The Grapevine (Nov. 22)

Thanksgiving decorating options have ramped up in recent years, with less kitsch and more elevated, sophisticated design.

Like so many elements of design today, many of the turkey images have been enhanced by digital printing, which enables more colors and faithful renderings in bold graphics or painterly techniques.

Traditionally, some of the more beautiful turkey plates you’ll find are vintage, most of these a product of a technique called transferware. Some are Currier & Ives-ish, produced from engravings on copper plate that then are inked and transferred on tissue to the stoneware. Many are in earth tones, some further enhanced with hand painting or tinting that brings life and lends an accent color to draw from for tablecloths or accessories.

A circa-1930s transferware plate by Barker Brothers and a 1950s pattern of Staffordshire china from Johnstone Bros are among those that often turn up for sale on vintage websites like Etsy.

In the 1990s, Spode introduced its Woodland collection, an ode to English hunting motifs featuring intricately detailed game birds including turkeys, quail and pheasants in earthy hues, with a floral border inspired by British flowers dating to 1831. This classic collection appears almost perennially in holiday tabletop magazine spreads.

Chicago Tribune

Pull up a chair

A dining table that can extend, extra folding chairs to seat more guests – it’s the time of year to rethink furniture function and room layout.

“Think about the type of party you’re having and how you want it to flow, and then move your furniture accordingly,” says designer Paola McDonald of Haymarket, Va. “It doesn’t have to stay where it is all the time.”

“Don’t be afraid to tuck a couple upholstered chairs in another room,” says Washington designer Andrew Law. Benches can become seating for cocktail conversations, bar carts can become dessert stations, fabric covers can class up folding chairs.

Washington Post

Markets, fairs this weekend

Holiday Shopping Event to support the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Extension Education Center, 21st and Ridge Road; free admission.

Indoor farmers market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, also at the Extension Center at 21st and Ridge Road; free admission.

Craft show, women’s fair and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Harvest Chapel Community Church, 55th and South Seneca; free admission.

Holiday Shopping Expo to benefit Northwest High School’s Future Educators Association, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Northwest High, 1220 N. Tyler Road; free admission.

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 4:51 PM with the headline "The Grapevine (Nov. 22)."