58 Beautiful Ways to Set Your Table This Thanksgiving (2024)

58 Beautiful Ways to Set Your Table This Thanksgiving (1)

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Planning a memorable Thanksgiving celebration isn't always easy. There's the dinner menu, choosing decorations for your front door and even shopping for meaningful gifts if that's your style. But with everything you have to cross off your to-do list, don't overlook perfect Thanksgiving table setting ideas. Easy DIY centerpieces (think fresh fruit, charcuterie boards or mini pumpkins) as well as kid-friendly table arrangements, like balloon garland, are all great ways to play up the excitement of Turkey Day.

You can lean into simple turkey-inspired decor or ditch tradition for more modern looks that are sure to put a smile on your family and friends' faces. And the best part? You don't have to blow your budget. Here, we're sharing of the best Thanksgiving table setting ideas to try this year.

1

Pear and Candle Tablescape

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A table arrangement full of leafy stems, clusters of berries and brass candlesticks can benefit from an unexpected touch like pears (apples, artichokes or figs can work too). The best part is once the night is over, you can use the produce or encourage family and friends to take them home.

Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »

2

Charcuterie Board Tablescape

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A colorful charcuterie board never fails to delight guests. Set a few, including everything from a variety of cheese to chocolate, at the center of your table alongside mini pumpkins and faux eucalyptus branches. The mix of savory and sweet will be a hit!

Get the tutorial at Kara's Party Ideas »

3

Pumpkin Pie Placecard Tablescape

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Imagine the smile on your guests' faces when they spot their names on cute DIY pumpkin pie place cards. Don't forget the whipped cream dollop made of pom-poms.

SHOP POM-POMS

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »

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4

Mini Pumpkin Tablescape

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At times, preparing for Thanksgiving can be stressful. Keep it simple this year by arranging white mini pumpkins on a wooden tray. Enliven the look (and add texture) with a bright tablecloth.

5

Teal and Gold Tablescape

Introducing splashes of non-traditional hues into your Thanksgiving table decor is always a good idea. Here, pops of trendy teal as well as a glitzy gold charger, flatware and mini pumpkins lend visual interest.

SHOP TEAL NAPKINS

6

Disco Ball Tablescape

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Get your dinner party started by decking out your table with a vibrant cornucopia loaded with disco balls of all sizes. Temper the look with a classic white tablecloth.

SHOP DISCO BALLS

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7

Coca-Cola Tablescape

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Perfect for a family of Coca-Cola lovers, this modern setup features hanging bottles covered in chalk and patio paint. Once they're fully dry, fill them with any greenery or flowers you'd like, then use twine to hang them above your dinner table.

Get the tutorial at Kara's Party Ideas »

8

Rainbow Leaf Tablescape

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Lean into a playful, kid-friendly vibe for Thanksgiving by crafting a felt leaf table runner in your favorite shades of the rainbow. Scatter a few felt pinecones on top to make it even more festive.

SHOP FELT LEAVES

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »

9

Pinecone Tablescape

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Think beyond the classic orange, brown and yellow color palette this year. Bring your Thanksgiving table to life with a cobalt blue runner, which pairs beautifully with gilded pinecones, votives and gold flatware.

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10

Dried Corn Tablescape

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Amp up your fall flowers with this unexpected vase design, showcasing dried corn painted in metallic hues. Keep the arrangement intact with bronze-colored raffia.

11

Chalkboard Tablescape

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Believe it or not, chalkboard decor isn't just for kids. You can easily create a playful yet sophisticated setting that complements black-and-white plates, gold flatware and fresh greenery.

12

Family Signature Tablescape

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Thanksgiving is all about connecting with family members. To show how much you appreciate them, go for a tablecloth boasting their signatures. It's a personalized detail that's sure to warm their hearts.

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13

Tiered Turkey Tablescape

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Turkeys are the stars of Thanksgiving, so it's only right to give them a prime spot on your dinner table. Fill a collection of decorative turkey jars with wheat stalks or just place a few on your table as is to make your setup a bit more festive.

