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    Home » Home and Garden

    Setting the Table for Thanksgiving

    Published: Nov 7, 2019 · Modified: Sep 8, 2021 by Lois · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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    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. 

    dining room table set with dishes, glasses, candles, pumpkins and greenery.

    Affiliate Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here.

    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. 

    My mom and me at Thanksgiving 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. 

    Thanksgiving table set with pumpkins, greenery and candles.

    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. 

    Thanksgiving Table 2014 from WOS

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.anitafaraboverubies.com

    Rustic Box Centerpiece

    Easy to make rustic box used to fill with pumpkins, candles and greenery make for a beautiful centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: julieblanner.com

    Mini Pumpkin Table Runner

    Make a runner out of mini white pumpkins!

    Photo Credit: julieblanner.com

    Easy Entertaining Ideas for Fall

    Add a little color to a table setting with red apples.

    Photo Credit: ourhousenowahome.com

    Nature and rustic inspired fall tablescape

    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.

    Thanksgiving Place Cards

    Easy idea to create homemade scripture place cards for your family.

    Photo Credit: sincerelymariedesigns.com

    A Simple Fall Tablescape Reminiscent of the Past

    This tablescape uses items that bring back sweet memories.

    Photo Credit: craftivitydesigns.com

    Succulents & Magnolia Leaves

    Here's an easy centerpiece that uses pumpkins, succulents and Magnolia leaves.

    Thanksgiving Centerpiece

    An idea my mom created years before there was Pinterest to inspire us.

     Decorating the Thanksgiving Table

    Come see how I decorated our table one year using pumpkins and gourds from our garden.

    Photo Credit: www.bloominghomestead.com

    DIY Rustic Wood Table Runner

    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!

    Ideas on how to set a pretty table for Thanksgiving.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cathy says

      September 13, 2019 at 2:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Lois says

        September 13, 2019 at 4:30 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Randi H says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      SO many gorgeous ideas!

      Thank you for linking up at our Home Matters Link Party!

      Have a lovely evening,

      Randi 🙂

      #HomeMattersParty

      Reply
    3. Karyl Henry says

      November 07, 2016 at 3:11 am

      These are some beautiful tablescapes! So many ideas for the holidays. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    4. Sandra Lee says

      November 25, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      Your table is beautiful and thanks for the additional inspiration. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Creating Simple Thanksgiving Centerpieces | Walking on Sunshine Recipes says:
      November 16, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      […] the Dining Room BuffetElegant Table Setting – FeaturedSetting the Table for ThanksgivingTable Settings for Thanksgiving – FeaturedThanksgiving Countdown and Printable PlannerThanksgiving Place SettingWooden Box […]

      Reply

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