As Thanksgiving approaches, few know the art of hosting like Shea McGee, the creative visionary behind McGee & Co. and Studio McGee. This season, Shea shares her expert insights for crafting a holiday that feels both intimate and elevated, with styling tips that bring warmth and character to Thanksgiving table decor. From carefully chosen pieces in one of her latest collections with Loeffler Randall to her personal hosting traditions, Shea encourages us to make every detail count. “It’s about creating an experience and memory for the ones you love,” she reflects, capturing the essence of her thoughtfully designed pieces. With each layer of the tablescape—from delicate florals to the glow of taper candles—Shea’s tips invite us to transform Thanksgiving into a truly memorable celebration, one that blends style with meaningful connection.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a beautifully relaxed table setting, ideas for easing the stress of hosting, or a fresh approach to traditional decor, Shea’s advice offers a guide to making this holiday season both memorable and effortlessly stylish.
SHEA’S THANKSGIVING TABLE DECOR PICKS
Thanksgiving is such a meaningful time for gathering. How can the McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall collection inspire the styling of festive yet cozy Thanksgiving table decor and dining room space?
The idea of creating an experience and memory for the ones you love was a driving factor when shaping each piece in this collection. When designing, we wanted to meld elements of the Loeffler Randall brand with our own, leaving us with a collection that has a sense of refined playfulness. It’s perfect for a Thanksgiving tabletop that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. One of the many things I love about Loeffler Randall is their attention to unique, expressive details, and you’ll find nods to that throughout each piece, like the delicate florals embroidered into the Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth.
McGee & Co. is known for impeccable attention to detail. What are some tips for creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels intimate yet stylish for guests?
Personalization goes a long way. You’ll notice in the webisode we filmed taking our audience behind-the-scenes of shoot day, each place setting has a handwritten place card with each guest’s name. I love creating a seating chart before dinners because you can place new friends together and think through who might really hit it off with someone else. It’s all about the connection and showing you care about their experience.
With Thanksgiving preparations often focused on the meal, how can pieces for your fall/winter collection help set the tone for a memorable celebration before guests even arrive at the table?
If you’re anything like me, creating a beautiful tablescape is just as important as the meal itself. At McGee & Co., we believe the key to an inviting dining experience starts with a thoughtful foundation. Begin with a beautiful tablecloth or runner; this sets the tone for your entire design. Whether you opt for a classic solid or timeless stripe as your base, or make a statement with a bold pattern, this choice will guide the rest of your styling. Next, add dimension through varying heights. I love incorporating candlesticks and vases, being mindful to keep them at a height that encourages easy conversation across the table. One of my favorite finishing touches is bringing in natural elements like fresh flowers or an arrangement of dried citrus. These carefully curated details come together to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated—the kind of setting where memories are made long after the last dish is put away.
Can you share a few personal Thanksgiving traditions, and how do you incorporate the collection’s elements into your own home for the holiday season?
One of my favorite traditions this time of year is Pie Night. Syd and I host friends and family the evening before Thanksgiving and I spend way too much time baking and then cleaning the kitchen in preparation, but it’s totally worth it. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. A few of my favorite pieces in the collection are the Tabitha dinner and dessert plates because they also come with a matching platter and serving bowl. When it’s a communal meal and guests are bringing their own dishes, I love having a few extra matching pieces on hand I can transfer their food to and not distract from the overall look of the table setting.
What are some versatile pieces from the collection that can transition from a Thanksgiving dinner to everyday use without losing their charm?
The Effie Taper Holders are such beautiful pieces with their intricate glass curves. These are some of our most transitional pieces, which would look stunning with a moodier dinner palette or summer lunchtime gathering.
Hosting during the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. What are your best tips for making the hosting process more enjoyable and stress-free, especially when styling spaces for Thanksgiving?
I always style my table the day before. This not only takes one big task off your Thanksgiving Day to-do list but allows you to really enjoy the creative process of designing your tablescape without feeling rushed.
When it comes to blending personal style with Thanksgiving table decor, what’s your advice for someone wanting to add a touch of uniqueness to their setup using pieces from this collection?
These pieces are a perfect example of staying true to your style while decorating for the holidays. Not everything has to be covered in turkeys or be an earthy brown. There’s a way to do themed decor without the kitsch, if that’s what you want. And if you love to display turkey motifs for Thanksgiving and stuffed Santas for Christmas, then do that too! Personalizing your home, for me, is one of the most fun aspects of the holiday season. Do what makes you happy, what makes your family feel at home, and what makes your guests excited to visit.
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography courtesy of McGee & Co. / Studio McGee
