Along with planning the guest list, your festive outfit, and the menu (duh), Thanksgiving decorations are an essential part of hosting the holiday. For a meal this special, everyday dishes and paper napkins simply won’t do. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think to create a festive Thanksgiving tablescape that doesn’t cost a fortune or take hours to set up.
Below, I’ve broken down three aesthetics to plan your Thanksgiving decorations around: traditional, bold, and boho. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you’re in charge of setting the table at your family event, these ideas make it easy to create a beautiful gathering space using items you already own—or can easily pull together last-minute.
Traditional Thanksgiving decorations
You know the saying: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You can’t go wrong with traditional Thanksgiving decorations like cornucopias, pumpkins and gourds, and all things turkey: napkin rings, candlesticks, you name it. For colors, embrace autumnal all-stars like rich browns and earthy oranges, plus burgundy and gold. Below, find five ways to build a traditional Thanksgiving dinner table everyone will feel at home sitting around.
Set the table in layers.
The key to a well-styled Thanksgiving table is to work in layers. Just plopping down some plates and silverware isn’t going to cut it. For a tablescape that looks designer, use both a tablecloth and a placemat for each seat. It may seem like overkill, but it’s a great way to incorporate more color and texture into your tablescape. Then lay out your silverware and plates (preferably at least two sizes for each setting). Finally, finish each place setting with a cloth napkin folded on top of the plate.
Decorate with seasonal produce.
For an inexpensive addition to your Thanksgiving decor, grab some seasonal produce like mini pumpkins, pears, figs, or sprigs of herbs. You can tuck them in amongst the dishes or place one on each plate. It’s a simple way to add some variety and interest to your Thanksgiving table while playing up the harvest theme.
Incorporate the colors of the season.
This time of year, the trees outside boast rich shades of orange, yellow, burgundy, and brown, so it only makes sense to incorporate those same colors into your Thanksgiving decor. And don’t worry—I’m not suggesting you invest in a bright orange tablecloth and matching dishware. For a subtler take on fall color, keep the major components neutral and incorporate autumn hues through colored glassware, taper candles, or your floral arrangement.
Add a place card for each seat.
Nothing will make your guests feel more welcome than having individual place cards with their names on them at each seat. This Thanksgiving decor idea can be as simple as writing each person’s name on a small card and tucking it under the napkin on their plate. For an extra flourish, attach a small piece of greenery (a sprig of rosemary or sage works perfectly here!) to each place card for some added texture and fragrance. Or use place card holders to make sure the names are easily visible amongst the rest of your setup.
Create mood lighting.
If you want to create some ambience, the first step is to turn off your overhead lights. If your home didn’t come equipped with dimmers, don’t fret—you’ll just need more candles. Tall tapers give off the best, brightest light, but feel free to mix in some hurricane glass vases or low votives for variety. The more, the merrier!
Bold Thanksgiving decorations
Neutrals are lovely on an everyday basis, but holidays are for going all out, right? Lean into your most extra side by incorporating colorful dishes and florals and stacking patterns (hello, gingham atop stripes!). Read on for five ways to make your holiday table bold, bright, and beautiful with eye-catching Thanksgiving decor.
Bring in colored glassware.
Colored glassware is a fun way to add an unexpected pop of color to your Thanksgiving table. Colors like burgundy, brown, olive green, and amber are especially fitting for the season. If you don’t want to purchase a new set, head to the thrift store and grab what you can find for a mix-and-match look.
Use a printed tablecloth.
Patterns like block prints, gingham, and plaid feel especially fitting for Thanksgiving decor. Set the tone for your Thanksgiving table with a tablecloth in one of these traditional patterns. You could invest in one you can reuse for other occasions, or ask a family member if you can borrow one from their collection. Tablecloths are great for any occasion when you want to feel extra put-together, and tossing them in the washing machine afterward makes clean-up a breeze.
Create arrangements with seasonal flowers and foliage.
