Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and there’s nothing I love more than setting up festive Thanksgiving table decor! I love pulling together a beautiful, welcoming tablescape that makes my guests feel special and brings in all those cozy autumn feelings. I’m going to show you step-by-step how to create your own Thanksgiving tablescape, with links to everything I used so you can easily recreate the look. I want to help you make this holiday extra memorable, right down to the last detail!
Table of Contents
Thanksgiving Table Decor Sources
- Terracotta runner
- Faux eucalyptus garland
- Faux pine garland
- Glass tumbler candles
- Brass candlesticks
- Taper candles
- Brass bowls
- Faux mums
- Woven placemats
- Scalloped plates
- Gold flatware
- Green goblets
- Terracotta napkins
- Napkin rings
Start With a Runner
A holiday table that feels abundant and inviting starts with a centerpiece that runs the length of the table. I chose a rich velvet terracotta table runner to set the perfect autumn mood. To bring in texture and color, I layered two types of greenery: a faux eucalyptus garland and a faux pine garland.
For cohesive Thanksgiving table decor, stick to two or three main colors and let neutrals fill in the rest. This year, I’m keeping it simple but striking with a green and terracotta color scheme.
If you have easy access to real greenery, absolutely go for it! Unfortunately, I don’t, so I’ve been slowly building my collection of faux garlands over the years, adding a new one each season. Honestly? They’re worth every penny. These garlands are timeless and incredibly versatile. Beyond holiday tablescapes, I’ve used them to decorate my windows, staircase, fireplace mantels, and more. Talk about a good investment!
Add Candles to Your Thanksgiving Table Decor
Candles are a non-negotiable for my Thanksgiving table decor. Their warm, flickering glow creates such a cozy, elegant, and slightly magical atmosphere.
To add height and dimension, I mixed glass tumblers with taller taper candles in brass candlesticks.
Here’s my secret: they’re all flameless, battery-operated candles. No matches, no wax drips, no worries—just flip a switch and enjoy the glow. If you prefer traditional candles, opt for unscented, smokeless ones to keep the air clean and fresh during your meal.
If you’re a visual learner, here’s a quick YouTube video of me setting up my table!
Thanksgiving Centerpieces
I could’ve stopped at the runner, greenery, and candles, and my Thanksgiving table decor would’ve been lovely. But I wanted to add one more touch: centerpieces.
Staying with my terracotta and green theme, I filled brass bowls with a mix of faux mums and eucalyptus. It’s such a simple addition, but it brings another layer of texture and interest to the table. I placed three of these arrangements along my long dining table, and they turned out to be the perfect finishing touch.
Setting the Table
Although we serve our Thanksgiving feast buffet-style in the kitchen, I still love setting out thoughtful, coordinated place settings to tie in with my Thanksgiving table decor.
Here’s my setup:
- Woven placemats: These neutral, versatile staples work with any holiday or color scheme. They’ve been part of last year’s Thanksgiving table and even Valentine’s Day!
- Layered plates: I stacked a dinner plate and dessert plate on each placemat.
- Terracotta napkins and gold accents: A terracotta napkin threaded through a gold napkin ring added a chic, cohesive touch.
- Gold flatware and green goblets: These added just the right amount of sparkle and tied in perfectly with the rest of the table.
I love hosting and do it multiple times a year, so I’ve invested in classic, versatile pieces that can be used again and again. They’re adding so much charm to my Thanksgiving table decor this year, but the best part? They’re versatile enough to be used on my Christmas table, at an elegant birthday dinner, or really for any special occasion.
This year’s Thanksgiving table decor turned out exactly how I hoped—cozy, classic, and so welcoming. I can’t wait for my guests to see it!
How about you? Do you go for a formal, sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, or is your gathering more laid-back? Either way, I’ve got tons of tips to make hosting easy and fun! From games to play to delicious recipes and a food prep timeline that keeps things stress-free, you’ll find all my Thanksgiving hosting advice right here.
Candles are a must for ambiance! Mix different heights for visual interest—I love combining glass tumblers with flameless candles and brass candlesticks with tall tapers. For safety and convenience, battery-operated flameless candles are fantastic. If you prefer real candles, stick to unscented and smokeless ones to avoid overwhelming the meal.
A classic Thanksgiving table decor color scheme usually includes warm tones like terracotta, green, and neutrals. Start by choosing two to three main colors that evoke an autumn feel. You can add complementary accents with candles, greenery, and even the dinnerware you already own. This year, I went with a simple but striking terracotta and green combination, which is easy to recreate!
Yes, even if you’re hosting a casual, buffet-style meal, place settings make the Thanksgiving table decor feel intentional and welcoming. Keep it simple by placing a dinner plate, a cloth napkin, and flatware at each setting. Add a small personal touch, like a handwritten name card or seasonal greenery, to make each guest feel extra special.
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