Give thanks and show off your style this Thanksgiving! Decorating your holiday table is a great way to express yourself and create lasting memories with the family. From traditional to modern, rustic to artsy, learn how to decorate your Thanksgiving table like a pro!
Here are some tips on How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Table that will make it an unforgettable gathering.
Elements of a Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving tables are often decorated with a bounty of festive items. While the traditional centerpiece of a roasted turkey is a popular choice, other elements can make for a more memorable table.
A cornucopia filled with fall produce and other seasonal decorations like hay bales, acorns, leaves, and pumpkins can offer a beautiful and symbolic representation of thanksgiving. Colorful gourds and fruits in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green offer an eye catching display to your dinner table as well. Candles in warm hues can add to the cozy atmosphere while cut flowers or herbs bring a hint of natural fragrance that will linger through the evening.
But where do we even begin to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table?
Start with a Color Theme
Pick one or two colors for your overall Thanksgiving theme. This will help you decide on the centerpieces, place settings, dishes, and other decorations that you’ll use.
Try to add a mix of colors that will look great when used together.
Burnt Orange and Dark Green
This combination is classic for Thanksgiving tablescapes. The dark green serves as an excellent backdrop for the burnt orange, which can be used in decorations like candles, pumpkins, gourds, or even place settings.
Deep Purple and Gold
For something more modern and luxurious, pair deep purple with gold. This color palette is perfect for monochromatic table settings and printed menus that use shades of purple and gold. It also looks beautiful when paired with white or ivory accents.
Learn how to make this purple and cream Fall centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
Mustard Yellow and Navy Blue
Bring in a bit of traditional preppy style with this color palette combination. Mustard yellow is a cheerful hue that will brightly contrast against navy blue. Try styling the tablescape with nautical accents such as striped napkins or patterned plates.
Learn how to recreate this stunning pumpkin stacker decor.
Cranberry Red and Soft Gray
Get into the holiday spirit by pairing cranberry red with soft gray. The warmth of the red pairs nicely against the coolness of the gray, creating a festive yet subtle atmosphere at your Thanksgiving celebration.
Choose Your Decorative Style
Decorating for Thanksgiving is a great way to express your creativity. There are so many different styles to choose from, such as bohemian, minimalist, rustic and farmhouse.
Bohemian style combines different colors and textures to create an eclectic look that celebrates nature.
Minimalist style focuses on the use of natural materials like baskets, wicker, and wood to create a clean yet inviting feel in the room.
Rustic decorations use natural elements like pine branches, pinecones, burlap and plaid fabrics to give off a cozy cabin vibe.
Farmhouse style draws from traditional Americana elements like chippy painted furniture, galvanized buckets and metal signs with meaningful words.
Whether you want to go big or small with the decorations this Thanksgiving, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Table Linens are Your Friends
Don’t underestimate the power of a good tablecloth. It not only protects your precious furniture, but also adds an instant touch of sophistication to your table. Keep it simple with a white or neutral color, or go bold with a patterned or textured fabric.
Think of your table linen as the blank canvas for your overall decor. It makes anything you add pop.
Don’t Forget the Table Runner
A table runner is like the cherry on top of your Thanksgiving decor sundae. It adds depth and dimension to your table setting, creating a focal point for the eye. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate your chosen color scheme.
Table Settings are a MUST!
Adding Thanksgiving table decorations to the dining experience is a great way to bring the holiday spirit alive. With some creative and thoughtful ideas, you can make your Thanksgiving table fun and inviting. Here are some table setting ideas that will help bring a festive atmosphere to your dinner gathering:
Weave your color palette into the placemats, plate chargers, and even napkins.
Use personalized place cards. Make each guest feel special with personalized place cards at their spot at the table! You could write each person’s name on leaves cut out of construction paper or create tags for each spot with the person’s name written on it.
Lay out glasses for every beverage choice offered. Now keep in mind they all don’t have to be on the table itself.
Place utensils in order. Make sure all of your silverware is laid out from left to right based on what courses are being served starting with the first course closest to the plate and going outward from there so that everyone has easy access when it’s time to eat!
Place coordinating dishes. Make sure all of the dishes that will be served are placed in a way that makes them easiest to reach and within easy reach of each guest during the meal. You can also place some extra napkins for any spills or messes.
Place candles. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also add an inviting ambiance to your meal. Place them in the center of the table, or on a sideboard or mantle. If you plan to use scented candles, make sure their scent is not overwhelming for everyone at the table.
Festive Elements
Pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, fall leaves, acorns—there are so many beautiful elements of autumn that can be used as decorations. Scatter these throughout the room for an added autumnal feel.
Include Fresh Flowers: Having fresh flowers at the dinner table adds life and color. Anything from roses to sunflowers will work nicely here!
Place Settings Galore: You can get creative with place settings by using different plates and napkins in various sizes and colors that fit with the overall theme of your Thanksgiving celebration.
Hang Wreaths & Garlands: Put together mini wreaths or garlands for each chair or hang one large wreath above the head of the table. Don’t forget about lighting too! Candles are always nice but if you want something more special try decorative string lights or lanterns.