The holidays are right around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner!
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving celebration is the table, so you’ll want to make sure yours really wows your guests.
Coming up with a gorgeous, festive tablescape is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving prep
Now you’ll find beautiful ideas incorporating fall colors, natural elements, candles, flowers, and more.
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Warm Autumn Colors
Let’s start with a simple but beautiful tablescape focused on rich, warm autumn hues.
This is a great option if you want your décor to feel fresh yet still capture the traditional spirit of the harvest season.
The base of this tablescape is a classic white tablecloth to keep things bright and open.
Then, add pops of fall with your dishes and accessories.
Use plates and napkins in deep shades of red, orange and yellow.
For more color, fresh fruits and vegetables are perfect festive touches—try placing squash, pomegranates, persimmons or chestnuts in a bowl or vase.
Keep it seasonal with touches of fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns or other elements from nature.
Place them around candlesticks and vases for a nature-inspired accent.
And speaking of candles, that soft glow is a must for any cozy Thanksgiving table.
Go for pillars or votives in autumnal hues.
With the warm glow of candles and colors reminiscent of the changing leaves, this tablescape evokes the nostalgia of Thanksgiving.
Its simple elegance allows the beautiful tones and textures of autumn to be the star—the perfect backdrop for your gathering.
Glitzy Candles
Want to bring some glam to your Thanksgiving table?
Try decking it out in glittering candlelight!
A mix of candle holders in various metals, shapes and sizes makes for a gorgeous arrangement.
Try combining classics like silver candelabras and candlesticks with more unique statement pieces
Metal geometric shapes, crystal votives, glass hurricanes, gold candle rings…you have plenty of options to dress up your table in serious style.
Choose candles in fall colors like copper, amber and burgundy, or go for a soft white glow.
Use leafy embellishments like eucalyptus sprigs or small pumpkins to tie the glittery, glam look into the autumn season.
With a mix of heights, textures and irregular placement, your assortment of candles and holders will feel organic and eye-catching.
The flickering flames will cast a dreamy glow over the whole celebration.
A tablescape bathed in candlelight makes any occasion feel special.
Birch & Burlap
If you want your Thanksgiving table to feel down-to-earth and cozy, a natural yet rustic look is just right.
Birch and burlap are two of the most popular materials for creating this charming farmhouse vibe.
Birch log slices make amazing natural place card holders.
Just write guests’ names on rounds of birch wood with a marker.
Birch logs or branches can also be used to embellish your tablescape.
Prop them up against the wall or use them to display candles or decor.
As for burlap, it’s perfect for table runners or napkins with fringed edges.
Try layering different textures—a lace underlay peeking out beneath the burlap makes a pretty contrast.
Mini pumpkins and gourds resting atop burlap add nice pops of orange.
To complete the look, incorporate warm lighting with mason jar candles or string lights draped overhead.
Dried grasses in amber hues complement the woodsy theme.
The result is Thanksgiving décor with rustic simplicity at its finest.
Woven Woods Centerpiece
If a bare wood table is too rustic for you, try weaving natural elements into a textured runner for a bit of boho-chic style.
Using wooden beads, you can fashion a runner that doubles as a creative centerpiece.
Pick up strands of wooden beads in various shapes, sizes and finishes—some painted white, others natural wood tones.
Set your place settings first so you know how long to make your bead runner.
Start by gluing or tying beads into place at the edges, then free-form your way down the middle.
Incorporate greenery like eucalyptus or fig sprigs by weaving them between the beads or using them to accent the edges.
You can also set a few tea lights nestled within the beads.
The eclectic woven woods make a conversation-starting centerpiece!
Place cards made from thin wood slices complement the look.
Just use a wood burner or marker to write names on rounds of birch, oak or maple.
The mix of rustic and boho makes for an earthy chic Thanksgiving statement.
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Autumnal Harvest Wreath
Wreaths are a classic fall decoration, so why not incorporate one into your Thanksgiving table?
A wreath centerpiece instantly provides that seasonal touch.
Choose a sturdy grape vine wreath, which you can decorate to match your tablescape.
Accent with faux autumn leaves, mini pumpkins, berries, dried pods and other natural elements.
