22 Stunning Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas
22 Stunning Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas
There's nothing I love more than hosting our family and closest friends for Thanksgiving dinner. I have so much fun adding beautiful decorations and place settings to the dinner table to help us enjoy the Thanksgiving meal just a little bit more. Don't underestimate the power of fall table decor to set the mood for the special occasion!
Throughout the years of hosting our family on Thanksgiving day I've picked up a few tried and true techniques for creating an elegant Thanksgiving table. It's important to find a balance between a stylish table that's still functional for a large meal. I also like to use Pinterest when I need a little inspiration for my Thanksgiving table décor. In this blog post I'm sharing 25 creative Thanksgiving table decor ideas that I hope you'll love!
Tips and Tricks for Decorating Your Thanksgiving Table
Start with a Theme
Designing your Thanksgiving table settings around a theme helps to create a cohesive look. It's also easier to pick out Thanksgiving decorations when you try to stick to a color scheme. My favorite part about using a theme is that every year our Thanksgiving table turns out different than the year before.
Some popular themes are traditional autumn, modern minimalist, rustic farmhouse, or elegant gold and white. You can pick a theme that matches your dining room decor or go with something different and special. It's up to you!
Use Seasonal Elements
Use seasonal elements and items to give a festive feel to your dining table. I like to incorporate natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, pine cones, fall leaves, or acorns.
You can use these items to make easy DIY centerpieces or scatter them throughout the table decorations. Just make sure they don't overpower the functional space needed for actually eating dinner.
Layer Your Table Settings
Every great table setting uses layers to add depth and texture to the table design. You can do this by layering table cloths, table runners, placemats, charger plates, and even place cards.
Mix and match different textures and colors that fit with your theme for a show stopping table that's sure to impress your family members! I'm loving the cheesecloth table runner and burlap table runner trends right now.
Incorporate Different Heights and Textures
Use different heights of centerpieces to add some variety to your table arrangement. It's a great idea to pair tall centerpieces with votive candles or a festive garland with taller candlesticks. Pro tip: Keep centerpieces low enough so people can easily talk across the table.
Make it Functional
Decorating the table is fun but remember that the Thanksgiving menu is the real star of the show. Don't overcrowd your guests with so much fall table decor that it's difficult to eat the meal. One tip I've picked up over the years is using small decorative trays or bowls for condiments or utensils that blend with your décor.
Add a Personal Touch
Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for the relationships we share with each other. I love making DIY decorations like handmade place cards or handwritten gratitude notes to add a personal touch to each place setting.
Play with Lighting
A simple way to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere is with soft, warm lighting. Use votive candles, tea lights, fairy lights, or string lights for a soft and warm glow!
25 Creative Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas for a Stunning Fall Table
From DIY decorations to easy Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas, these beautiful tablescapes are sure to inspire your Thanksgiving table decorations!
1. Plaid and Pumpkins
If you want to use traditional fall colors, you can't go wrong with a plaid and pumpkin table theme like this one from Be Right Back. Layer a plaid table runner with organic elements like pinecones and mini pumpkins. The gold votive candles are a great way to bring in soft lighting!
2. Minimalist Pine & Candles
If you prefer a minimalist look or neutral color palette for your Thanksgiving tablescape, this pine and candle table theme from Hub Pages is the way to go. Start with a neutral table runner and add some pine branches in the center of the table with a mix of short white candles and tall candle holders. Complete the look with simple white plates and cloth napkins.
3. Vintage Pumpkins
Want an easy Thanksgiving table setting with an eye-catching centerpiece? Try this vintage pumpkin centerpiece from So Much Better with Age. The best part about this idea is how simple it is!
4. Ombre Pumpkins
If you've been following along for a while you know I love all things color and pop art, which is why I'm totally obsessed with this DIY ombre pumpkin centerpiece idea from Oh Happy Day. I love the bright colors she chose, but you could do this with any color palette from earthy tones to jewel tones or even with all white pumpkins.
It would also make a great centerpiece for a kid's table. Maybe even let them decorate the pumpkins afterwards?
5. Copper Inspired Tablescape
Add a touch of glam to your holiday table with this copper-inspired tablescape from Design Improvised. I love how the gold-foil table runner is such a focal point of the table.
6. Modern Turquoise and Gold
Mix up the traditional fall colors with some cool colors, like a touch of turquoise. Start with a gold table runner and make some DIY leaf decorations for the center of your table. Get the full tutorial from Design Improvised.
7. DIY Color Block Leaves
If you want to create a beautiful setting that's also functional, try these color block corkboard leaves from Inspired by Charm. They're both stylish and functional because you can use them as trivets!
