWLESS THANKSGIVING FEAST

1 – Plan ahead. Prepare your food and beverage menu days before you go to the grocery store. If you wait until the last minute, you are more likely to forget a key ingredient and running out the night before or trying to find a store open on Thanksgiving Day is no fun! Another tip, if your menu is planned well in advance, you can assign specific dishes to family members so everyone brings a little something to help lighten your load!

2 – Don’t overthink it. Stick with traditional dishes, family favorites and simple ingredients! If you’re hosting a holiday meal, it might not be the best time to try a brand new recipe. You’ll be more stressed out over worrying if it is going to turn out then just sticking with what you know!

3 – Ask for help. Have family over the night before for pre-Thanksgiving prep or elicit help from the kids to help with package opening and easy mixing and combining. Or like I said earlier, assign each guest a dish to bring and save yourself a TON of work!

4 – Set the table early. Like even the week before. If you’re going to be eating in a room that you don’t use in everyday life, then get our your tablecloth, linens and dishes out so you can get them washed and set well before the big day. You’ll thank yourself for spreading out your tasks over the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Less work and more relaxation time for the host is always a good thing!

5 – Send leftovers home. with everyone! Buy disposable containers while you’re grocery shopping for your menu items so you’re not hesitant to give guests leftovers because you don’t want to hand out your good containers! Sending food home with everyone allows less mess and clean-up for you, plus you don’t have to come up with the extra storage space in your refrigerator. Definitely keep plenty for yourself though. After all, you did most of the work!

Phwew! Did you catch all of this?! I loaded a lot of info into this one post, but I hope it all helps you host a fabulous Thanksgiving feast! Bring on the yummy food and stretchy pants – we are officially in countdown mode to some of the best wining and dining of the year! We need to be prepared…wardrobe selection included!

What do you think of my Burgundy and Navy Blue Thanksgiving Table? Are you loving the color combo as much as I am?!

Don’t forget to pin for later!

*A huge thank you to 90+ Cellars for sponsoring this Thanksgiving Table post. All photography, thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make This is our Bliss possible!