How to Create a Thanksgiving Table-scape: A Step by Step Guide
Although the holidays will be a little different this year with less traveling and more intimate, socially distanced get-togethers, you can still make it festive with a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape. Creating a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere for your family or guests will be even more appreciated during this holiday season.
As an interior decorator in Chicago, I know that setting a dining table for a holiday can be a tall task, but I am here to help. In this blog, I’ve broken down all of the steps for setting a Thanksgiving table, as well as provided you with three unique tablescape theme options to choose from. With my help, you’ll spend less time worrying about your decor and more time focused on your loved ones, which is the ultimate goal.
Below are the steps to creating a beautiful Thanksgiving table setting.
step 1: pick out a table linen
When it comes to your table linen, you can never go wrong with classic white, as it will pair well with many Thanksgiving decorations or color palettes. However, if you’re worried about spills, go with a dark-colored linen, one that is burgundy or hunter green, perhaps. If you’re interested in playing with pattern but don’t want to commit to one pattern covering the entire table, try a patterned table runner instead. Whichever table linen you choose will be your base, so keep in mind that everything will build off of it.
Tip: If you don’t have a table linen or runner on hand that you want to use, no worries! Go to a local craft or textile store to pick out a fabric you’d like to use. You can easily hem your tablecloth without sewing at home if you choose to find your own fabric.
step 2: choose a thanksgiving centerpiece
Thanksgiving centerpieces are one of my favorite elements of a festive table setting. Most look for a centerpiece that adds height to the table without blocking your guests’ view of each other, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. Your Thanksgiving centerpiece can be anything from a beautiful fall floral arrangement to a classic cornucopia with fresh vegetables, fruits and gourds.
Consider using nature as an inspiration and incorporate fall leaves, pine cones, greenery and branches in the center of your table. Just walk out to your yard and see what you have to work with. Chances are there will be plenty out there to line the center of your table with.
Tip: You can use multiple centerpieces to increase visual interest. To create this look, place a few glass vases, each with varying height, at the center of your table. The vases could be filled with fall florals or with water and floating candles. The floating candles are a great option for adding ambience to your Thanksgiving dinner.
step 3: pick out plates for your thanksgiving table
Now, let’s talk about plates. White or any solid color plates will work nicely, or you can even use china if you have it. You might also already have holiday-specific plates and dishware. The good news is that you don’t need any holiday-specific plates or fine china to set a beautiful table. It’s ok to mix and match plates – just use some that are similar in size and blend nicely with your color scheme.
step 4: choose your glassware
For your glassware, think about what drinks you’ll be serving. Whether you’ll be serving iced tea or wine, you’ll also want to provide all guests with a glass for water. If you do serve water or iced tea, any glass drinkware will work well. For wine, use stemware if you have it. When it comes to your glass drinkware, keep in mind that not all of it has to be clear. Adding some nice amber or burgundy-colored glassware, for example, could add additional warmth and interest to your Thanksgiving table setting.
step 5: pick out your napkins
Depending on the table linen you chose, pick out either patterned or solid-colored fabric napkins that go well with your other Thanksgiving table decor. If you play with pattern, keep everything balanced by mixing a solid fabric with your patterned fabric.
Once you’ve chosen your napkins, you can either fold them in a rectangle and place them beneath one of your plates at each table setting or you can pick out decorative napkin rings, roll up your napkins and slide the napkin into each napkin ring. There are many beautiful ways to fold dinner napkins, but you can’t ever go wrong with folding it in a rectangle and keeping it simple.
step 6: choose your flatware
For a special occasion, you may want to use silver. Although this would be lovely, I say leave the heirloom silver be and use your everyday flatware or any holiday-specific flatware you already have. If you still want to spice up your Thanksgiving table setting without all the silver polishing, use gold flatware. Gold flatware would tie in nicely with many color schemes, and it would be a striking addition to any tablescape.
