Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year spent gathered around the table with friends and family. My husband and I host an annual Friendsgiving in our home and I look forward to it every year! Especially drawing up a vision for the Thanksgiving tablescape, which I view as the heart of the event. It’s where we gather, where the turkey makes it special appearance, and where we clink glasses with dear friends, saluting to another incredible year. I think it is so fun to get creative with not only the dishes we serve, but with the table setup too!
I know the idea of curating a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape can seep daunting. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with an easy and affordable way to bring some unique elegance to your table this year. Keep reading for my personal tips and a sneak peek at our table this year.
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Thanksgiving Tablescape: The Centerpiece
The centerpiece is the star of the show, so this is definitely the place to splurge. I snagged this gorgeous rust colored vase from Target and filled it with a few floral inserts I found at Michaels. The bigger the vase, the better! It fills up most of the empty space and really makes for a jaw-dropping focal point. For colors, shoot for warm neutrals or a pop of bold red/green to really highlight a Fall tone.
Shop this vase and similar ones below:
Thanksgiving Tablescape: The Garland
The garland is probably my favorite part of the entire Thanksgiving tablescape ensemble. It really ties together the center of the table and adds that pop of green that is much-needed for a cozy and elegant vibe. Personally, I am pretty picky when it comes to garlands for a table. It really has to be that perfect mix of loose and airy while also still full and vibrant to fill the space. I went with this eucalyptus one from Target, but below are a few other options I think would work PERFECTLY!
Pro Tip: For a little extra something, sprinkle some pinecones or mini-pumpkins throughout the spread to make it appear as if they are part of the garland. This is a great way to make use of a garland you may already have instead of investing in one that has permanently attached accents.
Shop garlands here:
Thanksgiving Tablescape: Place Settings
This part is not as scary as it seems – I promise! Don’t be afraid to get creative – layer plates, bowls, napkins, etc. and just have fun with it. I kept it simple with a basic off-white stoneware plate layered with a smaller black salad plate. On top, I easily folded a napkin with a wood napkin ring and topped it all with a small wreath for a festive touch!
You could get real fancy here by folding your napkins into different shapes or tying Christmas bells/pumpkin decals to the napkin ring. Don’t forget to add festive glassware and utensils, too!
Shop place settings:
Thanksgiving Tablescape: The Small Details
Now is the time to really get creative and add your own personal touches! I mixed it up with both Christmas and Fall elements to tie together the transition of the season in a timeless way. I know some people prefer a full on Fall Thanksgiving theme, while others lean towards Christmas. Either one is perfect! For me, I thought it would be fun to meet somewhere in the middle and pay tribute to the ways they compliment one another.
Important elements here would be candlesticks, ceramic decor pieces, serving trays, and more! Really play around here and add the things that tell your family’s story.
Shop a few of my favorite tablescape decor pieces:
I hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial on creating the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape. Whether you are planning for 2 or 20, there is such a sweet reward that comes from taking time to decorate and prepare your home for hosting. So go ahead, light that pine-scented candle, take a sip of your pumpkin latte, and start dreaming up a vision for your dining room this season! Happy decorating!
p.s. check out a close up look at our Thanksgiving tablescape on Instagram here.
Looking for more inspo? Head to my home archives for more easy DIY tutorials and home decor roundups. Drop a comment below if you have anything special you add to your tablescape every year – I would love to hear!
xo
6 Comments
What is the color of the wainscoting?
Hi Debra! The wall is Riverway by Sherwin Williams and the wainscoting is just white! I don’t recall the exact white used but it was also Sherwin Williams
What is the green color on the wall?
Hi Donna! 🙂 The color is called Riverway by Sherwin Williams!
Hello, Where is the table from?
Thank you.
Our table is from Nebraska Furniture Mart! It comes and goes out of stock, but I have seen very similar ones on Overstock and Wayfair if you search “farmhouse trestle table” 🙂 Hope that helps!