Pretty Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas That’ll Make the Perfect Backdrop for Your Feast
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If you’re hosting the big Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinner this year, then you know how much pressure it is to craft the perfect menu; let alone the perfect tablescape. From the turkey to the gravy, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and everything in between, it can be a lot of work to cook for the whole fam! But adding in some beautiful Thanksgiving table decor ideas can boost the wow factor of your spread, making the whole table feel more festive and welcoming. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pull out all the stops, from a crowd-pleasing menu to a tabletop decked out with bespoke dinnerware, fine flatware, and seasonal accents. Creating an enviable holiday tablescape that impresses your guests is no easy feat, which is why we’re here to help with some Thanksgiving table decor ideas that are both stylish and easy to achieve.
First thing’s first: You need to know how to set the table correctly for a formal dinner. Trust us, it makes all the difference! After you’ve learned how to lay out your table settings, it’s time to get into the fun stuff: decorating your holiday table. Whether you prefer to go a more traditional route with gourds, turkey decor, and pumpkins, or you want to create a more modern look, we’ve included a variety of tablescape designs to adhere to your style. Plus, we’ve also included everything you need to replicate them in your own home. The design details include gorgeous glassware, luxe linens, charming place cards, fall foliage, and more. Think of it as your “recipe” for creating a beautiful, memorable family meal. And once you’ve finished up the seasonal fun inside, don’t forget to put up your outdoor Thanksgiving decorations. Now, let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Turkey Table Decorations
It’s a classic for a reason! Incorporating turkeys—be it on your dinnerware, linens, salt and pepper shakers, or as a decorative object itself—is a simple but effective way to set the mood for your festive feast. You can make an impact, as seen here, making the bronzed turkey accent the star of the show while letting the table’s dinnerware and serveware stay simple. Or instead, you might decide to hint at the turkey motif through other means for a more subtle showcase. This can be especially beautiful when coupled with bronze or galvanized candlestick holders, dark linen napkins, and pops of fall florals.
2. Elegant Thanksgiving Decor
Creating an elegant dinner table might be easier than you think. After all, there’s a lot of thought that goes into putting a table together so beautifully. However, you can create an elegant Thanksgiving tablescape with just a few thoughtful touches that will make it look like you put far more effort into the settings than you actually did. Lay out delicate, high-quality dinnerware and glassware, and add a charger below the plates for a more opulent feel. Then, prime your guests’ seats with crystal or glass wine glasses. (Make sure you polish them beforehand to remove any fingerprints.) Add in some unique candle holders and pressed linen napkins for a refined but simple look.
3. Neutral Dining Table Decorations
When it comes to creating a timeless canvas for your Thanksgiving day feast, you can’t go wrong with a neutral, classic scene. A look this versatile is often characterized by a flexible palette of creamy, comforting shades, like ecru, flax, and camel. Delicate champagne flutes act as the perfect vessel for toasting, while a burlap runner brings a touch of texture and sophistication. You can add a bit of charm with a subtle pattern, as seen in these striped linen napkins, and a hint at fall, by way of white pumpkin place card holders.
4. Colorful Table Decor Pieces
While shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown are typically associated with Thanksgiving, the truth is that no colors are off-limits for the holiday, especially when creating a standout tablescape. Mix things up this year by incorporating one or two unexpected hues, like this pistachio green napkin. Eucalyptus leaves and bits of fall foliage brings a touch of life to the plate, but faux fall berries would also provide that traditional Thanksgiving orange hue. The finishing touch? Crisp, white dinnerware at each seat: the perfect rimmed vessels to pile high with mashed potatoes, turkey legs, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
5. Simple Thanksgiving Table Decorations
Creating a striking holiday table doesn’t have to mean a lot of work. Most of the time, it involves going big in just one aspect, whether that’s with florals or, in this instance, candlelight. A running centerpiece of candlesticks down the table effortlessly sets the scene for feasting, while a combination of brass and burgundy feels extra festive. To allow the center to shine, keep the rest of your tablescape simple with crisp folded napkins, classic dinnerware, and elegant wine glasses just begging for a pour of vino.
6. Mixing Modern and Traditional Design
On the hunt for Thanksgiving table decor ideas that feel traditional with just a little something extra? Well, look no further than this standout scene! Dressed to the nines with everything needed for a memorable meal, this table features timeless dinnerware and seasonal florals. Arrange your blooms in small table boxes for a rustic-yet-refined vibe, then dot the run of the table with faux pillar candles for a safe (and stunning) romantic glow. Then, decorate each seat with a handwritten place card, fringed napkin, and custom menu for a Thanksgiving dinner that’ll really wow.
7. Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Table Decor
Hosting on the fly? No sweat! Your Thanksgiving table is set (literally and figuratively) with this simple inspiration. Store-bought blooms and a few pieces of pumpkin decor act as the centerpiece of this spread, while a few modern touches (like that iron candle holder) offer a modern twist. Finish off each place setting with wooden napkin rings and gold flatware to prime guests for the meal of the year. Want to really up the cozy factor? Add a few throw blankets onto the dining chairs and encourage guests to settle in for a long, relaxed meal—until it’s time for a nap and some football, of course.
