The holidays are a magical time of year.
As soon as November hits, it’s time to start planning for Thanksgiving – one of the best holidays that brings family and friends together to give thanks over delicious food.
While the turkey and sides are the star of the show, an elegantly styled tablescape can really set the tone for a warm and festive holiday meal.
Coming up with a stylish and creative tablespace may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or time consuming.
With a little planning and some simple yet thoughtful details, you can create a beautiful and inviting backdrop for your Thanksgiving feast that wows your guests.
To help inspire your Thanksgiving tablescape this year, here are 13 unique yet easy DIY ideas to make your holiday table standout.
Ranging from rustic chic to modern glam and everything in between, you’re sure to find the perfect look to complement your Thanksgiving meal and home’s style.
Time to get creative!
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Birch Branch Runner
There’s nothing that says fall quite like birch branches.
For a woodsy tablescape that feels fresh from the forest, use birch branches as runners down the center of your table.
You can order simple birch branches online or forage for your own depending on where you live.
Opt for branches with smaller leaves so they lay flat.
To create this organic yet refined look, lay two birch branches parallel to each other down the length of the table, alternating the direction of the branches.
This creates a herringbone pattern.
Keep the branches close together so they just slightly overlap.
Then, weave in extra branches, leaves, pinecones or other elements you find to fill in any gaps.
Scatter small pinecones, acorns, leaves or moss along the runners for subtle accents of texture and color.
For a more formal birch branch runner, wrap each place setting in jute or twine at intervals down the table before laying the branches on top.
This defines each place setting while keeping the branches neatly in place.
Mini pumpkins or gourds tucked in around the place settings add another seasonal touch.
Harvest Tones with Woven Placemats
Want an easy way to dress up your Thanksgiving table with natural texture and warmth?
Swap out standard placemats for woven wheat or rattan chargers or placemats.
Rattan and woven wheat placemats pair perfectly with the harvest colors of Fall.
Look for them in tones like wheat, brown, tan and golden yellow that complement typical Thanksgiving palettes.
Use matching placemats across your entire table for a cohesive look.
Or opt for a mix of different neutral hues and textures for visual interest.
Then pull in other natural elements like simple beige linen napkins, earthenware plates, and touches of greenery in your centerpieces.
For an extra embellishment, tie sprigs of wheat or dried grasses around your flatware.
The tactile look and feel of woven placemats brings rustic charm to your holiday table.
Whether your style is modern farmhouse or urban chic, woven placemats add natural beauty and texture.
Best of all, they’re durable and easy to clean – perfect for a crowded Thanksgiving meal!
Bold Botanical Print Runners
Want to make a statement with your Thanksgiving table this year?
Use eye-catching botanical print runners as the focal point of your holiday tablescape.
Look for printed table runners in rich shades of emerald, navy, indigo, yellow ochre and burnt orange that complement typical Thanksgiving palettes.
Choose oversized floral prints, bold leaf patterns, or graphic botanical designs.
Use two complementary prints for a striking mismatched look.
Or opt for two of the same print for visual harmony.
Run your print runners lengthwise down the center of the table parallel to each other.
Anchor them with simple pottery or chargers layered on top of the runners at each place setting.
Keep the rest of your table minimal – just simple white plates and gold flatware – so the vibrant runners steal the show.
Add green and gold taper candles or a minimal greenery garland down the center to play up the botanical print.
The bold colors and large scale patterns of the printed runners make an artful statement and add a modern edge to your Thanksgiving feast.
Rich Fall Florals
Nothing evokes the feeling of Fall quite like seasonal flowers and foliage.
For a tablespace that looks fresh from the florist, make rich Fall florals the star.
Start with a base of autumnal blooms – opt for dahlias, asters, chrysanthemums, marigolds, amaranthus, carnations, alstroemeria or orchids in deep magentas, burgundies, oranges, yellows and purples.
Then mix in foliage like seeded eucalyptus, olive branches, dried grasses or sage for texture.
Display your seasonal bouquet down the center of the table in a cut glass vase or series of small bud vases.
