Make your NEMA San Francisco holiday table stand out to your guests this season by creating an unforgettable atmosphere that highlights your personal style. Choose colors, textures, and patterns to set the scene in a welcoming homecoming for family and friends. We’ve gathered a few tips to keep in mind and ideas to get your started and pair with your centerpiece.
Don’t Obstruct Conversation. It is always best to have centerpieces and florals that don’t obstruct conversation. Add objects to tablescapes for some interest and edge like persimmons or mini pumpkins piled in a bowl and centered on the plate, both add just the right pop of color.
Use What you Have. You don't have to buy anything new to design a striking table setting. Start with basic white dishware, then add contrast with dark napkins. Elevate your table by gilding gourds with some gold craft paint. Wooden serving pieces, organic stoneware bowls, and earthy orange glassware create a welcoming setting that will encourage guests to linger. Forgo napkin rings and knot your linens instead to reinforce the relaxed vibe.
Pop of Color. Arrange a spectrum of salad plates and napkins along your table and add a complementary centerpiece. The rich jewel tones combined with copper flatware and warm wooden candleholders make the rainbow setup feel more adult.
Use the Unexpected. Just as a plaid blanket would warm up an armchair in the living room, placing it along the center of the table creates a cozy look. To complete the rustic-yet-modern style, large wood slices host pumpkins or centerpieces.
Keep It Simple. Cover your table in craft paper, with hand-lettered place cards and an abundance of candles, this look will show an understated elegance. This table works well for a family Thanksgiving or a kids' table with minimal cleanup—when your guests leave, you can simply roll up the messy tablecloth and toss it out.
Use Autumnal Hues. Embrace seasonal produce in both your serveware and your décor. Thanksgiving is all about rich layers and an autumnal palette. Consider decorating your table with gourds and other vegetables as a nod to the season.
NEMA’s convenient location provides a variety of options to stock up on your staples this season. From cheese to chocolate, pick up everything you need to make the savoriest meals at our neighbors at The Market. Arlequin is a stunning specialty wine shop in the heart of Hayes Valley to find the perfect wine for pairing, along with Trader Joe's, just 0.6 miles from NEMA San Francisco.
Whether you’re hosting friends or gathering with family in your NEMA spaces, it never hurts to have a few pre-dinner bites to keep hunger at bay. Try your hand at Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms, Baked Brie Bites With Jezebel Sauce, Cranberry Brie Bites, or Creamy Pumpkin Hummus.
Want someone else to do all the cooking? 7x7 shares several local spots open for Thanksgiving:
Villon. Between 12:30pm and 8pm on Thanksgiving Day, Villon will bring their holiday feast to life. Enjoy a seasonal four-course menu ($150/person, $55/children under 12) that includes roasted pork belly with grits or stuffed squid, shrimp and scallop mousse; traditional turkey and fixings or roasted cod with sunchokes and brussels sprouts; and olive oil cake or pumpkin tart. The optional wine pairing will run you $65/person. Table service is available both indoors and on the heated patio. // Reservation required; 1100 Market St., Proper Hotel (Civic Center), properhotel.com
Bistro 888 + Luce. The InterContinental offers two styles of Thanksgiving festivities for your style of crowd. Come early for a family-style brunch ($122/ person) at the casual Bistro 888 with herb-roasted turkey, grilled halibut, roasted veggies, and mashed potatoes to share—plus a whole selection of desserts. Dinner at the more upscale Mediterranean Luce ($225/person) features four courses with sophisticated touches, like truffle-forward green bean salad and roasted turkey breast, topped off with a poached pear and whipped goat cheese tart. // Reservation required for brunch and dinner; InterContinental San Francisco, 888 Howard Street (SoMa), lucewinerestaurant.com
Bombay Brasserie + Campton Bar and Bistro. Indian-meets-French newcomer Bombay Brasserie is debuting a three-course prix fixe menu ($65/person) that’s heavy on the classics with the option to mix things up. Start off with roasted butternut squash and lentil soup to prime you for roast turkey and fan-favorite sides—or opt for tandoori-spiced butternut squash, sprouted mung bean, and pomegranate chaat. Head to the adjacent Campton Bar and Bistro to eat early (noon) or book your reservation starting at 2pm. //Reservation recommended; Taj Campton Place, 340 Stockton St. (Union Square), tajcamptonplace.com
La Société Bar & Café. When you need a stylish space with ample room to bring the family, dial up this brasserie at the Hyatt Regency in downtown SF. Chef Michael Rosenthal will serve up a classic Thanksgiving dinner ($65/person) of roasted turkey with roasted honeynut squash, pommes puree, and green bean and mushroom gratin, followed by a maple and walnut tart for dessert. //Reservation recommended; 50 Third St. (SoMa), lasocietecafe.com
One Market. Like options? One Market's four-course menu ($95/adults, $49/kids 10 and under) lets you choose one of three dishes for each course. For our main you can choose roasted Diestel turkey with cornbread-sausage stuffing, opt for pork loin, branzino, or a sumptuous veggie squash offering. Top it off with pumpkin tart, chocolate bread pudding, or an apple hand pie à la mode. The restaurant is open from 1pm to 8pm on Thanksgiving Day. //Reservation required; 1 Market St. (FiDi), onemarket.com
May the warmth of the harvest fill your heart this season. Team NEMA San Francisco is thankful every day for our residents and community.
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NEMA’s four apartment building towers and three landscaped terraces offer an amazing array of views overlooking San Francisco’s urban landscape and natural setting. Landmarks in the surrounding skyline include the iconic skyscrapers of the San Francisco Financial District, the dome of City Hall, Golden Gate Bridge, Russian Hill, Bernal Heights, Twin Peaks, and San Francisco Bay. Get social with us and follow our story on Facebook and Instagram. Use #liveNEMA to share with our team.