After the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the decor is the most important part of hosting Thanksgiving dinner. For a meal this special, you don’t just want to throw some basic dishware and paper napkins on the table and call it a day. 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 rounded up 14 easy ways to decorate for Thanksgiving this year, no matter how much time or money you have to spend. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you’re just in charge of setting the table at your family gathering, these ideas make it easy to set a beautiful table using items you already have around the house or can easily pull together last-minute.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Layer a runner over a tablecloth
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Dim the lights
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!
11. Create inexpensive 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Let the 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.
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.
