I love hosting, but there’s something extra special about Thanksgiving. It just wouldn’t be the same without stunning Thanksgiving decor and a beautiful fall-themed tablescape. I’m all about making my guests feel special with a ‘fancy dinner,’ so I’ll walk you through how I created this tablescape step-by-step. Plus, I’ll share links to all the Thanksgiving decor I used, so you can easily recreate the look for your own gathering.
Sources for My Thanksgiving Decor
- Table runner
- Faux eucalyptus garland
- Brass candlesticks
- Antique gold candlesticks
- Flameless pillar candles
- Smokeless taper candles – Ivory
- Smokeless taper candles – Burgundy
- Artificial berries
- Artificial artichokes
- Dried orange slices
- Woven placemats
- Goblets
- Plates
- Matte gold flatware
- Cloth napkins
Step One: Runner and Greenery
When laying out my Thanksgiving decor and creating a beautiful tablescape, I like to start with something green. Get creative! You can use a faux garland, like the eucalyptus one I’m featuring here, or even some clippings from a tree or bush outside (if you’re lucky enough to live where things are still alive in November). You can also pick up fresh greenery from a grocery store or floral shop.
I’ve laid two sections of faux eucalyptus garland directly on top of this gorgeous burgundy table runner. You might recognize this garland from last year, as I used it on my staircase and fireplace mantel for Christmas. It’s so versatile!
Step Two: Candles
Next up for my Thanksgiving decor are candles, a must-have for adding color, interest, and ambiance to any table setting. I’m using a mix of candles on my tablescape, including two types of candlesticks: shiny brass and rustic antique gold (I’ll add taper candles later). I’ve also included a few different sizes of flameless pillar candles. With their gold-tone glass, they’re gorgeous and match perfectly!
I’ve seen stunning tablescapes made up entirely of greenery and candles, and honestly, I could’ve stopped right here. But I’m going to keep going and add a bit more to my Thanksgiving decor.
Step Three: Add Color
Now it’s time to add some color! With the burgundy table runner already in place, I’m layering in both faux and real fruit. I sliced a few pomegranates in half to showcase their beautiful insides and added some whole ones too. Smaller berries help balance the larger pomegranates, while faux artichokes bring a pop of green and add fun texture with their unique shape.
For another pop of color, I added a few dried orange slices. The bright golden orange is just too pretty. My tutorial on how to make a dried orange garland is here.
Finally, I’m placing my taper candles. I chose burgundy to pull in more of that color, along with neutral ivory to keep things balanced. When selecting taper candles for a dinner party, I always recommend going for unscented and smokeless options, like the ones I’ve linked for you.
My best advice when adding color to your Thanksgiving decor is to choose 2-3 colors and stick with them, using varying shades to keep things interesting. Don’t overthink it! Nature doesn’t match perfectly, yet it’s still breathtakingly beautiful. Mimic nature, and you can’t go wrong.
Step Four: Dishes and Cutlery
The final touch for my Thanksgiving decor and tablescape is setting up the place settings. I’m starting with a gorgeous woven placemat. Its neutral color and texture perfectly complement my classic yet rustic theme!
On top of the placemat, I layered the dinner plate, followed by these burgundy napkins. They match the table runner perfectly.
I placed the smaller dessert plate on the napkin, added a dried orange slice in the center, and topped off it with a beautiful golden pear.
The final touch was adding the gold flatware and a goblet for drinks. And just like that, my table setting was complete! The golds, reds, and greens came together perfectly, making my Thanksgiving decor festive and pretty.
I entertain a lot (because I LOVE to), so I’ve invested in timeless white dishes, gold cutlery, and glass goblets. They’re versatile and perfect for any special occasion.
But don’t worry if you’re not using real dishes—disposable plates and cutlery can still look beautiful. The dollar store sells elegant white disposable dishes and even “wine glasses.” If you have a Costco membership and are hosting a large crowd, they offer beautiful disposable options at an even better price. Napkins, whether paper or cloth, can also be folded nicely to add color and interest to your display.
What About the Food?
With all that Thanksgiving decor taking up table space, you might wonder—where does the food go? Great question! For a large crowd, I prefer serving buffet style from the kitchen. It frees up space and avoids the hassle of passing dishes around. However, if you’re hosting a smaller group and want the food on the table, go for it! Simply set down your greenery base, add the food, place a few candles, and sprinkle cranberries or fruit between the serving dishes for a beautiful display.
If you need help planning your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu, I’ve written a full blog post on hosting a Turkey Day meal. It includes links to all my recipes (like that delicious sweet potato casserole pictured above) and a food prep schedule to make hosting your event a breeze!
Setting the Mood
I’ve already set up a cozy, welcoming scene with my Thanksgiving decor, but now it’s time to elevate the atmosphere and set the perfect mood for my guests. Whether it’s Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, I love turning our gatherings into a full experience that everyone can enjoy.
There’s something magical about a fall simmer pot bubbling on the stove, filling the house with the sweet, warm scents of the season. It’s an easy, non-toxic, and budget-friendly way to create the perfect autumn atmosphere. For full instructions on how to make a fall simmer pot, go here.
Music is a must for any party or gathering. When hosting Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, I always have my fall playlist playing nonstop. I save it just for this time of year, which makes it feel extra special! It’s the perfect background music for entertaining guests. You can find my Spotify playlist here.
I was so happy with how my 2023 Thanksgiving decor and tablescape turned out, but you know me… I’ll definitely be trying something new this year! If you want to be among the first to see it, make sure you’re following me on Instagram.
Looking for more holiday decor tips? I have full details with instructions and links for my dark and moody Halloween decorations as well as my classic and timeless Christmas decor too.
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