Looking for some fun and festive Thanksgiving table decor and centerpiece ideas to impress your guests this year? We have put together a collection of some fabulous ideas to help get you started. Your dining table does not necessarily need to be formal and your color scheme can be mixed up from the traditional harvest-inspired palette.
There are so many elements to putting together an attractive tablescape — beginning with a beautiful DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece. Add some charming fall-themed place cards, a few pumpkin crafts, some fancy napkin rings, and some candlelight for the finishing touch. Your Thanksgiving table setting can be sophisticated or rustic, glam or vintage, or understated and elegant.
Whether you’re having the whole family over this year or rounding up some of your besties for a Friendsgiving, we have plenty of table decorating inspiration for you below.
Tell Us: Which one of these Thanksgiving table decor ideas do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!
Tips for Decorating Your Thanksgiving Table
- Start with a base. A linen tablecloth, a runner, or even a roll of kraft paper you can write on (ideas #5 and #16) is a great place to start.
- Keep the centerpiece low. Aim for about 12 inches or less so guests can see each other across the table. Pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves, and faux eucalyptus spread down the center look beautiful.
- Layer the candlelight. Mix taper candles at different heights with votives, and weave in a strand of fairy lights. LED candles are a safer choice next to dried leaves and florals.
- Pick two or three colors. Classic harvest oranges, soft neutrals, or even pastels (ideas #12 and #15) keep the look pulled together.
- Add a personal touch at each seat. A name card, a mini pumpkin, a sprig of rosemary, or a little “I am thankful for” card makes every guest feel special.
Download Our Free Thanksgiving Place Cards and Menu
1. Harvest Centerpiece.
Create a beautiful harvest centerpiece that makes your dining space feel warm and cozy. Incorporate pumpkins, gourds, and colorful fall foliage to create an eye-catching display. (Photo Credit: @farmshenanigans)
2. Rustic Elegance.
This gorgeous tablescape and centerpiece features the rich colors of fall. A centerpiece of raffia (you can also use hay) holds fall leaves, colorful pumpkins, and taper candles. The feathers mixed with fall foliage in the vase add an eye-catching touch. You can also add other elements to your table such as wooden chargers, burlap runners, and even mason jar candle holders to create a rustic yet elegant look. (Photo Credit: @farmshenanigans)
3. Gold Accents.
This warm color palette incorporates gold accents such as tableware, goblets, pumpkins, and decorations to add a touch of sophistication to your table—layer in some complementary colors of browns, yellows, rusts, and greens for a beautiful look. We love how the LED grapevine pumpkins mixed into the centerpiece add a festive glow. (Photo Credit: @hobbylobby)
4. Festive Thanksgiving Tablescape.
This pretty and festive dining room table features Thanksgiving decorations sourced from @hobbylobby. An assortment of pumpkins in different shapes and textures runs down the center of the table. Fresh fall flowers, pillar candles, and mercury glass votives add the finishing touches. (Photo Credit: @nissalynninteriors)
5. DIY Kraft Paper Table Runner.
Lay out a tablecloth that features Thanksgiving-inspired words such as “Eat. Drink. Be Thankful.” or “Give Thanks” to remind your dinner guests of the true meaning of Thanksgiving. TIP: You can do a similar tablecloth with the words “Eat. Drink. Be Merry.” for Christmas. (Photo Credit: @zoandjordan)
6. Neutral Thanksgiving Tablescape.
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this gorgeous and elegant tablescape. This table features a centerpiece of Indian corn, white taper candles, pine cones, small white pumpkins, and shelled walnuts for a festive celebration. The beautiful place settings feature a mix of white and gold for some holiday sparkle. (Photo Credit: @dining_delight)
7. Cozy Neutral Thanksgiving Table.
The “May our hearts be full of Thanks & Giving” scroll on the wall came from @zoandjordan. The chandelier is the Winton Chandelier in Weathered Pine by Craftsmade Brands. The dining chairs are from Pier 1. For a “winter fresh style”, secure a simple wreath with twine or ribbon to your chair backs. The wreaths can also stay up right through Christmas. The chair cushion is from HomeGoods. TIP: Create a DIY flocked wreath for a wintry look using Santa Snow Spray. (Photo Credit: @myseattlefarmhouse)