8. Woodland Garland Table Runner
Pair an autumn garland with plaid napkins for a woodland-inspired table bring some rustic charm. This unique fall table runner idea from Inspired by Charm looks great on a neutral table cloth or natural table.
9. DIY Gold Leaf Table Runner
With a little gold paint you can make a DIY gold leaf table runner in a few easy steps. Pair with a floral centerpiece and gold silverware to complete the look. Get the full tutorial from Design Improvised.
10. Wheat Centerpiece
Mix tradition with modern color with this easy and stunning centerpiece idea from Inspired by Charm. Use a simple glass vase and add some seasonal fruits around the table to celebrate the harvest time of year.
11. Thankful Tree Centerpiece
Add an interactive element to your Thanksgiving table by having your guests help you make a thankful tree centerpiece. Have each guest write something they're thankful for and hang it on the gratitude tree in the center of the table. Get the full tutorial from Lia Griffith!
12. Blue and White Lantern Theme
Lanterns are popular summer decor items, so why not repurpose them for fall? I love this idea from It All Started with Paint. Just paint some pumpkins in your favorite color scheme and display them using the lanterns for a creative Thanksgiving table setting.
13. Simple Apple Centerpiece
Short on time when crafting your Thanksgiving table decorations? Run to the grocery store and grab some apples to use as your centerpiece with this simple idea from Julie Blanner.
14. DIY Leaf Runner & Ice Breaker
I love the idea of you decor doubling as a conversation starter, and this DIY leaf runner from Homemade by Carmona does just that. Keep the conversation going all night long with this fun idea!
15. DIY Thanksgiving Photo Place Cards
Instead of traditional name cards with guests' names, make these fun DIY photo holders from Polka Dot Chairs to use as place cards. You can print photos of your guests before or use a polaroid camera to take pictures of guests as they arrive.
16. DIY Fall Leaves Placemats
If you want to involve the whole family in making your Thanksgiving table decorations, try these DIY fall leaf placemats from The Craft Patch. Collect some leaves on a nature walk and make these easy placemats that you can use year after year!
17. DIY Wood Table Runner
Want your table runner to be the star of the show? Make this DIY wood table runner from Average Inspired and layer it with seasonal items like pumpkins, pinecones, and votive candles. Isn't this one of the most creative Thanksgiving table runner ideas?
18. Thankful Leaves
Sometimes simple decor is the best way to go, especially when you need a last minute idea. Use fake leaves or fresh fall leaves you've collected and have family members write things they're thankful for on them. Place a pretty burlap runner or elegant Thanksgiving tablecloth on the table and scatter the thankful leaves throughout. Get the full tutorial from Alice and Lois.
19. Neutral Pumpkin Vase
You can't go wrong with mixing neutral colors and classic fall items, like this DIY faux pumpkin vase from A Pumpkin and a Princess. This is such an eye-catching centerpiece that would work well on a round table.
20. Thankful, Grateful, Blessed Plate Signs
These plate signs are a beautiful swap from traditional napkin rings. You can buy theme here on Etsy or make them yourself if you have a laser cutting machine.
21. Personalized Kraft Paper
If you don't have time to buy a new table runner and want to keep it simple, this idea from Hub Pages is for you! Use a roll of Kraft paper as a tablecloth. (It also makes the perfect table runner!) Decorate place settings with each guest's name!
22. Navy and Copper
To add a more elegant touch to your Thanksgiving table, try a navy and copper theme like this table setting from The Olive Branch Nest. I love the copper lanterns!
How to Make It All Come Together.
So, you’ve got the tips, tricks, and a bunch of fun ideas—now how do you pull it all together into one cohesive look? Here’s the secret: don’t overthink it!
Start by picking a color scheme or theme you love, whether it’s traditional thanksgiving colors or something more modern. Once you’ve got your theme in mind, layer in the details. Start with the essentials like your tablecloth, plates, and glassware, then build from there with your centerpiece, napkins, and any fun extras like DIY place cards or candle holders.
If you’re mixing and decorative accents, try to stick to a consistent color palette or texture (like all-natural materials or metallic accents). And most importantly, have fun with it!
Your table should feel welcoming, not stiff or overly formal. Your goal should be to create a space where people feel comfortable and ready to celebrate.
Happy Decorating!
Decorating your Thanksgiving table doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—sometimes the simplest touches can make the biggest impact. From a traditional Thanksgiving table runner to a roll of butcher paper, there are so many ways to get creative and set the scene for a memorable holiday meal.
At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing family and friends together around the Thanksgiving dinner table, sharing good food, and being grateful for the time spent together. And with a beautifully decorated table, you’ll have the perfect setting for all those warm memories to be made!
Looking for a fun dessert to serve this Thanksgiving? Check out these easy chocolate turkeys!