Keep the vase low and transparent to showcase the flowers.
Or for an organic look, simply display the blooms and foliage directly on your table runner.
To balance the bountiful blooms, keep your place settings minimalist.
Use white linens mixed with wood, stone or glass accents and simple gold flatware so the vibrant florals take center stage.
Handwritten name cards calligraphyed in Fall colors add extra flair.
When seasonal flowers are the focus, you don’t need much else to create a stunning tablescape.
Let the vibrant colors and natural textures shine.
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Metallic Accents & Mercury Glass
Add a touch of shimmer and shine to your Thanksgiving tablescape with metallic accents and mercury glass.
The mix of cool gray, silver and gold creates an elegant and glamorous backdrop for your holiday feast.
Use a mix of gold, silver and mercury glass candleholders in various heights to create an eye-catching centerpiece down the length of the table.
Incorporate gold rimmed plates, shiny gold flatware, gold edged napkins or gold chargers at each place setting for a cohesive look.
Drape the table with a crushed velvet or satin table runner in a deep charcoal or even black for a striking contrast to all the sparkle.
Finish the look with a mix of gray taper candles, eucalyptus garlands or loose eucalyptus sprigs for organic texture.
The combination of smooth mercury glass, mixed metals and luxe fabrics takes your tablescape to a new level of sophistication.
It’s glamour fit for your Thanksgiving feast!
Autumn Burlap & Twine
For an easy tablescape with rustic charm, you can’t go wrong with burlap and twine.
The natural jute texture feels Quintessentially Fall andeffortlessly brings the outdoors in.
Drape burlap runners down the center of your table, overlap them for more texture, and accent them with sprigs of wheat and mini gourds or pumpkins.
Use twine wrapped napkin rings tied around inexpensive solid color napkins in hues like mustard, sage green or burnt orange.
Incorporate distressed wood slices as chargers or trivets for hot dishes.
Then fill small galvanized buckets or tin cans with mini pumpkins, dried corn, pine cones or other seasonal finds from nature to use as easy centerpieces.
The simplicity of natural burlap and twine creates an inviting, down to earth feel.
For more warmth, weave in homespun elements like pillow ticking and floral print linens.
The unfinished edges and organic textures bring cozy rustic style to your holiday table.
Natural Wood & Greenery
Create an earthy tablescape with the beauty of natural wood and fresh greenery accents.
The combination feels at home for a holiday centered around gratitude and connectedness.
Use untreated sliced wood in rounds as rustic chargers.
Complement them with moss or eucalyptus garlands running down the table, dotted with candles for a woodland feel.
Sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or sage around white taper candles add herbal aroma and texture.
Incorporate elements like stone coasters, woven placemats and ceramic serving platters for more organic texture.
Aged brass candle holders and flatware add a subtle shine.
Keep napkins and linens in natural hues like undyed linen or cream.
The raw simplicity of wood and neutral accents with fresh greenery creates a welcoming backdrop for connection.
Gathering around the table feels extra meaningful.
Pop of Plaid & Buffalo Check
Bring the cozy warmth of plaid and buffalo check to your Thanksgiving table this year.
Incorporating these classic patterns adds homespun style perfect for autumn gatherings.
Layer buffalo check and plaid runners in complementary hues down the center of your table.
Fold basic solid napkins and wrap them with jute twine.
Tie sprigs of fresh sage or rosemary to the napkin bundles for texture and aroma.
Use white pumpkins or gourds as organic centerpieces.
Display them on rounds of natural wood, rustic baskets or galvanized buckets.
Tuck in sprigs of baby’s breath for a breath of freshness.
The mix of plaid, buffalo check and natural elements creates old world charm.
For a more rustic twist, opt for antique crackleware plates and mason jar glasses.
The homey patterns and textures promote easy conversation and connection.
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Modern Terracotta & Dried Florals
Rich terracotta paired with textural dried florals makes for a moodier, more modern Thanksgiving tablescape.
Layer in mix-and-match patterns and finishes for visual depth and interest.
Use terracotta chargers and matte finish pottery for an earthy base.
