11 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

by Jesus Marcovichi

Planning the menu for the big Thanksgiving day requires its own juggling act, but nothing will create more bravado than an elegant canvas for the standout dinner display. A stunningly styled tablescape provides cheer, comfort, and a sense of Autumn bounty to the festivities. However you wish to add your own holiday flair to your table, we’ve rounded up 51 stunning table settings from tastemakers, designers, and event planners alike. From pared-down minimalist centerpieces to no-holds-barred maximalist displays, tidbits on honing color without foliage, and more—here are ideas for how to create a memorable time for your guests. Dig in!

1 BRING THE OUTSIDE IN.

Courtesy of Blackberry Farm

Bring the fall colors to the table with china, autumn foliage, and patterned linens—just as Mary Celeste Beall, the owner of the renowned Tennessee resort Blackberry Farm, did in this eclectic assemblage. Our favorite flourish? The delicate touch of green.

2 HOLIDAY CHEER.

"I love color and like the idea of mixing and matching, a table should represent the host and should be fun," says kitchen designer and entertainer Caren Rideau, whose new book Caren Rideau: Kitchen Designer, Vintner, Entertaining at Home is out this fall. With an unexpected splash of bright hues, we dare you to find a cheery fall tablescape.

3. GO BOLD WITH GOLD

Courtesy of Kim Seybert

Tabletop guru Kim Seybert uses base layers of gold tablecloths and metallic plates to make the fall floral centerpiece pop. To add extra flair, Seybert incorporated festive turkey napkin rings.

4. USE AUTUMNAL HUES

Courtesy of CeCe Barfield

Embrace seasonal produce in both your serveware and your decor, in the likes of designer CeCe Barfield. “Thanksgiving is all about rich layers and an autumnal palette," Barfield says. "Consider decorating your table with gourds and other vegetables as a nod to the season.”

5. MAKE IT NATURAL.

Courtesy of Maison Maison Design

If you are celebrating turkey day in a more temperate climate, look no further than Maison Maison Design co-founder Suzanne Duin's backyard. Here, she relies on natural elements like rattan and produces, mixed with autumnal paisley prints to create a festive Thanksgiving table.

6. CHIC AND CASUAL

Courtesy of Gray Walker Interiors

"Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the natural beauty of fall," interior designer Gray Walker says. "Autumnal hues and a variety of gourds and pumpkins can create a vibe that celebrates the time of year so elegantly. I approach the table setting with a more casual vibe because Christmas is right around the corner."

7. MERRY MINIMALIST

Take notes from tastemaker and designer Devon Liedtke and think beyond floral centerpieces by using earthy tones to liven up the Thanksgiving table.

8. CHARACTERISTICALLY COLORFUL

Courtesy of Hudson Grace

Monelle Totah the co-founder of home decor store Hudson Grace, likes to use a white tablecloth for the base, layering it with colorful linen accents to dress up the setting. "It can make a tablescape formal or informal with a switch of a color, adding texture and interest," she says.

9.DELIGHTFULLY UNEXPECTED.

Adam Kuehl

“I like my Thanksgiving with little surprises on the menu, on the table, at the bar," says event planner extraordinaire and founder of Houses & Parties, Rebecca Gardner. "Distract from perfunctory family chatter with party crackers, parlor games or ... a blow-up turkey. No one likes it, anyway.”

10. BRING OUT THE GOOD STUFF

Courtesy of Elizabeth Lake

“I tend to bring out my traditional china for Thanksgiving and I love experimenting with new linen pairings so that my table feels fresh for the holiday," Elizabeth Lake founder Lily Lanahan says.

11. CREATE MULTIPLE CENTERPIECES

Stephen Karlisch

Why settle for one centerpiece when you and your guests can enjoy a few? By adding several glass vases to her setup, Jan Showers injects some visual interest without upstaging the main course. Plus, her guests will have a great view of the centerpieces, regardless of where they’re seated. You can easily re-create the look by lining up a few bud vases and filling them with your favorite seasonal blooms.

The Staten Island Real Estate Blog

11 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

by Jesus Marcovichi

LEAVE A REPLY

GET MORE INFORMATION