Presidents' Day: An American Heritage Table

Presidents' Day falls on the third Monday of February. Officially, the federal holiday is still called Washington's Birthday – George Washington was born on the twenty-second of February – and over time it has become a day to remember all American presidents and the country's heritage. It is a lovely excuse for a winter dinner with an American theme: the bald eagle, American birds and wildflowers, and a cherry pie for dessert.

Here are the pieces we would use for an American heritage table, and a few keepsakes for the history lover in your family.

The American Eagle

The bald eagle is the national bird and emblem of the United States, and it appears on the Great Seal. A porcelain eagle makes a handsome centerpiece or a gift for a study. See more Herend bird figurines.

Herend Small Bald Eagle Figurine

A 5 in hand-painted porcelain bald eagle, made in Herend, Hungary, with 24k gold accents – in blue or gold.

Herend American Kestrel Figurine

A hand-painted American kestrel, 7½ in tall, finished with 24k gold accents.

An American Table

Herend American Wildflowers Dinner Plate

A 10½ in hand-painted porcelain dinner plate from Herend's American Wildflowers, with 24k gold accents, sold individually in a range of designs. A matching American Wildflowers tea cup is also available. See the American Wildflowers collection.

Christofle America Silver-Plated Serving Spoon

After the First World War, America became synonymous with modernity, and the world fell in love with its music, art and architecture. In admiration, Christofle named this Art Deco pattern – angular corners, beveled edges, strong lines – after the country.

Christofle America Silver-Plated Dinner Knife

A silver-plated dinner knife in the same America pattern, with a steel blade to resist wear. A matching America coffee spoon is sized for a teacup or a coffee mug.

Cherry Pie for Washington's Birthday

The story of young George Washington and the cherry tree is a legend, not history – but it is a much-loved one, and it is why many families serve cherry pie in February.

Christofle Malmaison Porcelain Pie Dish, Gold Finish

A Limoges porcelain pie dish with gilded decoration that reinterprets the signature codes of Christofle's Malmaison collection.

Michael Aram White Orchid Pie Dish

A handcrafted pie dish with Michael Aram's White Orchid motif, beautifully boxed.

Keepsakes for the History Lover

Halcyon Days George Washington Enamel Box

A hand-decorated enamel box from Halcyon Days, the English house founded in London and celebrated for its enamels – made in England using traditional techniques. Halcyon Days pieces take about three weeks to arrive, so order ahead.

Cunill Lincoln 4x6 Sterling Silver Picture Frame

A frame fittingly named Lincoln: .925 sterling silver with a hallmark stamp, made by hand, with a solid wood back.

Halcyon Days The White House in the Snow Bauble

A 3 in bauble handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent that, in Halcyon Days' words, celebrates the spirit of America – a keepsake to bring out every winter.

Presidents' Day Dinner Ideas

• Cook an American classic. Roast chicken, a pot roast or chowder suits a February evening.
• Serve cherry pie. Or cherries in any form – a cherry tart, a cobbler or cherry vanilla ice cream.
• Set out the eagle. A porcelain eagle in the center of the table, with candles on either side, is centerpiece enough.
• Share a story. Ask everyone to bring one fact about a favorite president – children love this game.

For a summer version of an American table, see our red, white and blue table ideas. To frame a family photograph, see our guide to silver picture frames.

Save your favorites: open any piece and tap the ♡ to add it to your Wishlist, then share it with the history buff in your family.