Tip: There are a few different ways that you can set your table once your flatware is ready to be placed. Whether you're setting it more formally or casually, there is a great rule of thumb to follow – just picture ‘FORKS.” If you remember that, then you’ll know that the order of your table settings, from left to right, is: ‘F’ for fork, ‘O’ for the plate (the shape), ‘K’ is for knives and ‘S’ is for spoons. There is no ‘R’ but you get the idea!
step 7: add finishing touches to your thanksgiving table
You’ve made it to the final stretch! Now that everything is in place review your creation and see if there is any other Thanksgiving table decor you’d like to add in.
Additions to your decor might include:
A few more leaves or greenery
A few more small orange or white pumpkins (gourds work, too!)
If you decided to use fresh fruit, you could add a few more pieces around your table
Some candlelight with tea light candles or candlesticks
Place cards for each table setting
When in doubt, less is more. You’ve already designed a beautiful holiday table, so if you choose to leave it as is, it will be just as grand.
Tip: In addition to including place cards at every table setting, lay a family photo on a plate at each table setting. After everyone is done eating, you could all go around the table, share your photo and talk about the stories behind each photo. This would be a great way to discuss memories with your loved ones!
Choosing Inspiration for Your Thanksgiving Table Setting:
Now that you know all of the steps for creating a beautiful Thanksgiving table setting, all you need to do is find inspiration! To get started, decide if you want your tablescape to be traditional or a little more unique. Figure out if you want to use decor you already have or go in a new direction. If you choose to go with what you already have, you’ll be able to decide the direction of your color scheme and overall theme based on those items. If you’re looking to try something new, we’ve provided three Thanksgiving tablescape ideas for you below.
traditional fall table-scape with a twist
If you’re looking for a unique take on a classic Thanksgiving tablescape, then this is your theme. Instead of a solid-colored table linen for this look, play with pattern! Choose a neutral plaid table runner that features a mixture of colors like ivory, brown, orange or black. For your centerpiece, choose a floral arrangement that features flowers of blue, orange and yellow. Continuing building your tablescape by using plates of gray and adding round wooden chargers underneath each plate to add texture to each table setting.
For your drinkware, go for copper mugs for water or iced tea and clear glass stemware for wine. The copper mugs will be a hint of something unconventional and trendy, and they will help set your table apart. Now, add ivory napkins to each of your table settings. An ivory napkin with a subtle orange pattern, such as a faint pumpkin or leaf pattern would work as well. Just remember to choose a pattern that will complement your patterned table runner. To wrap up this design use copper flatware, add any last minute touches and voilà! Add various small orange and white pumpkins and tealight candles around your table to add a little something extra to the overall look.
moody table setting
Defy a traditional color palette and opt for matte black, brass and jewel tones for this moody Thanksgiving table setting. To create this look, go for a black table linen and a luxe velvet jewel-toned runner (think emerald, sapphire or amethyst). Pour on the drama by using 11-15 brass candlesticks in varying designs and heights as the centerpiece of your table. Match your candle color to the color you chose for your table runner. Next, brighten up this moody palette with white dinner plates. If you find white plates that have a damask print, that would add even more interest to your table settings.
Now, add silver wine goblets and colored glassware to your table (glassware will be used for iced tea or water). For your glasses, choose a color that complements your table runner and candlesticks (either emerald, sapphire or amethyst). Then, you’ll want to add napkins to your table that match the color of your glassware. The final step will be adding gold flatware to each table setting.
minimalist table-scape
Thanksgiving may be a time characterized by abundance, but we cannot forget the appeal of minimal decor. Give your guests a breath of fresh air through a color palette of white, grey, wood tones, blue and green. To start, forgo a traditional table linen and create your own table runner with a bed of greenery. Explore your backyard for greenery, branches, leaves, pine cones and any other natural element you can use as decor. Next, scatter your greenery, any branches or leaves you found and maybe even some blueberries (artificial, so they don’t stain your table), down the center of your table. Place a few brass candlesticks right in the center for additional ambiance.
Next, you’ll add white plates, white dinner napkins, and clear glassware to your Thanksgiving table setting. If you feel the need to add a pop of color, add blue or green glassware and even a blue and white striped napkin in place of the white napkins. Now, just add silver flatware and any last-minute touches to complete this refreshing look.
