Local Designers Shares Ideas On How To Set Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to express merriment, gratitude, and creativity whether you celebrate with a large gathering of family or host an intimate dinner with friends. The day of Thanksgiving is usually noted for football games and parades while the night is marked by the turkey dinner that takes center stage. Thus, setting an aesthetically appealing table on which to place the perfectly prepped bird adds to a special touch to the quintessentially American meal.
Designer Pamela Harvey used china, colorful napkins and placemats to add color to this table setting
According to Great Falls Connection, "From monogrammed linen napkins to centerpieces crafted with backyard foliage, area designers offer ideas for creating a backdrop for one of the most anticipated meals of the year. “The key to setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table is to keep it simple, said Amanda Mertins of Patina Polished Living in Alexandria. “The big focus for Thanksgiving is, of course, the food.” Designer Anne M. Walker, Anne Walker Design in Potomac, says that she’s created tablescapes that range from ultra-formal to super-casual. “By far my favorite is the unassuming, simple style of Scandinavian table décor,” she said. “I like to use linen placements, rather than a tablecloth, so you can see the beautiful wood of the table." As per Great Falls Connection, "The holidays are a perfect time to uncover treasured china and other pieces stored away, said Harvey. “I love the nostalgia of using pieces that were handed down,” she said. “Varying the dish patterns is also a fun way to display china, such as using your grandmother’s china mixed with more casual or everyday place settings. Use your real silver and your best crystal – these things are meant to be enjoyed,” added Walker. “Food and drink taste better when delivered from a glass that’s been hand-blown, and a silver fork."

Properties in Great Falls

648 Deerfield Farm Ct

Thank you for your interest in 648 Deerfield Farm Court. There is no lockbox. This listing is by appointment only and Listing agent will accompany you. Please see offer instructions in Documents Section & email your offer to listing agent and send a text to Joanna to confirm receipt. Thank you! Welcome to an exceptional entertainer's paradise nestled in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia. Presenting 648 Deerfield Farm Court, a meticulously designed custom French Colonial residence built by Hans Schmit and Winthrop Custom Builders. This luxurious home, positioned on the most sought-after lot within the esteemed Deerfield Farm Subdivision, offers privacy and prestige with no homeowners' association to oversee its 2.3 pristine acres. Step inside to discover an elegant, open-plan interior spanning a total of 8,385 finished square feet, with 5,885 of those above grade. The home features five generously sized bedrooms, each complete with their own ensuite bathrooms, and an additional three half bathrooms for guest convenience. The residence is located within walking distance to Great Falls Village and falls within the highly coveted Langley School District, ensuring both convenience and educational excellence. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, which is perfectly designed for both cooking and entertaining. It features stained maple custom inset cabinets, a 48” Viking 8 burner cooktop (including a grill), double wall ovens, a warming drawer, and a Subzero refrigerator. The kitchen is complemented by three sinks, two dishwashers, granite counters, a painted center island, and a walk-in pantry. Adjoining the kitchen, a breakfast room opens out to the lavishly landscaped sanctuary, creating a seamless flow between indoors and out. The opulence continues with the main level hosting an elegant dining room, a sun-filled great room with a stone masonry fireplace, and a formal living room with an elegant limestone wood-burning fireplace. Additionally, there is a pristine, stately office featuring high-end cherry paneling, built-in cabinetry, and a gas fireplace. The upper level is just as impressive, featuring an expansive owner’s suite with a custom marble fireplace, French doors leading to a new Trex balcony with stunning views, and a sophisticated oversized ensuite bathroom. Each additional bedroom provides unique, refined comforts and privacy. The lower level opens out to an intimate outdoor living space and includes a spacious recreation area with a natural cherry cabinetry wet bar, a tasteful wine cellar, a gigantic mirrored gym, and a grand home theatre or music room. There's even a pet spa, perfect for grooming your pampered pet. Outside, the estate is nothing short of spectacular with features crafted by Charles Owen and Fine Landscapes valued at over $1 million. Enjoy multiple outdoor living spaces including a multi-season grilling kitchen, bar, fireplace, pergola, and multiple patios. The grounds are further enhanced with a spa, cascading koi pond with waterfall, and meticulously maintained gardens featuring mature landscape plantings. Added bonuses include a 3-car oversized garage, new security and smoke detection systems, a water softener, and wired surround sound using Sonos. Planning for further customization is made easy with permits already granted for a pool and pool house. 648 Deerfield Farm Court is not just a home; it's a lifestyle. Prepare to host, entertain, and live in unparalleled elegance and comfort. [Deerfield Farm - $3,895,000]

