Holiday Tablescaping: 12 Artisan Finds for a Memorable Celebration

My family’s Thanksgiving traditions historically involved red solo cups, the “good” paper plates that don’t sag under the colossal weight of trying every single item on the buffet, and fold-out tables and chairs borrowed from the church. The background of the event never held much importance when the foreground was family, who drove all day to be together and would later enjoy a communal living room nap with our bellies full of recipes handed down from mother to daughter, generation after generation.

My grandmother was the second of four sisters, and when she passed, her youngest sister inherited the role of matriarch. The setting of our Thanksgiving is still the same house where my grandmother and her sister were raised on the land they’ve always called God’s Green Acre, but Aunt Penny has taken to classing up the event: Now we eat indoors instead of spreading out across the yard. I regret that I pick up and eat fewer pecans from around the trees this way, but I appreciate my aunt’s sensibilities.

While any time spent together is special, I encourage everyone to take a cue from Aunt Penny and consider elevating this year’s table with a new family heirloom or a thoughtful gift for the host or hostess. And all the better to use it as an opportunity to support a local artisan, just as past generations have done. Now that’s a tradition worth passing on.

Elements of a Tablescape

Table setting consists of multiple layers, but the number is ultimately up to the host. These layers can include a tablecloth and table runner, a centerpiece, serving dishes, and candles. Additionally, there may be placemats, chargers, plates, napkins, silverware, and drinkware. While none of these individual elements are strictly necessary for an enjoyable meal, using a new set of napkins can garner a lot of lovely comments, whether you're in a formal dining room or casually watching a game from the couch.

Here are a few talented artists from Western North Carolina who can help you refine your holiday table and everyday decor.

Centerpieces

Kit Paulson Glass Leaf Ornaments

Available in three species and six stunning colors, Kit Paulson’s delicate leaf ornaments (pictured) are perfect for harvest tables, holiday trees, or hanging in windows to catch the sunlight throughout the year.

Shop Kit Paulson on Etsy here.

Thomas Irven Acorn Boxes

With their unique off-balance designs and natural wood patterns, Thomas Irven’s wood-turned acorn containers bring a dynamic sense of movement to the dining experience.

Shop Thomas Irven’s Acorn Boxes here.

Small Batch Glass Enchanted Pumpkins

Channel your inner Cinderella with Asher Holman’s Enchanted Pumpkin series. Each ornament is handblown in Asher’s workshop, resulting in shimmering color variations that will have everyone feeling like they’ve stumbled into a fairytale.

Shop Enchanted Pumpkins here.

Table Linens

TW Weaving

Woven from cotton, rayon, and Tencel for a luxurious drape and feel, Terry Weber’s gorgeous table runners (pictured) provide a beautiful backdrop for your dinnerware.

Shop TW Weaving table runners here.

Crossnore Weavers

While the Crossnore Weavers offer handmade napkins, table runners, coasters, and dish towels, we recommend their coarse-weave placemats, which are available in 16 colors and made from 100 percent cotton.

Shop Crossnore Weavers here.

Sisters in Circles

Crafted from 100 percent cotton African wax print, also known as kitenge, these hand-sewn napkins from Sister in Circles add a bold splash of color to any tablescape. Supporting fair wages for skilled craftswomen, each piece not only enhances the dining experience but also promotes ethical production practices.

Shop Sister in Circles’ napkins here.

Dinnerware

Ross Pottery

Ross Pottery specializes in vintage-inspired dinnerware (pictured) that evokes the charm of mid-century kitchenware, making it an excellent choice for adding warmth to any table setting. Their handcrafted pieces pay homage to historical folk designs from Hungary, the Netherlands, and early America, reminiscent of your grandma’s cozy kitchen.

Shop Ross Pottery here.

Sarah Sunshine Pottery

Working primarily on the wheel, Sarah Vekasi creates functional pottery that enhances small, meaningful moments in dining experiences. Each handcrafted item invites a pause to savor simplicity while celebrating the beauty of everyday gatherings.

Shop Sarah Sunshine Pottery here.

Sarah Garrard Glass

Sarah Garrard’s glassware is nothing short of magical. Handblown and crafted with swirling colors, her mesmerizing designs bring a psychedelic twist to mealtime.

Shop Sarah Garrard here.

Servingware

Lucas Hundley Turned Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers

Why settle for big box stores when you can decorate your table with these charming mushroom salt and pepper shakers (pictured) by woodworker Lucas Hundley? Each pair is uniquely handcrafted from locally sourced rhododendron and a selection of other beautiful woods, including cherry, maple, and walnut.

Shop Lucas Hundley’s salt and pepper shakers here.

Spoon + Hook

Spoon + Hook, created by artisan Anneliesse Charrington Gormley, showcases a beautiful range of handcrafted wooden wares at their brick-and-mortar location, Haunt.

From gem-encrusted bread knives to flower-cast jelly spreaders, Spoon + Hook carries an endless bounty of nature-inspired pieces sure to have your guests oohing and ahhing.

Shop Spoon + Hook here.

Page Pottery

Kristen and J.R. Page of Page Pottery create exquisite handmade pieces from their studio in Burnsville. We recommend this slate-blue butter dish to add a touch of texture and color to your table.

Shop Page Pottery here.

All Images published with permission of the artist(s). Featured image: Acorn boxes by Thomas Irven, courtesy of Gallery of the Mountains.