You can weave decorations right into the wreath or use floral pins to attach them.
Place tiny battery-operated twinkle lights throughout your wreath for a magical touch.
Set glass votives nestled into the wreath for even more enchanting light.
If you want to make it user-friendly, add taper candle holders onto the wreath to serve as centerpiece lighting.
For the final flourish, use a beautiful fall-colored bow or dried floral bouquet to top your harvest wreath.
Your guests will love this eye-catching focal point.
An autumnal wreath says “welcome” better than any standard centerpiece could.
Mosaic Leaf Chargers
Want a quick way to fancy up your place settings?
Pick up some decorative chargers or placemats featuring fall’s favorite: leaves!
Look for chargers printed or embossed with leaf motifs.
Metallic gold and copper shades make the designs pop even more.
You can also find plastic versions in faux multi-colored leaves.
Or try jacquard woven placemats featuring autumn foliage scenes.
Adding an extra layer of decoration with these chargers elevates the place setting.
The mosaic leaf patterns provide an instant splash of seasonal ambiance.
Stack them on top of your regular dinner plates to combine patterns and textures.
Finish the look with napkin rings, cloth napkins and other accents in harvest colors.
The beautiful leaf chargers pull the whole autumn-inspired palette together.
Woodland Holiday Centerpiece
This woodland-inspired centerpiece takes your tabletop to the forest floor with natural elements, foliage, and rustic animals.
To create a sense of an idyllic woodland scene, begin with a large round platter or wooden board as the base.
Cover the edges in leaves and twigs to make it look like a forest floor.
Next, use moss, small stones, and acorns for added texture.
Incorporate climbing ivy, ferns, or other woodsy greenery.
Mini pinecones and bare tree branches also enhance the outdoorsy look.
Then, tuck in resin reindeer, rabbits, owls, foxes or other woodland creatures.
Vintage-looking candlesticks with battery tealights add that cozy cabin glow.
For a final magical touch, use fishing line to hang tiny fairylights above the arrangement.
Your guests will feel transported to an enchanted holiday woodland!
This charming centerpiece is both rustic and whimsical.
Gold Marble & Greenery
If you want a table that feels glamorous, fresh and full of life, try mixing marble, gold and greenery.
These luxurious yet earthy elements pair beautifully to create a festive yet elegant statement.
Start with gold-rimmed white porcelain dinnerware for a clean, open foundation.
Then, bring in marble with charger plates, vases or decorative trays.
The white marble veining pops against the gold.
Next, accessorize with metallic gold elements like candlesticks, dishes, goblets or cutlery.
Finally, incorporate fresh eucalyptus, ivy garlands, magnolia stems or similar greenery for texture.
The green tones complement the cool marble and warm metallics.
Styling tips for this look include clusters of greenery cascading down the center of the table, gold mercury glass votives nestled into wreaths of greenery, and menu cards with guests’ names calligraphed on marbleized paper.
Everything ties together beautifully!
Your guests will be eager to share photos of your stunning yet welcoming holiday table.
This is refined style made to feel livable.
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Woven Seating Chart
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for a large crowd, a seating chart helps your guests find their assigned places.
But there’s no need for a boring old poster board display.
Instead, think outside the box for a creative, on-theme alternative!
One idea is to fashion a woven wall hanging that doubles as your seating chart.
Start with a wood ring wreath.
Then, attach lengths of ribbon vertically and horizontally to form a grid.
Next, weave fall-colored yarn or fabric strips to fill the grid.
Finally, attach leaf-shaped name cards pinned or tied to the yarn at each seat.
For extra décor, weave faux leaves, dried flowers and other embellishments into the design.
Hang your woven wall art in the dining room to direct guests to their seat in style.
Another idea is to print names onto ribbons tied to a greenery garland or birch branch centerpiece on the table.
However you choose to incorporate it, a handmade woven seating chart is sure to impress.
Romantic Florals
While many Thanksgiving tables lean into fall colors, you can also create a soft, romantic feel with florals.
The secret is choosing flowers in warm tones like peach, coral and burgundy rather than springtime pastels.
A garland of flowers like dahlias, roses, asters, chrysanthemums or carnations running down your table makes a beautiful statement.
Try mixing complementary colors for lots of depth.
