As we approach Thanksgiving, the season of candlelit evenings and holiday nostalgia is no doubt upon us. The opportunities to decorate are truly endless this time of year, and a cozy, inviting space is perhaps the best way to keep the winter blues at bay. So naturally, I’ve been on Pinterest working hard to craft my vision for all things Thanksgiving decor, and have perfected the tablescape I’ll be going for this year. The goal is a little whimsy from the natural world, warm lighting, bright colors, and comforting scents. So here’s your sign to follow along this journey with me and fashion the warmest welcome to your dinner guests.
The Base
To start off, let’s choose a simple base to build our tablescape on. I love the look of a light, neutral color like cream for the table cloth, or a very light and subtle autumnal pattern. Next, we can contrast the light tone with a terracotta or warm brown table runner. I’ve seen runners bunched up a bit towards the middle of the table to add texture, and it certainly creates a beautiful look.
In terms of tableware, keep dishes and cutlery simple to let the autumnal details of the tablescape really shine. If you kept the table cloth unpatterned, opt for napkins with a subtle pattern: I love to see gingham incorporated into Thanksgiving place settings. If you included a pattern in the table cloth, on the other hand, a more neutral and monochrome napkin might be a better fit.
Staples
Now we can begin dressing the table with a few staple elements, the first of which are autumn flowers. The rich burgundies, oranges, and earthy tones of flowers such as Dahlias will perfectly set the stage for the rest of our table, and bring a bit of fresh and lively charm. I love the look of textured glass vases for flowers, and the subtle shine they bring to the table helps the scene come alive.
Next up are candles, a non-negotiable for any cozy dinner setting. A mix of taper candles of different heights, as well as a few tea lights, make for a warm, inviting table that guests will never want to leave. There’s a lot of creative freedom with candle placement, as any asymmetry and imperfection really add to the look.
Accents
The accents are probably the most fun part. This year, I’ll be incorporating as many natural elements as possible for that extra layer of whimsy, starting with dried fruit. You’ve no doubt seen dried orange garlands decorating homes before, but I’ve recently come across dried pears, limes, and even starfruit in the mix of decor as well. While some of the more unique fruits are quite eye-catching, my favorite pairing for a Thanksgiving table setting will always be oranges and cranberries.
Next up are colorful autumn leaves. These take virtually no effort to source this time of year, and are probably the easiest element to add to any autumn tablescape. If you’d like to preserve the colors better, dipping leaves in a bit of melted beeswax and allowing them to dry is an easy method to do so. This process was a tradition I loved as a child, and one that I can’t wait to bring back this year for a few more vibrant colors on the table.
Finishing Touches
The first element I love to see as a finishing touch is velvet ribbon, specifically in earth tones. I’ve seen ribbon tied around anything from glass stems to candle holders to napkins, and I love the look of every variation in placement. Velvet is truly a foolproof fabric that brings elegance and texture diversity to any tablescape, and earthy tones will effortlessly complement the rest of the setting.
Finally, I recommend finishing your setup with personalized placecards at each setting. This is such a simple detail, and yet makes the entire dining experience feel intentionally crafted and intimate. If you only have a second, placecards can be quickly made with nothing but a calligraphy pen and cardstock; if you have the liberty of spending more time on them, creating a cute graphic on Canva to print out, or incorporating natural elements like pinecones, can add a little more whimsy to the look.
While good food is important, a memorably beautiful table setting is perhaps equally so. Whether you’re hosting for five or fifteen, there’s truly nothing more welcoming than an intentionally crafted space, with every sweet detail beckoning you in for a closer look. Enjoy your Thanksgiving utilizing these tablescape ideas, and check out a few fun dishes to up your spread as well!