8. Elegant Outdoor Tablescape.
If you are lucky enough to live somewhere where the climate allows you to celebrate the season outdoors, then why not take the festivities outside? Glass vases of fresh flowers inspire the centerpiece of the outdoor dining table. Brass candle holders with gray taper candles add a touch of elegance. (Photo Credit: @college_housewife)
9. Rustic-Glam Tablescape.
We love the natural elements on this dining table from the wood bark slices (@worldmarket) to the pinecones and eucalyptus branches. Infuse in some holiday magic with white taper candles, mercury glass votives, and birch bark pillar candles. The wine glasses are from Bed Bath & Beyond. (Photo Credit: @ashley.joyfullygrowing)
10. Thanksgiving Al Fresco.
Go the extra mile this Thanksgiving by putting together gorgeous table decorations to impress your dinner guests. If the weather cooperates, set your table in the great outdoors. This stunning tablescape features plates from @hobbylobby and napkins from @solinohome. (Photo Credit: @giggleliving)
11. Beautiful Autumnal Tones.
This gorgeous harvest tablescape features pumpkins, candles, and linens that create the coziest dining space. The table linens are from @linentales, while the plates are from Target. The paint color on the walls is Origami White by Sherwin-Williams. (Photo Credit: @theresachristinehome)
12. Pretty In Pastels.
A pumpkin centerpiece is the inspiration for this tablescape, creating a cozy table for Thanksgiving dinner. This dining table features a non-traditional Thanksgiving color scheme that features a mixture of minty-eucalyptus green and peachy-pumpkin orange. (Photo Credit: @dining_delight)
13. Thanksgiving Table With Hygge Vibes.
This cozy table setting is loaded with warmth, featuring an array of beautiful pumpkins, acorns, eucalyptus leaves, and white taper candles for a festive glow. Faux fall branches adorn the chandelier for an extra seasonal touch. (Photo Credit: @houseonlouisemeadow)
14. Farmhouse Thanksgiving Table.
This cozy farmhouse-style tablescape features faux leaves, pumpkins, and seagrass placemats that make this space feel warm and cozy. To re-create this table setting, begin with a base of mini boo white pumpkins, faux leaves, and florals for the centerpiece. Layer in some gold taper candlesticks at varied heights for visual interest. Add glassware — this table features a smoky grey vintage-inspired glass for a curated look. For the place settings, top each plate with a faux pear. You could also use other harvest-inspired elements such as apples, leaves, or mini gourds. (Photo Credit: @ourfergusonfarmhouse)
15. Pastel Thanksgiving Tablescape.
This dining table features blush roses and dried pampas grass in a silver urn, mixed with @walmart finds, including gold beaded chargers, plates, and flatware. Mix in various faux pumpkins, pinecones, and mercury glass votives for the finishing touches. (Photo Credit: @the.pink.dream)
16. Farmhouse-Inspired Table Centerpiece.
This warm and inviting dining table features a kraft paper table runner layers with pumpkins, berries, antler decor (similar can be found at Pottery Barn), lanterns, and gold taper candles. The place settings feature ceramic plates, “Grateful” plates, “Thankful” napkins, gold flatware, and place cards tied with dried wheat bundles. (Photo Credit: @sbkliving)
17. Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape.
With black and gold accents, this rustic yet elegant tablescape easily transitions from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The table features elements including a centerpiece of garland, layered with mercury glass votives and white taper candles. The table is from @livingspaces. (Photo Credit: @stephaniecameroninteriors)
18. Copper Accents.
Add copper elements, such as hammered copper cups and copper pumpkins, for a warm and stylish look. Flocked mini trees and white taper candles complete the table. (Photo Credit: @farmhouseismystyle)
19. DIY Hand-Painted Place Cards.
This beautiful Thanksgiving table features hand-painted place cards that will make the evening personalized and special for each of your dinner guests. The elegant white taper candles help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. (Photo Credit: @littlesquaresofjoy)
20. Beautiful Chrismagiving Tablescape.
This classy, warm, and inviting dining table easily transitions from Thanksgiving into Christmas. The oranges and cinnamon theme along with the twinkly tree in the background adds a magical vibe that is perfect for the holiday season. (Photo Credit: @littlehouseonchestnut)