436 Springvale Rd

Nestled on five acres in Great Falls, this 6-bedroom estate is a masterpiece of luxury living. With elegant finishes, 12 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, two spacious primary suites, multiple entertainment areas, and a convenient location, this home is a true gem. This home has 3 finished levels with over 10,000 sf, all ensuite bedrooms, multiple staircases, office/library, 4 car garage, circular driveway, an elevator-ready shaft and more. All in a convenient location near Great Falls Village, Tysons Corner, Reston Town Center and Dulles Airport. This custom home has been designed to incorporate the rich architectural details prevalent in homes throughout the surrounding neighborhood. The home features traditional high ceilings on all levels, hardwood floors, columns, transoms and arches. There are 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 3 half baths. The circular drive fronts onto an inviting front portico. Step through the entry into a foyer with a large split stairway perfect for prom photos. The adjacent living room welcomes you with enough space for visiting in front of the gas fireplace. The bright and open kitchen has counter space for many chefs along with a breakfast area, fireplace and double door to the terrace. The dining room with its sparkling chandelier is the perfect place to linger over memorable meals. This family room will fit all your guests and includes a fireplace and bar. The main level primary bedroom with ensuite bath and sitting area with fireplace is perfect for in-laws. The office/library overlooks the wooded rear yard and has a fireplace. A separate entrance hall / mud room and laundry room provide many storage options leading out to the side load 4-car garage with room for all your toys. The upper level has 4 ensuite bedrooms, laundry room and 2 balconies along with an additional family room/study. The owner’s retreat has a cozy sitting area with fireplace and balcony. The spa bathroom has a soaking tub, dual vanities, fireplace and walk-through shower. The custom closet is 15’ x 18’ with a window bench and space for an immense wardrobe. Step onto the massive terrace and relax! Room for sitting, dining, and grilling with views of the woods. Steps lead down to the side of the home. Under the terrace, double doors lead inside to the lower level where you will be ready to entertain! The game room and bar have plenty of windows. The large custom wet bar, fridge, ice machine, wine closets and fireplaces make this the perfect place to hang out. The lower level also has a large ensuite bedroom, an exercise/gym/area, a media room, a sauna-ready room (drain in place) and a much storage. [Ecoland Estates - $2,750,000]

249 Springvale Rd

For your most discerning buyer, we present this unique 6200+sqft contemporary home with bespoke elegant finishes, enhanced by renowned architect Mark McIntarff, and lovingly renovated by the current owners. This gated 2 acre private oasis is nestled amidst towering trees and lushly landscaped with perennial gardens, koi ponds and waterfall with a sparkling pool as its centerpiece! A refined and sophisticated residence showcasing floor to ceiling windows in the soaring 18+ft ceiling Living and Family Rooms, this home boasts natural unstained cherry floors throughout, an all Miele appliance kitchen with custom cabinetry and 6 bedrooms, with the Primary Bedroom Suite on the top level. Radiant heat flooring graces each of the 4 full baths and 3 of the bathrooms provide heated towel bars. Flagstone patios and Ipe balconies offer beautiful panoramic views of this beautiful gem not far from the Fraser Preserve and Potomac River. Too many other details to mention here, so don’t miss the opportunity to make an appointment to see this luxurious residence and make it yours! [Potomac - $3,500,000]