Nature is the best kind of decor if you’re looking for a low-cost way to dress up your Thanksgiving table. Ahead of the meal, grab a bouquet of seasonal blooms from the grocery store, or forage in your backyard for some fallen branches. Then all you have to do is arrange the stems in a pretty vase to add gorgeous texture and color to the table. I especially love the look of antique brass against blooms of orange, yellow, and red.
Stack patterns and textures.
If you lay out the tablecloth and dishware but your Thanksgiving table is still looking a little “meh,” you probably need more layers. For an easy way to add more interest to your tablescape, layer a table runner on top of the tablecloth for some contrast. This trick works especially well with a runner that has a bit of texture to it to contrast the tablecloth. Or you could go pattern-on-pattern for a more maximalist look.
Use dried fruit as decor.
Rather than just relying on pumpkins and gourds as your produce decor, lean into dried fruits like orange slices for a nice touch of color and texture when sprinkled throughout greenery. Plus, they double as cocktail garnishes, so buy a bag and use them in multiple places.
Boho Thanksgiving decorations
With Thanksgiving landing at the end of November, our time to enjoy beautiful days outside is coming to a close. Soak up the final days of fall by bringing nature to your table with boho accents like fresh greenery, dried flowers, and tall grasses. Other Thanksgiving decor like jute string, soft cloth napkins, and soothing colors will make your table feel thoughtful and comforting.
Use dried flowers or grasses for a stress-free centerpiece.
Dried flowers and grasses are way less fussy than the fresh kind, and you can often find them in pre-arranged bunches that you can just plunk in a vase. You can throw together this low-maintenance centerpiece in mere moments before dinner is served, so if this is your first time cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a perfect, low-stress option. I love the idea of bringing in family heirloom vases for this (if you have them) since it makes the setup feel more sentimental and special.
Tie your napkins with jute string.
Not only are cloth napkins an environmentally friendly choice, but they also instantly elevate any sit-down meal. However, napkin rings can be expensive and will likely sit unused for most of the year. For an inexpensive alternative, tie your napkins with a length of jute string before placing one on each plate. You could even tuck a sprig of herbs (like rosemary or sage) into each one for a chic, nature-inspired touch.
Dress up your everyday dishware.
If your Thanksgiving vibe is laidback and casual, take your inspo from this cozy dining nook. There’s no need to invest in specialty dishware or fancy serving pieces—your everyday dishware will work just fine (and make cleanup as easy as possible). Dress it up with a tablecloth, a few taper candles, and a floral arrangement, and your table will still feel plenty festive.
Use fresh greenery for an easy centerpiece.
This idea works particularly well if you have a small table or just want something easy and affordable to spruce up your Thanksgiving spread. Grab a couple of bunches of fresh greenery from Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store and arrange them in the middle of your table—in a loose circular shape for a round table or down the length for a rectangular one. Add in a few tall taper candle holders or smaller votives, and voilà! Consider your Thanksgiving decor handled.
Lean into neutrals.
This Thanksgiving dinner table is simply stunning. It’s a prime example of less is more. A base of a white tablecloth, napkins, and dishware allows the subtle pops of color (like blush glasses and purple candles) to shine. Gold silverware and candlesticks make everything look fancier.
Final tips
Let food be the star.
Thanksgiving is all about the food, after all. You can totally get away with minimal decorations as long as you’ve got beautiful plates of food front and center. Be sure to use your best serving pieces, and take some extra time plating each dish like a food stylist (tip: a little garnish is always a good idea). When in doubt, a fall-themed charcuterie board can double as a centerpiece and something for guests to snack on until the main course is ready.
Enjoy the people around the table.
Although we should be practicing gratitude year-round, Thanksgiving is the only day entirely dedicated to showing thanks. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you, think hard about your blessings, and cherish every minute spent gathered with friends and family whom you might not see as often as you’d like. It’s rare and special, so soak it up. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Claire West, Editor
As an Editor for the Home & Living category of The Everygirl, Claire writes and edits stories spanning topics like food, travel, hobbies, and decorating. During her eight years in the media industry, Claire has touched everything from fashion to relationships to celebrity interviews at magazines like People and InStyle.
