How to Set the Perfect Thanksgiving Tablescape

The holidays are officially upon us! Where did 2021 go, right?! Ready or not, Thanksgiving is in just a few days and Christmas is around the corner. But do not fret! We are here to help you through these often-stressful times as you juggle family dinners, holiday parties and gift giving. 

If you are the designated Thanksgiving dinner host this year, you may be staring at your dining table bewildered about how to set it. Don’t worry. We are sharing our most useful tips on how to set the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape.

Photo Courtesy of CB2

First off, let’s start with a table runner. This is a simple and elegant way to dress your table without using a full-sized table linen. A table runner will not only elongate the length of the table, but it will also add texture or color to spice up your everyday dinner table. Pick a fabric or color that reflects your overall aesthetic or one that flows with your dinner theme. 

Photo Courtesy of West Elm

Now let’s pick your place settings. Have a dinner plate accompanied by the necessary flatware pieces. Have salad or soup bowls to choose from, if the menu calls for them, and finish the setting with a drinking or wine glass. You can always remove and add additional setting pieces (like a dessert plate or coffee cup and saucer) as dinner progresses, but a neat and simple setting will avoid overwhelming your dinner guests with cluttered table decor. If you are going to take risks with mismatched dinnerware, keep the glassware simple so they balance each other out.

Photo Courtesy of Harpers Bazaar / Casa de Perrin

Now that you have your place setting in order, add interest to the table by bringing the outdoors in with the use of natural elements. Florals are the go-to to add elegance and a subtle aroma to any tablescape, but for a look that is perfectly fall, incorporate dry twigs, pine cones, moss and even seasonal fruits and vegetables to add a touch of autumnal ambiance. We recommend keeping your florals or centerpiece elements low and long. The low height allows your guests to easily be able to see each other from across the table while the length of the arrangement continues to elongate your table.

Photo Courtesy of www.washingtonian.com

You have your runner, your place setting and your table decor ready to go. Now, it is time to elevate the entire tablescape with added touches that remind your guests on why they are coming to your home for dinner. No pressure, right? This is the time to add personalized name cards, candles for ambient lighting or sprigs of rosemary or lavender for added welcoming aroma. In our opinion, these simple touches are what truly will make your tablescape memorable.

Easy as that! Now that you know how to set the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape, you can scratch one thing off your list of to-dos before the big day. All that is left is to prepare the food and watch your guests’ in awe as they approach your dinner table.