How to Set Your Thanksgiving Table in 1621 Style
Last modified on 2009-09-16 17:46:33 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The following 7 Table-Setting Steps will walk you through the basics of re-creating period ambiance through both English and Native Wampanoag table settings for Thanksgiving. These steps are taken from the complete living-history how-to guide, The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition .
Proper 1621 English place setting (except the serrated knife!)
Step 1: Make your own table cover and serviettes
The most authentic fabric choice for the 1621 table is linen, with white being far and away the most popular color choice of the time period. Natural colors were also used, however, as was cotton fabric. Whatever your preference, buy enough fabric to cover your table, and calculate yardage for serviettes based on width of fabric and size desired (there was no standard: serviettes are described as being “bath towel-sized,” and could have been either rectangular or square). Cut all pieces out on the grain, then hand finish the edges with cotton thread for the greatest authenticity, or machine finish all edges. For more details on making serviettes see the LetsPlayHistory.org blog post at: http://www.letsplayhistory.org/3squaresaday/carries-chat/serviette/
Serviette properly draped over the shoulder (women may have used them differently - see guide for details)
Step 2: Buy your wood bowls or plates
Wood bowls and plates are fairly easy to find new in today’s market. Simply search online using “Wood Plates” as your search terms, and you’ll have plenty of providers to choose from. In the LPH guide you will find resources for learning how to turn your own plates, or for buying unfinished plates and finishing them in period authentic fashion. Shown here is a set of plates that have a more modern wide brim. A narrow brim would increase the style authenticity for the time period.
Wood plates with wide brims (less authentic to 1621)
Step 3: Shop for metal mugs
Reproduction pewter mugs are the hardest table item to find, whether new or used. Even finding reasonably priced steel, tin, or aluminum mugs can prove a challenge. Try shopping second hand stores, eBay, outdoor outfitters, and flea markets. To relieve stress, be resigned to having mismatched, less-authentic mugs the first year, and go with whatever you can find. Then join in the wholesale purchasing co-op at LetsPlayHistory.org for new, lead-free sets of 8 reproduction mugs (and other pewter items).
One authentic mug (L), and three inauthentic (R)
Step 4: Omit your forks, and add proper spoons and knives
As of 1621, the English still thought forks sinfully effeminate, and they wouldn’t use them. Instead, their pointed, straight-edge knives were used like the fork is used today. Additionally, the pointed knife tip was necessary for dipping salt. Pewter spoons are another item very difficult to find, but authentic alternatives would include hand carved wood or bone spoons.
Wooden spoons prove fun to use on Thanksgiving!
Step 5: Add a salt dip
Pewter salt dips are the easiest of the pewter items to find, at least in used condition. They measured roughly 3 to 4-inches across the mouth, and were set out in the center of the table to be used communally. A small wood bowl of similar dimensions also fits the bill for period authenticity, though it wouldn’t have been as common among the middle class Mayflower Pilgrims.
Pewter salt dips were used communally
Step 6: Create an optional Wampanoag place setting
If you would like to stir everyone’s imagination, add a plausible Wampanoag place setting to your Thanksgiving table. Primitive hand carved bowls and spoons are an authentic option. Shown here is an inverted turtle shell, which is a favorite in theory, however be aware that real turtle shells pose certain health risks. For imitation turtle shells join the wholesale purchasing co-op at LetsPlayHistory.org. Large clam shells are another authentic possibility. As for Native knives, flint knives are the only authentic choice, as in 1621 the Native Peoples were not yet using steel objects. Many tribes across America still make flint knives, and a number of craftsmen sell on eBay. Purchasing information, as well as resources for learning how to make your own flint knives are found in The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas.
Plausible Wampanoag place setting. (They didn't eat at tables.)
Step 7: Add optional decorations, music, prayers
If you really want to “wow” your guests, add old-world ambiance with hand made period décor items, traditional English or Wampanoag music, and offer Native prayers, as well as English prayers spoken in the archaic King James vernacular (a potentially humorous endeavor, indeed!). You could also introduce a period card game, or other activity while you wait for the turkey to cook. The possibilities are endless. See the Historical Thanksgiving guide for many more early New England suggestions.
Milkweed is an indigenous fall bloomer (silk specimen)
This feasible, though less than historically perfect table setting still provides an enchanting old-world look and feel
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Ideas in this post are taken from The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition.
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Tags: ideas thanksgiving, thanksgiving best, decorating ideas thanksgiving, wampanoag thanksgiving, thanksgiving tablescape, thanksgiving dinner table setting, setting the thanksgiving table, table settings for thanksgiving
Posted August 31, 2009 by Admin
