These five easy tips will inspire you to set a memorable Thanksgiving tablescape using what you already have and help you be prepared for welcoming your family and friends to the table.
THANKSGIVING | Updated November 5, 2023
Thanksgiving is one of the times of the year when it is worth putting extra effort into setting a beautiful table.
You likely have family and friends joining you for the holiday and will be cooking a more elaborate meal than normal. The attention to detail is appreciated.
It isn't necessary to go out and purchase anything fancy, though. You likely have everything you need to mix and match a tablescape your guests will enjoy. It isn't as difficult as you might think.
With Thanksgiving coming up, I wanted to share a few tricks I've learned that have given me more confidence in setting a table I can be proud of.
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Here are five tips to help you craft your holiday table, whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of the year when entertaining your favorite people...
There is lots to prepare the day of Thanksgiving dinner. And you want to be sure to have a little time to kick back and enjoy a bit of the Macy's parade or savor the final moments of calm before the Christmas season hits.
Anything that you can do ahead of time, from baking your pie, getting out your serving dishes, and setting the table, will keep the day running more smoothly than trying to do it all at the last minute. Give yourself a little bit of breathing room.
HOW TO PLAN AND EXECUTE A THOUGHTFUL THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTING
SET THE TABLE THE NIGHT BEFORE
There is lots to prepare the day of Thanksgiving dinner. And you want to be sure to have a little time to kick back and enjoy a bit of the Macy's parade or savor the final moments of calm before the Christmas season hits.
Anything that you can do ahead of time, from baking your pie, getting out your serving dishes, and setting the table, will keep the day running more smoothly than trying to do it all at the last minute. Give yourself a little bit of breathing room.
PAIR COLORS AND TEXTURES
I loved the contrast here between the charcoal linen napkins, white pumpkins, and copper silverware. Not a traditional Thanksgiving color palette perhaps, but when mixed with more pumpkins, oak leaves, and acorns there is no mistaking that this is a fall table.
Don't be afraid of putting things together that you wouldn't normally mix. Using different textures adds to the interest of any tablescape. The rustic wood chargers paired with a heavy linen tablecloth and sparkling crystal glasses might be an odd combination, but still look beautiful together.
Because it isn't necessary to stick to a specific color palette or style, you can really shop your home and use what you already have to create an interesting table with character.
INCLUDE A LITTLE NATURE
The centerpiece here has been made using a "runner" of dried oak leaves tucked around various (faux and real) pumpkins and candles. Gathered acorns were sprinkled throughout the display. And a sprig of leaves was tucked in with the pumpkin favor on each guest's plate.
For the most part, nature is free (or very inexpensive) and fits into any style, especially during the fall season.
KEEP CENTERPIECES LOW
While we all want our table to look pretty and be awe inspiring, what is more important is the comfort of the people gathered around the table. For that reason, whatever you place in the center of the table should be low enough for people to be able to easily see the person sitting across from them.
Keep things below eye level as much as you can. And for things like taper candles that are taller, stagger them in the display so that they are out of the way of direct sight lines.
You also want to be sure that the centerpiece does not encroach on anyone's space to set down their drinking glasses, flatware, or make them feel like they are being uncomfortably crowded.
INCLUDE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR GUESTS
I don't know a single person who doesn't enjoy receiving a little gift or keepsake from the day. It doesn't have to be anything expensive or elaborate and may even be something you create yourself or an edible treat.
These white pumpkins were from the Dollar Spot at Target and are something your friends and family can use to decorate their own homes next year, hopefully reminiscing about the Thanksgiving dinner their enjoyed at your home the previous year.
Other options might be a package of candy, seasonal fruit, or even just a placecard with their name printed on it let your guests know that you've planned ahead for their arrival.
BONUS TIP:
Since you want to ensure that there is plenty of space for food and comfort at the table, set aside a spot somewhere like the kitchen counter or buffet where everyone's personal item can be placed during the meal.
While the pumpkin looks pretty when sitting down at the table, it is awkward for everyone to find a place on the table to store it while eating!
NOW THAT THE TABLE IS ALL SET, IT'S TIME TO WORK ON THE THANKSGIVING DAY MENU
I hope these few tips and my Thanksgiving tablescape will help inspire you with what to do for your own holiday table. Remember that the most important part isn't what the table looks like or the food you serve, but rather the people you enjoy the day with.
SIMPLE + NEUTRAL THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE
USING NATURE TO CREATE AN EASY THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE - Pumpkins, berries, and gathered leaves
BACON ONION GREEN BEANS + MORE THANKSGIVING SIDE IDEAS
CRANBERRY APPLE JELLO SALAD - A family favorite alternative to the traditional cranberry sauce
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST PUMPKIN PIE - Your complete guide to the most flavorful and successful holiday dessert.
Here Are a Few More Posts to Help You Be Prepared for Thanksgiving Day
SIMPLE + NEUTRAL THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE
USING NATURE TO CREATE AN EASY THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE - Pumpkins, berries, and gathered leaves
BACON ONION GREEN BEANS + MORE THANKSGIVING SIDE IDEAS
CRANBERRY APPLE JELLO SALAD - A family favorite alternative to the traditional cranberry sauce
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST PUMPKIN PIE - Your complete guide to the most flavorful and successful holiday dessert.
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