1 Still Pond Run

Sales offices open Mon-Wed 12-4pm at 1337 Beulah Road. Introducing The Manors at Still Pond, Gulick Group's newest enclave of 7 new home sites with your choice of 4 portfolio models to build. The clean, contemporary Evanton features an open floor plan, the amenities the modern family prefers, 4-sides brick exterior, designer finishes and exceptional luxury details throughout, including inset cabinetry in the Kitchen and Owner's Bath. The Upper Level offers an expansive sitting room on the owner's suite, 3 additional bedrooms with an option for a fifth. Lower lower includes finished great and game rooms and full bath. Great Falls- a semi-rural community with unparalleled access to the Potomac river, miles of trails and national parks, yet still convenient to shops, restaurants and recreational activities in Washington DC, Tysons Corner, Reston and Leesburg. . Photos are of a similar built model. [ - $2,945,000]

9641 Georgetown Pike

Welcome to a realm where elegance, craftsmanship, and globally renowned design converge to create the extraordinary haven of Château de Lumière. This amazing home was meticulously designed and built by The Building Group, with uncompromising finishes and flawless details. Inspired by the finest traditions of European architecture, with over 20,000 square feet, it is prominently positioned on 5.5 fully secured, secluded acres with mature gardens. Unveil a world of uncompromising finishes, impeccable details and prestigious materials such as custom brick, cast stone, slate roofing, glass mosaics, plaster molding and imported marble. This residence has state-of-the-art electronics that enhance every corner, ensuring a lifestyle of modern sophistication that transcends expectations, meeting every contemporary desire with a floor plan ideally suited for both family living and grand-scale entertaining. The Main-Level with 12-foot ceilings has a grand and welcoming Foyer and Gallery. There is also a gracious and expansive Living Room, Dining Room, Library, Ball Room, Bar and a luxurious Bedroom with Bath. At the heart of the home is a luxurious Chef’s Kitchen with the finest custom cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, a Spice Kitchen and gorgeous Family Room. The Upper-Level expansive Owner’s Suite is privately positioned with sweeping views of the pool and gardens. There are also 4 additional generous ensuite Bedrooms. The walk-out Lower-Level is spectacular and includes a Recreation Room with fireplace, Billiards Room, Bar & Wine Rooms, Theater Room, Spa, Club Room, Massage Room with Sauna & Bathroom and a private Guest Room with Sitting Area and Bath. Elevating the Lower-Levels allure is an Indoor Basketball Court with almost 16-foot ceiling! The property includes a 6 car garage with a detached Guest Apartment above the 3 car garage. The lush formal landscaping transcends the ordinary with a sparkling pool and encircling fire bowls harmonizing the elements of fire, air and water. This monumental estate, situated just beyond the bustling city of Washington, D.C. in the prestigious Great Falls, Virginia, is a testament to opulence and grandeur. [ - $11,800,000]