Incorporate chevron runners or striped placemats in complementary colors like teal blue or mustard yellow.
Choose plates and serving pieces that layer metallic gold and black for contrast.
Build a striking organic centerpiece with artichokes, dried lotus pods, pampas grass plumes and dried blossoms.
Display them in simple ceramic vases or flat bowls so their sculptural shapes stand out.
Weave in gold taper candles for warmth.
The combination of terracotta, textures and muted colors feels fresh and modern while still nodding to the natural colors of Fall.
The minimalist style allows your food and guests to take the spotlight.
Luxe Details & Candles
Elevate your holiday table with luxe details like gold, velvet and loads of candles.
The glamorous touches make your Thanksgiving affair a truly special occasion.
Select heavyweight velvet runners in crimson, gold or deep charcoal gray.
Layer elegant gold chargers on top of velvet pads at each place setting for an extra luxurious base.
Incorporate gold rimmed china, shimmering flatware and polished glassware for tabletop shine.
Keep the look candlelit with groupings of taper and pillar candles in gold, silver or glass holders.
Scatter in fresh cranberries, pomegranates, or kumquats for bright pops of color.
Finish with hand-lettered name cards calligraphyed in metallic ink or gold leaf details.
And of course, don’t forget the champagne – add some bubbly in coupe glasses to toast the festivities
The overall effect feels posh yet warm.
Warm fall hues & antique china
For an intimate Thanksgiving celebration, create a tablescape with candlelit antique china, rich Fall colors and family treasures.
The storytelling details make guests feel right at home.
Use vintage china passed down from relatives or collected over the years.
Mix different patterns and pieces for an eclectic collage effect.
Complement them with cloth napkins in harvest colors folded in rings.
Display mini pumpkins or gourds atop old books stacked down the table for whimsical centerpieces.
Weave in elements with sentimental value like your grandma’s silver, dad’s 1950s glassware or heirloom linens.
Finish with homemade name cards handwritten in beautiful script and your favorite playlist of nostalgic tunes.
The personal touches spark meaningful connections and remind us why creating new memories matters most.
Autumnal Antique Glass
Display your vintage and antique glassware for a beautifully laid table that sparks nostalgia.
The collection of glass in shades of amber, jade and crystal looks stunning when clustered together.
Raid your cabinets for old glassware like colored goblets, etched wine glasses, punch bowls and cake stands.
Arrange them down the table, varying heights and patterns for visual interest.
Intersperse with glass votives and vases of autumn flowers.
Incorporate additional antique dishes, silver and linens for a coordinating look.
Creamy candlelight enhances the elegant glassware.
For eclectic place cards, print names onto vintage postage stamps and adhere to leaves, acorns or pinecones.
The glow of antique glass layered on a table creates warmth and reminds us to slow down.
As your loved ones raise a glass, the stories flow as freely as the candlelight.
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Moody Blacks & Gilded Accents
For drama and elegance, create a moody tablescape with deep blacks and striking gilded accents.
The bold contrast is festive yet ultra-chic.
Use black runners, tablecloths and napkins as your foundation.
Layer them with gold chargers, bronze flatware and copper or gold rimmed dinnerware for metallic sheen.
Incorporate black or gold candleholders in sculptural shapes so they stand out against the dark backdrop.
Add white blooms like garden roses for brightness, along with lush greens like palms or fiddle leaf fig fronds.
Use a black or charcoal backdrop for your china cabinet to showcase your display.
Finish with calligraphy place cards edged in gold.
The theatrical combination of black and gold makes a glamorous statement and feels fitting for an occasion as special as Thanksgiving.
When framed by rich colors and candlelight, the conversation sparkles.
The beauty of Thanksgiving is that it brings us together to appreciate the simple things in life – like gathering with loved ones around a table for meaningful connection.
While the food takes center stage, an artfully designed tablescape enhances the whole experience and sets a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Use natural elements, rich colors, candlelight and personal touches to create a space that sparks joy and connection with your guests.
Here’s to passing the traditions, recipes and stories on to the next generation!
