Like many people, one of my favorite days of the year is Thanksgiving day. I’m looking forward to enjoying a long weekend and spending time with loved ones, sharing our reflections on all there is to be thankful for in our lives… and of course, eating Thanksgiving dinner! Yum!
Maybe you have the menu planned, so how about your tablescape? Sure, a nice tablecloth and a couple of candles will suffice, but why not make things a little more exciting? This year I’m upping my Thanksgiving table design game. That’s why I’m sharing some Thanksgiving table setting inspiration that will have all of our turkey day feasts looking every bit as glorious as they taste and smell!
Anybody else getting hungry?
So first, let’s talk about that tablecloth. If you happen to own a charming wood table like this one, consider letting the character of the wood shine as a part of an earthy, Thanksgiving bounty tablescape concept. For this look, simply place a runner with some texture down the middle, and forego placemats in favor of chargers.
“The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.”
~ Robert Holden
Natural elements are a classic accompaniment to a holiday table spread. This setting by L.A.-based Casa de Perrin showcases a creative alternative to flowers, with aromatic herbs and an assortment of colorful painted pumpkins instead. Dark plates will make a dramatic backdrop for the earthy color palette of the traditional Thanksgiving fare.
“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.”
~William Shakespeare
We all know pictures can be great conversation starters. In this photo via Country Living, vintage family photos are placed at each setting. This is also a great example of how intentionally mismatched plates, and even napkins, can be unified with matched chargers.
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
~ Maya Angelou
If you’re like me, you don’t have a bunch of extra cabinet space unspoken for in your home to stock up and store all kinds of once-or-twice-a-year dishware and decor.
That’s why I love placemats from Hester & Cook. They’re disposable AND they’re made from FSC Certified paper, so surprisingly eco-friendly too. Check out their nature-inspired, “wood slice” design (above) or classic, die-cut gold medallion placemat (right) as a cool, space-saving alternative to decorative charger plates.
“Saying thank you and being thankful are two very different things. The former is part of being mannerly, the latter – well, it’s the secret to a life of happiness and success.”
~ Deborah Norville
These “Thankful” salad plates and stemless wine glasses make a sweet, simple statement and add a bit of gold metallic accent to your Thanksgiving table.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
~ Thornton Wilder
Last but not least, we need candles! The warm glow they bring is perfect to set the Thanksgiving mood, and candles always add a more “finished” dimension to a tablescape. Use any size candles you like (as long as they’re not scented- dinner has it covered!), but I just find there’s something about tall, taper candles and holiday tables that just go together. My recommendation is to invest in non-season-specific candlesticks that you love and can use for other occasions year round, like these available from Horchow. You can always mix it up with the color of candle you use.
I hope you have found some inspiration here for Thanksgiving table designs that will help you set the stage for a special and memorable Thanksgiving holiday.
Warm wishes,
What is your Thanksgiving table style? Let us know in the comments below!
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