21. A Memorable Thanksgiving Tablescape.
Encourage guests to write down what they’re thankful for on small notes placed at each table setting. Place them in a gratitude jar as a meaningful and interactive centerpiece. Before the meal, have everyone pull out a card from the jar and read it. Each place setting also features a small cheese board, while fresh flowers, pomegranates, and loaves of bread fill the center of the table. (Photo Credit: @gardenstudiodesign)
22. Simple Table Decor.
This Thanksgiving centerpiece features simple decor, including a eucalyptus garland and a trio of vases with pampas. The table setting has white plates, plaid napkins, faux mini-white pumpkins, gold flatware, and squared wine glasses. (Photo Credit: @jensgatheringnest)
23. Thanksgiving Table With Natural Elements.
This cozy dining table features a casual atmosphere that is perfect for a low-key Thanksgiving. The bay leaf garland centerpiece is from Pottery Barn. Clementines, pinecones, white pumpkins, and copper mugs are tucked along the garland. The dining table is available through @dutchcrafters. (Photo Credit: @shiplapandshells)
24. Brown & Cream Color Scheme.
This beautiful and inviting table setting features a warm autumnal color palette of brown and cream. The table runner and placemat combo is a lovely touch. (Photo Credit: @lonefoxhome)
25. Rustic Woodland Scene.
This stunning woodland-inspired table setting will leave your Thanksgiving guests feeling like they’ve stepped into a cozy, enchanted forest of seasonal delight. Woodland-print plates, pine boughs, pinecones, feathers, and bamboo-handled flatware complete the look. (Photo Credit: @polohousestyle)
26. Traditional Thanksgiving Elegance.
This elegant dining room is set for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, with turkey transferware plates layered over feather placemats. The centerpiece features roses, ranunculus, and dahlias in burgundy, pink, and peach, next to a gold pheasant. Silver candelabras and a magnolia leaf garland finish off this formal table. (Photo Credit: @embellisheddwelling)
27. Velvet Pumpkin Elegance.
Velvet pumpkins in plum, rust, gold, and olive surround a large velvet pumpkin set on a stone urn. Love the jewel-toned colors! Tall carved candlesticks with orange pillar candles sit at each end, while each place setting features floral china on ornate scrolled chargers and tortoiseshell flatware. (Photo Credit: @robins_plated_passions)
28. Watercolor Pumpkin Farmhouse Table.
This bright farmhouse dining room is decorated with watercolor pumpkin plates and matching napkins, with little “thankful” plates at each place setting. Large white ceramic pumpkins sit in the center of a garland of eucalyptus, berries, and pinecones.
The homeowner’s tip is to mix a few new accent dishes in with the ones you already have, just like she did here. The harvest pumpkin dishes and linens are from Pottery Barn. (Photo Credit: @just_addabow)
29. Kid-Friendly Pinecone Centerpiece.
Looking for an easy centerpiece the whole family can help make? Here, the family tied pinecones gathered from the farm with colorful scrap ribbon and hung them from a rod above the table. Aqua glass goblets and vintage plates trimmed in blue and gold are set at each place. Since pinecones and pine work for both holidays, this centerpiece can stay up right through Christmas, a great time-saver for busy families! (Photo Credit: @astoriedstyle)
30. Cozy Thanksgiving Table for Two.
Hosting a smaller Thanksgiving this year? This cozy table for two is set by the fireplace, with a woodland print tablecloth layered over a linen skirt. A ceramic fruit centerpiece and amber glass goblets add warm harvest colors, while the mantel behind it is decorated with sunflowers, fall leaves, and pheasants. (Photo Credit: @suzannezinggstyle)
31. Outdoor Thanksgiving by the Fireplace.
Take the celebration outdoors with a long farmhouse table set in front of a white brick fireplace. Peach roses, dahlias, and blue thistle are arranged down a linen runner, along with rust-colored pillar candles in glass hurricanes. Each place setting features a gold charger, a sage green napkin, and a handwritten place card on a marble holder.
