HOSTING | HAPPENINGS | WORLD OF CABANA
For English-born Tabitha Simmons, Thanksgiving became a cherished tradition during her years raising her two sons in New York. Layering her table with personal touches, family memories and a love of gathering, she shares her approach to creating a Thanksgiving setting.
BY TABITHA SIMMONS | HAPPENINGS | 1 OCT 2026

Your tables always seem to tell a story. When it comes to Thanksgiving, what narrative are you looking to create?
I'm English, but I worked in New York for a number of years and raised my two boys there, so Thanksgiving became very important to me. It's such a wonderful chance to bring people together. My table is a cross between the feeling of fall in America and a little of the English countryside. The oak tree hand-painted on the plates was very important to me. The oak is a hub for wildlife: it's home to many insects that feed the birds, its acorns feed the squirrels, and it gives shelter to other forest creatures. It's like a family coming together to be thankful for what we have and what we receive. It's also the national tree of both countries.
How do you layer plates, glasses and objects to make the table feel festive and fun?
I always start with the linens. My grandmother did the most beautiful hand embroidery on all her napkins, and the linens in the collection are inspired by her. Hers were passed down to me, so they mean a lot. I designed the tabletop so the pieces can be mixed and matched, but in autumn I love a table to feel cosy and welcoming.

Do you have any favourite colour and pattern combinations?
At this time of year I can't resist burnt orange, ochre, deep browns and mossy greens, with a touch of burgundy. And I love mixing patterns: a printed cloth, hand-painted plates...
Do you have a go-to floral or botanical element for a Thanksgiving centrepiece?
I like it to look as though I've just come back from a walk, with something wild about it: branches with autumn leaves, rosehips, some dried grasses, and dahlias if I can still find them. I always keep it low, because I want to see everyone's faces.
What are your thoughts on place cards and menus?
I love a place card, especially with a big group. Working out who sits next to whom is one of my favourite parts of hosting. I don't tend to do menus at Thanksgiving, as I stick to the traditional dishes.
Are there any traditions from your travels that have woven themselves into your Thanksgiving rituals?
A few English things always creep in, like a crumble next to the pumpkin pie. And Italy taught me to take my time at the table. I never want anyone to feel they need to rush off.
What are a few elements that instantly elevate a table into something memorable?
Good linens, always. Growing up, so much of what we used had been embroidered by my grandmother, and I still think those little stitched details make a table feel loved. Then plenty of candles, names written by hand, and something old that's been in the family.
Do you have a favourite candle, playlist or signature cocktail that adds to the atmosphere?
I love a candle that smells a little woody and smoky. There's always music playing quietly in the background, usually something with a 90s feel. And I like to hand everyone a drink as they arrive.

What's one unexpected item that always finds its way onto your Thanksgiving table?
My husband loves hot sauce, so there's always some on the table.
Your go-to recipe when hosting at home?
There's always a turkey, of course, but I add some English touches like cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire puddings.
Any failsafe tips for the nervous or reluctant host?
Get as much done the day before as you can, and lay the table the night before too. Don't try a new recipe on the day. Let people help; they usually want to. Keep the lights low and light lots of candles. And try to relax, because if you're having a nice time, everyone else will too.
What is the best hostess gift you've ever been given?
A pair of engraved silver salt and pepper pots, which sadly I lost in a move.