For your centerpiece, look for a low, rounded bouquet or arrangement of autumn blooms.
Candles are a must for amping up the romance—try taper candles or glass hurricanes surrounded by flower petals.
Flatware tied with ribbon and lace napkins carry the feminine vibe through the rest of your place setting details.
Pumpkins, dried leaves or other natural touches blend this floral tablescape into the fall season.
Just avoid stark reds and oranges that might clash.
The overall effect is freshly picked flowers at the peak of autumn—the perfect choice for a warm, romantic holiday meal.
Natural Woodland
If you want your table to feel like a peaceful walk through the forest floor, a natural woodland style is just right.
The trick is working with elements found in nature for a cohesive look.
A natural cotton or undyed linen tablecloth serves as your blank canvas.
Next, incorporate slabs of wood, tree slices, pots of moss or succulents and stones or pebbles for lots of organic texture.
Twigs, acorns, and leaves scattered artistically around candleholders, napkin rings or vases hammer home the woodsy vibe.
Speaking of candles, forest-scented or wood-wick versions fit right in.
Tie it all together with touches like twine-tied silverware, pinecone place cards and menu cards made from faux birch paper.
Keep the color scheme centered on greens, browns and neutrals drawn straight from the outdoors palette.
This cozy nature-inspired table transports your guests to a peaceful meal in the woods, minus the mosquitos!
Simple, organic and full of rustic charm—the perfect recipe for a laid-back Thanksgiving.
Vintage Holiday Style
For old-fashioned holiday cheer, you can’t go wrong channeling vintage inspiration.
Think colors and patterns that feel nostalgic and textures that come across timeworn.
Check thrift stores for tablecloths, napkins, glassware or serving pieces with retro flair.
Florals, plaids and delicate distressing give them a well-loved look.
Mix different vintage patterns in colors like sage green, warm yellow, brick red and parchment.
Incorporate elements like oxidized silverware, mercury glass votives, sprigs of dried herbs and gilded candlesticks.
Accent with natural curiosities—pinecones, acorns, feathers—for rustic charm.
Letterpress-style name cards and a handwritten menu on a chalkboard tie everything together.
With the glow of candles lighting up this old-world holiday table, your guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time.
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Modern Minimalist
Prefer sleek and simple?
The modern minimalist look creates an elegant, refined tablescape through quality over quantity.
The keys are clean lines, neutral colors, and high-end materials.
Choose a lush tablecloth in off-white, cream, gray, or ivory as the base layer.
Add matching linen napkins and taper candles in identical heights for symmetry.
Next, choose sleek porcelain dinnerware in white, black or metallics with modern silhouettes.
Then, incorporate marble, glass, metal or stone accents sparingly—just enough for subtle enhancers, not clutter.
Foliage like orchids or succulents complement the minimalist style with their sculptural forms.
Details such as calligraphed copper place cards, geometric dishware patterns, and menu cards printed on cardstock keep the aesthetic feeling current.
Your guests will appreciate this sophisticated, contemporary take on festive decor.
Kid-Friendly Carnival
With vivid colors and playful props, it will be the most eye-catching decor at your feast!
Use a plastic tablecloth featuring a red and white circus tent stripe or polka dot print.
Fold napkins into peaked hats for each place setting.
Spell out names on cards shaped like clown bow ties.
Scour party stores for themed serving pieces like striped popcorn holders, game booths or balloon animals.
Candy in apothecary jars makes a fun centerpiece kids can graze on.
You can even turn glass vases into “fishing ponds” filled with plastic fish and bobbers.
Top it off with a “ring the bell” centerpiece featuring a rubber ducky on a spring attached to a metal bell.
The kiddos will get a kick out of making it ring every time they take their seats.
With all these festive, interactive touches, it’s a table that’ll keep young guests smiling all holiday long!
Remember, it’s about reflecting your own personality and traditions.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match—add vintage plates to a modern tablescape or blend woodland with romantic florals.
The decor you choose should tell a story and make your guests feel special.
Most importantly, don’t let all the planning and perfecting distract you from the real reason you’re gathered around the table—to connect with loved ones!
I wish you a warm, joyful Thanksgiving holiday filled with love, laughter and happy memories made.