738 Leigh Mill Rd

This property is a spectacular bucolic 8.43 acre equestrian property located just off Georgetown Pike near the Village of Great Falls. The privacy and tranquility of this property cannot be beat. Located at the end of a country lane winding past beautiful estates and mature trees framing the road. The stately traditional brick colonial with a circular drive and four car detached garage with an attic is handsomely sited at the entrance of the property. The property includes a full service guest house, 6 stall barn, two run in sheds, 4 paddocks, a lighted riding ring with gravel walkway from the barn and thoughtfully fenced and crossed fenced. The house feels like a country home with wide-planked wood flooring and trim throughout, four wood burning fireplaces in the main living areas and a gas fireplace in the primary suite. The owner's suite has a luxury bath and large custom walk-in closet with a second laundry nook containing a stacked washer and dryer. In addition to the primary suite, there are two en suites with updated baths. One of the highlights on the main level is a huge family room with a cathedral ceiling, walls of windows, custom wood paneling and a wood burning fireplace. The formal living room has custom wide plank tongue & groove heart of pine flooring and solid cherry beams with a stone-faced wood burning fireplace and French doors to a large screened porch. The formal dining room also has a wood burning fireplace and custom wood flooring and high end wallpaper. At the other end of the main level, there is an expansive great room with a hand-stacked stone fireplace, wet bar and custom cabinetry on three walls. The main level is complete with an updated kitchen and adjoining breakfast nook, cozy library, two half baths and a mudroom/laundry room with doors to the front and backyards. The walkout lower level is ready for the new owners to finish for their lifestyle. There are scenic views from every window on the main and upper levels. Outside the house there are brick walkways to the barn, a fire pit and a tree fort. The guest house features a two story family room with brick fireplace, eat-in kitchen, full bath and lofted bedroom. This space is perfect to rent or Airbnb, offer to guests for added privacy or provide a barn manager for on site accommodations. The center-isle barn includes 6 generous stalls with water, a wash stall, feed room, a hay loft, and environmentally controlled tack room with sink. The barn is well lit and has been in continuous use and is full operational. [Forestville - $2,850,000]

815 Blacks Hill Rd

This home's standout attribute is its BREATHTAKING VIEWS—offering an unparalleled panorama from every angle and window. Embrace the ESSENCE OF COUNTRY LIVING with the serene beauty of Great Falls right at your doorstep, where every glance outwards is met with the picturesque tranquility of nature's finest landscapes. Nestled at the end of a serene country path, this iconic property in Great Falls occupies a peaceful 5.4 acres of IDYLLIC LAND. It boasts the privilege to extend or subdivide through a connection with the nearby state-maintained roadway. The grand stone residence is meticulously crafted, featuring a spacious porch with an elegant tongue-and-groove ceiling that encircles the home, providing direct outdoor access from every primary-level room. This inviting porch serves as the ideal spot for enjoying cool beverages while observing the playful antics of horses in the nearby fields. Inside, the home is adorned with premium materials and HIGH-END-FINISHES, such as broad plank hardwood flooring, lofty 10-foot ceilings, decorative exposed beams, intricate coffered ceilings, and a gourmet kitchen centered around an expansive island with bar seating. The upper floors host a luxurious master bedroom suite, offering dual bathrooms, two generous walk-in closets, and a private balcony that presents tranquil views. The layout also includes an ensuite bedroom and two additional bedrooms sharing a connected bathroom. The extensive lower level features diverse areas for indoor entertainment, including a home cinema room, a playroom equipped with built-in storage, and a recreation room with direct access to the front lawn. The outdoor pool area feels like a secluded oasis, perfect for hosting with its outdoor kitchen and ample bar seating. On chilly evenings, gather around the outdoor stone fireplace for marshmallow roasting. The property also features a spacious lawn for outdoor activities. The large barn accommodates horses and includes luxurious living quarters on the upper floor, highlighted by a great room with panoramic windows, high cathedral ceilings with visible beams, a kitchen with a large island, two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a loft bunk room, and a deck offering breathtaking views. This property can be used as a guest house or an AIRBNB property to produce income. This fully equipped equestrian facility is ready for use, featuring several stalls, run-in sheds adaptable for additional horses, two riding arenas, a pasture, and six paddocks, encapsulating the essence of a tranquil, slower-paced lifestyle in the Great Falls area. This unique property is a RARE FIND, embodying both luxury and the pastoral charm of country living. [Dranesville - $3,995,000]

1150 Kettle Pond Ln

Welcome to the beautiful house 1150 Kettle Pond Ln, a stunning residence nestled in the prestigious Great Falls. This home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5bathrooms, 2Car Garage within its spacious 26,731square feet and Private backyard with gorgeous deck, across the street from HOA parkland, the residence,The current property is in great condition. DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN GREAT FALLS! [Lockmeade - $1,295,000]

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Maryam

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Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.