Setting the table for Thanksgiving to help create a beautiful time with family and friends. Now that you've figured out how to roast the turkey and read all my tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving, let me share with you today a few creative ideas to help inspire us all to set a pretty table this holiday season.
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Ever since I was young girl I have loved setting a pretty table. I remember when I was a teenager helping my mom set the table and then one year she just let me take over while she did the cooking.
Here's an old photo of me with my mom standing by our table set for family on Thanksgiving Day many, many years ago.
Setting the Table for Thanksgiving
There's a saying that goes like this, "We eat with our eyes first" and how true is that? One of my favorite things to do is set the table before company comes...especially during the holidays. Today I'm going to share with you a few beautiful ideas that will help inspire you to set a pretty table for your family this holiday season.
First, let's take a look at just two past tablescapes from my home.
Past Holiday Tablescapes
2019
I do believe last year's Thanksgiving tablescape was my favorite. At first I was upset that I couldn't find orange candles. However, once the table was put together I don't know what I was thinking about looking for orange candles!
2018
Last year was the first time I used only pumpkins, greenery and candles running down the center of our tables. Yes, there are two tables here as we had 20 people last Thanksgiving.
The plates are from Pier One Imports and the ruby red glasses were handed down to me from my mom.
I used Round Place Mats instead of chargers when I saw how crazy expensive chargers were. The place mats were purchased on Amazon for a fraction of what chargers would cost. I think they work nicely.
2014
The glass pumpkins you see in this photo are from Yankee Candle Shop that I purchased when my husband was stationed overseas one year.
The mercury glass pumpkins have a place for a tealight to be placed inside. They look really pretty at night when we sit around the table again for dessert on Thanksgiving. We always seem to enjoy dessert a few hours after the turkey and trimmings by candlelight.
Tips and Ideas for Setting the Table for Thanksgiving
Here are a few creative ideas to help inspire you to set a beautiful table this holiday season.
Easy to make rustic box used to fill with pumpkins, candles and greenery make for a beautiful centerpiece.
Make a runner out of mini white pumpkins!
Add a little color to a table setting with red apples.
Using a long and narrow garland like this is great for a centerpiece. It fills the table beautifully but does not interfere with the place settings.
Easy idea to create homemade scripture place cards for your family.
This tablescape uses items that bring back sweet memories.
Here's an easy centerpiece that uses pumpkins, succulents and Magnolia leaves.
An idea my mom created years before there was Pinterest to inspire us.
Come see how I decorated our table one year using pumpkins and gourds from our garden.
I think this might be one of my favorite ideas and one that I use now in my home!
More Thanksgiving Ideas:
- Tips on Roasting the PERFECT Turkey for Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Centerpiece
- Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce made in the Instant Pot
- Printable Thanksgiving Planner - everything you need to help you plan for Thanksgiving.
- Easy Printable LEFTOVERS Container Labels - you really need to see these!
- How to Create a Welcoming Front Porch for your Guests this Thanksgiving
This post has been updated since it first appeared in 2015 with new photos. I hope you enjoy the updates and inspiration as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Cathy says
These settings are lovely, but I'd like to ask a question that I have pondered forever. I enjoy a beautiful table as much as anyone, but ....what do you do when it is time to eat???? Do you move EVERYTHING? If I take time to set the table I don't want to move it every time we eat. We eat three meals a day, every day and I do not want to remove it at each meal. Is there an option for a beautiful table that accommodates the meal. Obviously, it would not be as extravagant as these, but is there any options? The only thought I had was to do something on a tray. I'm open for suggestions.
Lois says
Well...this is a special table setting because it's Thanksgiving. I always serve the Thanksgiving meal buffet style because we have so many people at our table. For regular daily meals, we use our kitchen table and I do have a small centerpiece that I remove to place the serving bowls of food in the middle of the table. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate the comment!
Randi H says
SO many gorgeous ideas!
Thank you for linking up at our Home Matters Link Party!
Have a lovely evening,
Randi 🙂
#HomeMattersParty
Karyl Henry says
These are some beautiful tablescapes! So many ideas for the holidays. Thanks for sharing
Sandra Lee says
Your table is beautiful and thanks for the additional inspiration. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!