Thanksgiving décor, says Starr Osborne, should feel as inviting as the meal itself.
“It’s not about achieving perfection,” says the owner of Tailored Home, the Chestnut Hill store she opened in 2016. “It’s about creating warmth — textures, colors, and tableware that tell a story.”
Step inside the shop this time of year and you’ll see exactly what she means. Simon Pearce blown-glass pumpkins glimmer beside cozy mohair blankets draped over armchairs, and plates patterned with woodland creatures add a touch of charm to polished place …
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Thanksgiving décor, says Starr Osborne, should feel as inviting as the meal itself.
“It’s not about achieving perfection,” says the owner of Tailored Home, the Chestnut Hill store she opened in 2016. “It’s about creating warmth — textures, colors, and tableware that tell a story.”
Step inside the shop this time of year and you’ll see exactly what she means. Simon Pearce blown-glass pumpkins glimmer beside cozy mohair blankets draped over armchairs, and plates patterned with woodland creatures add a touch of charm to polished place settings. Shelves display pewter stoneware, a striking Delft blue vase, and pheasant feather napkin rings that lend a hint of countryside chic.
For Osborne, also a board member for the Chestnut Hill Garden District Fund, setting the Thanksgiving table starts with layers and seasonal florals. “Mix textures — linen, glass, metal — and don’t worry if everything matches,” she advises. “A table that feels collected over time always looks the most beautiful.”
She suggests starting with a neutral tablecloth or runner, then adding subtle color through candles or greenery. “A few branches clipped from your yard or discovered at Pastorius Park can be just as elegant as any floral arrangement.”
And if you’re a guest rather than a host? Osborne’s advice is to arrive with something thoughtful — and preferably charming.
“A clever set of cocktail napkins always gets a laugh,” she says. “Or bring something the host can enjoy the next morning — bagels from Baker Street Bread Co. or freshly ground coffee beans from Char & Stave wrapped in a tea towel.”
Whatever you choose, presentation matters. “Even a simple gift, if wrapped beautifully, feels special,” she says. “Tuck in a sprig of rosemary, tie it with twine, and you’ve instantly made something ordinary feel festive.”
Her last piece of advice is one most of us tend to forget: “Don’t wait until guests arrive to enjoy your own table. Light the candles early, pour yourself a glass of wine, and take in the glow.”
Tailored Home is at 8528 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill.