Andee Layne designed this Southern California table for Crate & Barrel, and the chargers, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, napkins, and hurricanes are all from Crate & Barrel. (Photo Credit: @vlentine for @crateandbarrel, styled by @andeelayne)
32. Hydrangea and Rose Harvest Table.
This beautiful table starts with a linen tablecloth and a damask runner, layered with earthy fall colors. Pottery Barn’s Bedford Turkey plates sit on wood chargers over woven rattan placemats, and each napkin is tied with a velvet ribbon. The centerpiece mixes faux hydrangeas from Pottery Barn with fresh orange and pink roses, surrounded by tall rust-colored taper candles. (Photo Credit: @ivoryandnoire)
33. Rustic Barn Thanksgiving Table.
Interior designer Barry Dixon and Will Thomas host Thanksgiving dinner in the barn at Elway Hall, their home in Virginia. Tall branches of red winterberry mixed with orange and coral roses make a showstopping centerpiece, surrounded by persimmons and heirloom pumpkins. Patterned china and tall taper candles in a twig candelabra dress up the long farmhouse table. (Photo Credit: @erikkvalsvik for @flowermagazine)
34. Lodge-Inspired Thanksgiving Table.
Inspired by Ralph Lauren’s classic lodge style, this table mixes leather, plaid, and natural elements. Brown and black stoneware plates sit on a tartan tablecloth, with a pinecone, dried orange slices, and a sprig of cedar at each place. A hammered silver bowl filled with pinecones, antlers, and dried oranges makes a rustic centerpiece. Love the little brown cordless lamps! (Photo Credit: @dining_delight)
35. Modern Moody Thanksgiving Table.
Smoky brown glassware and rust-colored linen napkins give this table a modern, moody feel. An embroidered runner with autumn leaves is topped with eucalyptus, glass votives, and white taper candles in brass holders. White plates sit on woven seagrass chargers, with each napkin pulled through a brass ring. (Photo Credit: @east.eighteen)
36. Pear and Brass Candlestick Centerpiece.
For a simple yet elegant centerpiece, pears are tucked into a garland of berries and greenery down a striped runner, with brass candlesticks holding ivory taper candles.
The homeowner shares a few easy tips: use a scarf or throw blanket as a runner in a pinch, set a card and pencil at each place for guests to write what they’re thankful for, pick up pears or pumpkins from the produce section, and clip a few stems from your yard for free decor! In the second photo, a plaid throw serves as the runner. (Photo Credit: @blesserhouse)
37. Minimal Scandinavian Thanksgiving Table.
This beautiful Scandinavian-style dining room is decorated for Thanksgiving in soft, neutral colors. A hoop wrapped in dried flowers hangs above the whitewashed table, while curly willow branches in an antique jug make an eye-catching centerpiece. Sage and white pumpkins, pillar candles, and smoky glass goblets are grouped down the center. (Photo Credit: @anangelinmyhome)
Christmas Cranberry Stuffing
This is my mom’s recipe, written on a well-worn notecard that’s been in our kitchen for 20 years. It’s been on our holiday table ever since, from Thanksgiving right through Christmas. The dried cranberries add a festive pop of color and just the right touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- 3 large celery stalks (with leaves), chopped
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 8 cups bread cubes mixed with bread crumbs (about a 1 lb. loaf)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 dashes of black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter. Sauté the celery for 1 minute, then add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in about half of the bread cubes. Turn off the heat and let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining bread cubes, cranberries, sage, thyme, salt and pepper, and toss until well combined. Drizzle with ½ cup of chicken broth so it stays moist.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased pan and cover with tin foil.
- Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and drizzle with turkey drippings. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes more.
Notes
- Substitutions: Golden raisins or dried cherries can be used in place of the cranberries.
- Ideas to try: Stir in ½ cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or add up to 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest. Orange and cranberry are a tasty combo!
- *Calories are an estimate and will vary with the bread and butter used.
MORE THANKSGIVING INSPIRATION
Looking for more ways to set a festive table? Find the perfect centerpiece with these Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas, then personalize each seat with these Thanksgiving place card ideas. For even more inspiration, see our Thanksgiving place setting ideas and these DIY Thanksgiving dining table decor ideas.
Note: Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to save your favorite images to Pinterest, and while you are there, please give us a follow so you can stay up with all the latest seasonal trends!
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