14

Hanging Napkin Tablescape

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If you always stress over folding napkins, give yourself a break this year by letting them drape off the table. The unexpected yet trendy style is sure to be a hit with your guests.

RELATED: Easy and Festive Ideas for Thanksgiving Decorations

15

Maximalist Floral Tablescape

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More is more, right? Take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with flowers galore, from your salad plates right down to your centerpiece arrangements.

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16

High-Style Tablescape

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Complement a lush floral centerpiece with floral dishware, silver flatware, and a woven charger. Pull the look together with a patterned table runner that's perfect for adding contrast to a wooden dining table.

SHOP WOVEN CHARGER

RELATED: The Best Decorations That'll Spice Up Your Home for Autumn

17

Kid-Friendly Tablescape

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Delight young dinner guests with a table of their own. Cover it in kraft paper that they'll want to draw on all evening long.

SHOP RECYCLABLE CRAFT PAPER

18

Floral Delight Tablescape

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A basic tablecloth and dishware ensure that all eyes stay on your eye-catching centerpiece. For this look, use hot glue to apply faux flowers directly onto orange pumpkins. Add bunches of florals to small pumpkins, which can easily double as vases.

SHOP CREPE PAPER FLOWERS

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19

Gooseberries Tablescape

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Rest persimmons or mini pumpkins on top of striped cloth napkins for an inviting Thanksgiving table setting. Finish the look with a tall arrangement of gooseberries.

20

Traditional Tablescape

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Show off the beauty of your wood dining table by keeping your place setting as simple as possible. Just don't forget to wow your guests with the details. Incorporating elements like a small floral arrangement or gold flatware can upgrade up your table setting in an instant.

58 Beautiful Ways to Set Your Table This Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

How do you set a beautiful table for Thanksgiving? ›

A mixture of gourds and mini pumpkins running down the length of your table makes for a charming, autumnal table display. Flank your pumpkins with navy blue plates, linen napkins, and natural wood-accented silverware for a different take on Thanksgiving tablescapes.

How do many people decorate their Thanksgiving tables nowadays? ›

Seasonal Centerpieces

A beautiful centerpiece is a must for your Thanksgiving table. Use natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, and fall foliage for a classic touch. Arrange them in a rustic wooden crate or a stylish vase. Candles and fairy lights can add a cozy glow.

How do you set a round table for Thanksgiving? ›

The Setup Style: A round table is the best choice for an intimate gathering centered around food and family. Gold-tone goblets, stemless wine glasses, and natural bone flatware feel festive but not too formal. The Centerpiece: The center of a round table is where all your guest's eyes will focus.

What is usually on a Thanksgiving table? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

A Thanksgiving meal is not complete until the turkey is on the table. Turkeys are large, so we get it, but they don't have to be intimidating. The one thing you can do to ensure a bird that stays juicy and doesn't dry out in the oven: Brine it! Get the Dry Brine Turkey recipe.

What are the 7 essentials to table setting? ›

Basically the components are: china, glassware, flatware, linens, menu cards/place cards, flowers, and seating arrangements. You may or may not use all of these components at every event, but it is fun to experiment with different ways to set the table for a particular event and make your guests feel special.

What is the golden rule of table setting? ›

The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right.

How do you decorate a Thanksgiving table cheaply? ›

To keep things budget-friendly, gather decor from your home, like vintage brass candlesticks, and use items from nature, like pinecones, acorns, pumpkins, or dried fall florals to make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

What is a centerpiece for Thanksgiving? ›

An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

How do I make my dining table look elegant? ›

"For example, a vase of fresh flowers or a fruit bowl makes an attractive centerpiece but can be quickly put away when it's time to eat. Alternatively, a candleholder set or small greenery arrangement can add a touch of elegance to the table without getting in the way of the food."

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