"Even though Thanksgiving often gets overlooked by its distinguished big sibling, Christmas, it’s still a wonderful time of year meant for reflecting on everything we’re grateful for and spending time with loved ones. Whether you’re getting ready for a family gathering or hosting a Friendsgiving, a big part of preparation is nailing down your ideas for the Thanksgiving tablescape.
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If you ask me, the holiday season simply isn’t complete without a family gathering together for Thanksgiving dinner. Growing up, our celebration was always held at my grandmother’s house. The week leading up to the holiday each year would be spent cleaning her dining room that was reserved for special occasions (yes, it took a week).
Then came time for decorating. She would fill her table with a lovely tablecloth, her favorite china, and decorations she had picked up over the years. Us grandkids always knew something special was coming when grandma shifted into her get-it-done mode. I always enjoyed watching her set her table in anticipation for the guests that would be arriving and then seeing her proud smile as she watched all the conversations happen around the table.
Whether you can appreciate a traditional style or you find yourself drawn to more eclectic aesthetics, it never hurts to have a little inspiration when it comes to crafting the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape. Your table will likely be the center of your celebration, so be sure to make it beautiful and inviting. Below you’ll find all the inspiration you could need to create your perfect Thanksgiving table this year. Channel your inner Martha Stewart and keep reading for 12 Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, plus a few items for each to get the look!
1. Touch of Nature
It’s difficult to pick a favorite element for this tablescape that brings in plenty of natural elements. The dramatic green centerpiece is perfectly complemented by copper silverware, plate chargers, and taper candles. Get your hands on a one-of-a-kind natural centerpiece, and you’ve got the start of something great.
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2. Light & Bright
Talk about warmth! This table filled with taper candles and hydrangeas is simply stunning. Paired with white pumpkins and woven placemats, everyone will be ready to gather together to celebrate.
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3. Dark & Moody
If light and bright isn’t really your thing, don’t fret. I can’t get enough of the dark and moody colors incorporated into this Thanksgiving tablescape. From the extra-large candles to the eye-catching roses and subtle natural elements, this table will set the mood perfectly. Different colors are incorporated nicely and perfectly complement each other without overtly matching.
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4. Vibrant Minimalism
Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to set an absolutely beautiful table. The simplicity of this tablescape is found in the white tablecloth, off-white runner, white plates, and classic silverware. To add interest, the eye-catching florals and brass vase perfectly contrast and complement the rest. Simply stunning!
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5. Textured
If you love different textures but think it can be a bit intimidating at times, consider this the perfect compromise for you. This tablescape is just subtle enough to still be festive and ties in gorgeous textures from pampas grass, woven placemats, and weathered vases.
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6. Vintage Rustic
Of all the Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, this might be the most on-theme. This table has a little bit of everything traditional—who knew it could be combined to make a gorgeous table set-up? Thank you, Pottery Barn!
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7. Fall Inspired
If you would prefer your plate not runneth over but still want to be festive, perhaps this understated tablescape that simply screams “fall” is more up your alley. The great part? This design is as easy as pumpkin pie to replicate.
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8. Elegant & Bold
The only thing that will smell better than the food cooking in the kitchen is the aroma of the flowers on this table. I love the mix of colors in this arrangement and the details incorporated into the design (don’t miss those stunning spiral taper candles!). Accent a wine-red tablecloth with deep red and light pink flowers in the centerpiece—and perhaps the best part, a statement candelabra.
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9. Colorful
If you’re partial to color and don’t care who knows it, allow us to provide you with all the inspiration you could possibly want for the most gorgeous, timelessly feminine table.
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10. Playing with Pattern
Sometimes, minimalism just won’t cut it. Go all out this year with a detailed table. Start with a stunning patterned tablecloth and build it up from there. This table full of subtle details like tree figurines, colorful fruit, and a dramatic floral arrangement simply makes you want to pull up a seat. Plus, with hints of Christmas, everyone will get into the holiday spirit.
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11. Pop of Gold
If you want to ensure your farmhouse decor style doesn’t get overlooked, maybe take a more traditional approach. The gold mixed with the bold black and bright whites make for the perfect combination—not to mention the glass pumpkins are simply stunning (the matching white wine doesn’t hurt either).
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12. Subtle Greenery
Simple, tasteful, and beautiful. This tablescape is perfect if you want to decorate without being over the top. The best part is you likely already have most everything you need to make it a lovely setting for your closest people to gather around.
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More of Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tablescape Decor
Because bringing your Thanksgiving tablescape ideas to life can look different for everyone, I wanted to be sure to include a few more of our favorite stand-alone pieces of the season. Whether you’ve found a theme you love or want something totally singular, the following pieces can help curate your vision with a little creativity.
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Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!