29 Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas Anyone Can Create
Thanksgiving tablescape ideas are on my mind as the holiday season approaches, and if you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving table decor this year, you’re in the right place.
There’s something about a beautifully set table that makes the food taste even better and the company feel even cozier.
Whether you’re going for a classic, rustic vibe or something a bit more modern, I’ve got some fun and easy tips to help you create a tablescape that’ll have your guests snapping photos before they even dig in.
Let’s get creative and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
This post is all about Thanksgiving tablescape ideas.
Thanksgiving Table Decor Tips
- Use this list as inspiration but don’t feel pressured to buy everything (or anything!) on this list.
- Make the most of items you already own to add to your fall-themed table
- Use natural materials, fresh greenery, pine cones, autumn leaves, and floral arrangements to highlight nature’s abundance and the harvest season
- Stick to earthy tones but don’t fear pops of color here and there
- Head to the thrift store to find table decor for rustic charm
- Try to use reusable items like cloth napkins and dishware for a more elevated look
The Best Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas
1. Keep it simple with a neutral color scheme
Keep it simple with classic neutrals! This holiday is all about the food so it is completely fine to have a calm base to stack things on.
Cream, brown, white, and even light pastels will allow your food to really pop on the table!
2. Create a large floral Thanksgiving centerpiece with assorted plants and seasonal produce
Go wild with your favorite florals, dried leaves, and seasonal produce.
Keep it as your centerpiece so you have plenty of space to crowd the table with your delicious Thanksgiving dishes.
3. Go vertical for extra space on your dining table for food
Create plenty of space for your Thanksgiving meal by utilizing vertical space.
From candle sticks to tall whimsical flowers, it creates a full-looking table setting. Just be sure to keep your florals away from the flames!
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4. Unique glassware in fall colors
Thrift some fancy-looking and unique glassware. Thrifting is the perfect way to find one-of-a-kind pieces to bring out for holiday events.
5. Different size pumpkins for a simple table arrangement
Decorate your Thanksgiving table with mini pumpkins and medium-sized pumpkins!
You can scatter them around just like that, decorate them, or add in some greenery to fill out the table.
6. Letter board or light-up sign for a stylish table
DIY or pick up a mini letter board sign to add a Thanksgiving or fall-themed message onto it.
You can position it on the main eating table or on a side table to welcome guests.
7. Dried plants in large vases to incorporate natural elements
Bring a rustic feel to your tablescape by adding in a few dried plants or twigs. Placing them in large vases helps the centerpiece look even more grand.
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8. Unique textured placemats
Add in a bit of texture with unique placemats! Check out your local farmer’s market to see if people in your area make similar ones.
Placemats made from crotched twine also make a simple but textured look under your plates.
9. Unique containers to hold Thanksgiving dinner sides
I love these adorable pumpkin containers that can store yummy Thanksgiving side dishes.
These memorable dishes can be used year after year to really elevate your table!
10. Thankful tag on napkins
Add a simple tag on your wrapped napkins or other table decor.
Write a simple message like “Thankful” or “Grateful” to tie in the seasonal cheer.
11. Checkered tablecloth for rustic charm
If your dining area is a farmhouse theme keep it going with a big and bold checkered tablecloth.
Keep it simple with a black one like the one above or go extra seasonal and pick up one in orange.
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12. Chalkboard sign with season’s greetings
I love using DIY chalkboards to write a seasonal message!
You can prop it up at the end of the table or keep it in a corner. It is a cheap way to add more intentionality to your decor.
13. Charcuterie board with seasonal produce
Charcuterie boards are truly an art! Your Thanksgiving table will probably be filled with lots of side dishes but don’t forget a beautiful spread like this one.
It’s a fun way to bring a touch of color to your table as well.
14. Various tablecloths to add dimension
Create variety by adding a few tablecloths instead of just one. If you have a shorter table this can help it to feel extra long and abundant.
15. Cinnamon sticks to create a warm atmosphere
Tie on a few sticks to your napkins or even cinnamon sticks to bring in a warming sweet smell to your Thanksgiving table.
16. Mix of pinecones, pumpkins, and squash as a centerpiece
Rather than just a bowl of pumpkins, add in some squash, white pumpkins, and gourds. This is the perfect way to incorporate seasonal produce and add to the feeling of abundance at your gathering.
17. Burlap table runner for a cohesive look
Break up your round table with a long strip of burlap. Sometimes a tablecloth completely covering a round table can make it feel cluttered and overwhelmed.
Instead, keep it simple with a partial tablecloth to create different sections.
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18. String lights for an unexpected touch
String lights and holidays go hand in hand. If you aren’t a fan of candles, pick up some fairy lights instead to weave them around table decor and Thanksgiving dishes!
19. Kraft paper with Thanksgiving note
For a budget-friendly Thanksgiving tablescape pick up a roll of kraft paper to decorate.
You can draw placemats for each guest or write simple seasonal messages around the table. Little doodles of fall leaves or pumpkins would be super cute too!
20. Wicker basket to hold finger food or decor
Rather than having your seasonal produce spread out, consider putting it in a wicker basket.
Even if most of your Thanksgiving spread came from the grocery store a cute basket can make it look like it came straight from the garden!
21. Small flower vases for a simple Thanksgiving table
Rather than a large floral centerpiece go with cute mini bouquets!
Hold onto some glass bottles before the Thanksgiving season and put a few stems in the bottles. Then you can place them around your table for a fun visual and pop of color.
22. DIY felt pumpkins infused with essential oils
Mix things up with adorable felt pumpkins! You can spritz them with fall-scented essential oils to bring a warm scent to your spread.
These are also a super easy DIY project if crafting is your thing.
23. Tall leaves in a wide vase for easy DIY centerpieces
Go on a fall nature walk and pick up some large leaves.
If they have long stems you can place them in vases as quirky bouquets. If they are smaller leaves you can scatter them across the table to add to your spread.
24. Place a gratitude message at everyones spot
Make your Thanksgiving tablescape extra special by adding in a personalized note to everyone’s seat.
Make sure the card design is fall-themed! A great place to start is simply mentioning what you are thankful for about that person.
25. Local bouquet in traditional Thanksgiving colors
Support your local farmers and pick up a locally-grown bouquet!
This is a classic centerpiece but you can never go wrong with a vase of flowers.
26. Seasonal silverware sleeve at each place setting
Wrap up the silverware in a personalized and printed sleeve.
You can easily DIY these at home by adding simple doodles, frames, and fall-themed lingo to kraft paper.
27. Gratitude questions at each dish
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition by adding these cute leaf notes on each plate. It is always nice to reflect on what everyone is grateful for and to share that with your loved ones!
I hope these table decor ideas help to make your Thanksgiving dinner extra special! Finding a way to mix fall colors and natural elements on your dining table is a beautiful way to accompany the nourishing dishes you create for the holiday.
Have any other Thanksgiving tablescape ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well as they plan their Thanksgiving table decor.
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about Thanksgiving tablescape ideas.
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