Decorating & Design
October 7, 2015
10 Inviting Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas
From a cozy harvest table with tartan placemats to a warm and glamorous scheme with hits of glowing gold, here are 10 stunning Thanksgiving table setting ideas that are sure to impress your guests.
Use your Thanksgiving table to showcase the bounty of fall. This clever table setting makes use of the season’s delicious (and picturesque) Bosc pears, as well as pinecones, fronds and berries.
Opt for tableware in a variety of materials and finishes to add dimension. Mix clear glass with ceramic tableware, and combine vintage flatware with contemporary pieces. Here, traditional silver forks sit alongside mid-century modern Danish flatware. Votives add low-level lighting, while simple white plates contrast the colorful tablecloth.
Stylist Nikole Herriott created this gorgeous table setting with gold and copper accents. “It’s amazing how objets you love can and will have a common feel when placed together,” she says. “You’ll often find an unexpected harmony that’s completely you.”
Warm metal accents are perfect for a fall feast. Set your Thanksgiving table with dark blue dishes and linens, rich tones of tarnish and a gold-toned bowl or two. A vase of pale peonies — if you can track them down — is a lighter note against the dark china and dramatic metal.
A glazed turquoise plate, purple napkin and minty green eucalyptus put a modern spin on this look, while a wool tartan runner introduces texture. Modern hand-hewn plates and votive holders keep the rustic style from feeling too themed. Complement this simple table setting with elegant flatware, like this traditional silver set with a matte finish and unfussy handles.
Layering pattern on pattern creates drama. Mix different sets of formal dinnerware to create an unexpected look that plays up tradition yet feels current. Add unexpected elements, like the sardine dish and individually wrapped gifts for guests — a tiny trinket to commemorate the night.
Earthy accents add an organic feel to this festive table. A mix of vintage pieces in green and gold lend an eclectic look. Lush magnolia leaves make a striking centerpiece, while the soft green napkins and tablecloth complement the bright vases and candle holders.
A mix of new and vintage stemware give this setting a collected feel. Artful layers, from flatware to linens and plates, create a lush tabletop. Soft pewter silver-banded plates complement the wall color, and simple tapered candles are perfect year-round.
Rugged horn-handled serving pieces contrast with silver candlesticks. An understated burlap tablecloth sets the tone for classic navy and green tartan — the only hit of color on this table — and a gold-rimmed glass charger and beaded dinner plate add a special touch. The crystal drop candelabra brings festive sparkle to the table.
Dark, organic-patterned china adds texture and depth against a white table runner and shimmering votive candles. Place a tiny evergreen seedling at each seat to serve as both a placecard and a thank-you gift for dinner guests. Bundled in black burlap and tied with twine, it’s a gesture that’s both eco and economically-friendly.
Find more entertaining ideas and table setting tips in our Party Planning Guide.