Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas + 4 Inspiring Tablescape Tips
For me, this time of year is bittersweet. Gone are the long, hot days of summer filled with fun on the water and weekend hike trips. But on the other hand – here are the days of snuggling in front of the fireplace, yummy crock pot dinners and inviting friends/family into your home for a warm meal.
Once I accept that summer is truly over, I immediately begin to start planning for holiday festivities. So let’s dive in – read on to see my rustic Thanksgiving tablescape ideas!
An Elegant, Rustic Thanksgiving Table
Most years it’s just the two of three for Thanksgiving (four if you count our pup). But you can believe me when I say that we will still be busting out the good china and filling up with vegan faux turkey and pie in style. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition!
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I teamed up with photographer Keeley McKay to bring you today’s post, all about how I created our Thanksgiving tablescape along with a few tips for creating your own!
How to Create a Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape
1. Start with a runner
I love the look of natural fibers and textures so this jute runner was the perfect choice for our rustic Thanksgiving table. Runners help ground your centerpiece, especially on long tables, making the decor look purposeful rather than random.
For smaller or round tables, try spreading out a blanket scarf (like this one) for a cozy look.
2. Add pumpkins
Because what Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkins? I got these mini pumpkins from the craft section at Target.
I love the copper and off-white colors that are perfect for fall, but not your traditional orange.
3. Make it cozy
To keep it classic and cozy, I added a mix of candles. A few chunky candles grouped inside of this gold lantern from World Market made a simple, yet beautiful centerpiece.
The birch wrapped candles inside added a rustic look to the grouping.
I then added some height with a couple of tapered candles in my brass candlesticks I scored for $1 each this summer at our local Goodwill. Thrifted finds for the win!
4. Add natural elements
Get creative here! Grab some fall blooms, or go outside and collect foliage like tree clippings, fallen leaves, or even your favorite fall fruits like apples or pears!
The possibilities are endless.
I used dried eucalyptus and pine cones that I already had on hand to give our table an effortless, whimsical feel.
I also added a few tree slices to bring the perfect touch of rustic to my Thanksgiving Table spread.
By bringing the outdoors in and pairing these with the metallic pumpkins, it keeps the table from looking too “perfect”. I then pulled it all together by adding a couple of leaves to each napkin.
I love these grey linen napkins because they can be used for every season. Neutral colors are both classic and versatile!
Speaking of classic, I have to add a little note about our china. This china set is near and dear to me as it used to by my grandmother’s. She was a firecracker of a lady and taught me from a young age the importance of being polite and proper (with a little wild sprinkled in 😉 ). She was always dressed to impress and felt the same way about the items in her home, everything was very fancy! So this one’s for you Nana, I hope my fancy Thanksgiving table puts a smile on your face 🙂
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If you want to know about any of the other items in this post, here’s the full source list:
- Table runner
- Glass lantern
- Decorative pumpkins (similar)
- Brass candlesticks (similar)
- Birch candles
- Battery operated votive candles
- Linen napkins
- Lenox china set
- Lenox wine glasses
- Flatware
- Dining chairs
- Farmhouse table
I love the way our table came together – a little rustic and a little fancy. I hope you found these tips helpful and are left feeling inspired to create your own beautiful tablescape! Whatever your preference – fancy or casual, traditional or modern – I hope your table and your Thanksgiving turn out beautiful this year!
Small Space Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas
Need some ideas for setting a Thanksgiving tablescape in a small space?
Want Some Simple Fall Tablescape Ideas? Last year was my first time ever to decorate a Thanksgiving table, and I had no idea it would be my only time to do so in our first house.
Even though it was just the two of us gathering around the table last year, I had so much fun creating an elegantly rustic tablescape.
While we will be spending actual Thanksgiving in Idaho this year with my family, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a little creative and style a Thanksgiving tablescape in the RV.
Setting a table has always been meaningful to me. Growing up I would always watch my mom set the table just so. Watching her I’ve learned how the littlest of details can make all the difference when it comes to making the holidays extra special.
Whether you’re setting a table for 30 guests or just two, a festive table is always a fun way to celebrate and gather with loved ones.
Below are some tips on how to achieve a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape, even if you don’t have a lot of space!
Related: Planning An RV Makeover
5 Tips for Easy Thanksgiving Table Decorations
1. Let the food double as decor
Since we don’t have a traditional table, I had to get creative when it came to styling the table and also allowing room for the food.
Since this was our pre-Thanksgiving meal, I opted for a lighter spread that was also pretty! A cheese board and some accompanying snacks tastes and looks great, too.
My dog was pretty excited about these double-duty table decorations too. 😉
If you’re looking for simple table decorations, don’t overlook this tip. Make the most of your table space by arranging the food in an aesthetically pleasing way.
The jute table runner was a great anchor for the simple tablescape vibe and kept things feeling cozy.
Cheese board | Cheese spreader
2. Choose classic white dinnerware
To keep our tablescape simple (and affordable), I went with our classic white dinnerware. Neutral dinnerware that is great for everyday and can still be dressed up for holidays or special occasions is always a great idea.
Dress up the place settings with linen napkins and a festive accent, like the mini ornamental corn ears I placed atop each plate. I love the harvest feel this instantly brought to the table.
3. Set the mood with candles
Candles are a great way to add a festive touch without taking up a lot of space. Plus their soft glow will make your small space feel extra cozy (and fancy)!
I added height with some brass candlesticks and mixed it up with a couple of small jar candles.
4. Real florals go a long way
Since our table is so tiny there wasn’t room for a traditional centerpiece, so instead I kept it simple and affordable with two small floral arrangements. Usually I’m an artificial flowers kinda girl, but there’s something about a fresh bouquet of flowers that instantly transforms a table.
When it comes to easy tablescape ideas, you can’t go wrong with real florals!
5. Just add wine
You really can’t enjoy a cheese platter without wine (or non-alcoholic wine).
I set the table with our classic stemware and brought in a fun touch with these ombre glasses as well.
I love the sweetness and delicateness of it all, mixed with a variety of textures. This may not have been our most traditional Thanksgiving tablescape, but it was perfect: elegant, easy, and comfortable for the two of us to laugh and share and truly be thankful for this season of life.
Here’s another peek at the table before we dug in.
The holidays can often be so rushed with all of the hustle and bustle, but let me encourage you, friend. Whether you’re planning all of the parties or just trying to create a sweet space for your family to enjoy each other this season, remember to slow down and enjoy it.
Grab a glass and toast the holidays. Because they’ll be over before ya know it!
If you love this table setup, we put together a “Get the Look” for your next celebration. Check it out!
For more Thanksgiving inspo, read this: A Rustic, Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape
