20 BEST THANKSGIVING TABLE DECOR IDEAS SURE TO WOW YOUR GUESTS

As Halloween fades into memory and the vibrant hues of fall envelop your neighborhood, the holiday spirit is in full swing. The leaves form a colorful, magical blanket that transforms the landscape.

With the fall festival approaching, it’s time to focus on one of the most significant meals of the year: Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate family gathering, it’s essential to prepare, from table decorations to meal planning.

But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with stunning Thanksgiving table decoration ideas that will have everyone buzzing with excitement. Once your table is set, meal prep will feel like a breeze. So, take a deep breath and let’s dive into these amazing Thanksgiving decorating tips, starting with the essentials!

WHAT DO YOU PUT ON A THANKSGIVING DINNER TABLE?

Feeling stressed about how to set the table for a sophisticated or trendy impression? Don’t worry—we’ve got the perfect solution!

A well-set table can elevate even the simplest meal into a delightful experience. To help you de-stress from the planning, follow these easy steps:

  • Start Early: Begin your table decor well before the big meal day to avoid last-minute chaos.
  • Gather Supplies: Make a checklist to ensure you have all the essentials. This includes decorative items as well as practical items like plates, napkins, bowls, silverware, and glasses for the right number of guests.
  • Match the Theme: Ensure that all items coordinate with your Thanksgiving decor theme.
  • Lay the Foundation: For a formal setting, arrange the salad plates and main course plates first.
  • Arrange Silverware: Place the forks on the left of the plate—the larger fork closest to the plate and the smaller fork next for appetizers or salads. On the right, set the knife followed by the spoons for soup and dessert.
  • Align for Uniformity: Ensure everything is lined up neatly for a polished look.
  • Position Glassware: Place the wine and water glasses to the right of the plate, and then set the bowls or bread plates opposite the glasses.

And just like that, your table is set and ready for decoration! To be the most gracious host with the most beautiful Thanksgiving table, we have a fantastic collection of creative and easy Thanksgiving table ideas, complete with DIY centerpieces and place cards. Ready to dive in?

EASY & CREATIVE TABLE SETTING THANKSGIVING DECORATION IDEAS

BASKETS TABLE SETTING

As Thanksgiving approaches and thoughts turn to the harvest bounty, baskets make for a beautiful table motif. Looking for a centerpiece that’s stylish, simple, and budget-friendly? Look no further! These baskets, filled with apples, pears, and walnuts, evoke the essence of a cornucopia overflowing with abundance. You can use multiple baskets to create a stunning display that runs along the length of the table, adding a warm and inviting touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.

GOLD TABLE SETTING

No flower, no matter how humble, fails to shine when grouped together. For this tablescape, we arranged clusters of mums, carnations, amaranth, wheat, and grasses in fluted glasses and small vases. To maintain a cohesive look, we chose a palette of amber hues—yellows, golds, and rusts—for the flowers, vessels, and beeswax candles. We opted for hardy blooms like mums and carnations, ensuring they are readily available. Simply clip the stems, remove any excess foliage, and place the flowers in clean water for a stunning display that brings warmth and charm to your Thanksgiving table.

GLITTERED CORN TABLE SETTING

Incorporating a few organic elements, enhanced with a touch of gilding, beautifully captures the abundance of fall. Begin with the essentials: the dishes, with their fluid shapes, reflect the natural world around us. Use sturdy silverware that gleams—whether gold or silver, it all adds to the elegance. Stripes of glitter along the edge of a table runner elevate the festive ambiance.

For a stunning centerpiece, transform a glass compote into a horn of plenty by filling it with sparkling Indian corn and squash. Vary the intensity of the sparkle by completely covering some ears of corn while using just a light dusting of glitter on others. A simple glittered stem on the squash is all it needs to catch the eye. This combination of organic charm and shimmering accents will create a captivating Thanksgiving table display.

SILVER COATED TABLE SETTING

Create a stunning table with elegant decorations in calming colors, using just a few simple supplies. Elevate plain woven bread baskets by painting them in a single, lustrous shade and lining them with vibrant fabric.

For a rich centerpiece, add a plastic liner to the basket and fill it with a mix of neutral, silvery-leafed plants paired with flowers in deep purples and soft magentas. In this arrangement, we used mums, dusty miller, viburnum, globe thistle, cabbage rosettes, and kale leaves—affordable options that are easy to find in the fall. This combination of colors and textures will bring a serene and sophisticated touch to your Thanksgiving table.

FORAGED TABLE SETTING

Embrace earthy, natural, and plant-based elements for your holiday table with beautiful materials like lichen-covered blueberry branches and velvety red spikes of staghorn sumac. Consider foraging for centerpiece materials right in your own backyard. Sculptural twigs and branches serve as a surprising alternative to traditional flowers, adding a touch of natural beauty that reflects the season.

An important occasion can be both chic and casual. Feel free to use stunning yet everyday earthenware, and there’s no need for a tablecloth or placemats. Your napkins don’t even have to match—just choose related colors or fabrics to create a cohesive look. This relaxed approach will infuse your Thanksgiving table with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

BRIGHT YELLOW TABLE SETTING

We crafted a warm golden yellow palette, anchored by a table runner made of metallic glazed linen. The combination of old and new pieces of ceramic vintage dinnerware, all in creamy white shades, creates a harmonious and easily mixable aesthetic. To infuse the setting with vibrant bursts of gold, we added spider mums and Craspedia globosa in shallow bowls and porcelain cups. This arrangement beautifully enhances the overall look, creating an inviting and cheerful atmosphere perfect for Thanksgiving.

RICHLY COLORED TABLE SETTING

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to an elegant tablescape. This thematic vision from former Deputy Creative Director Ayesha Patel embodies that principle for a Thanksgiving table. It features natural materials and textures, such as burlap place mats, a leather tie for the carafe, and block-printed napkins. These elements come together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of understated design while celebrating the essence of the season.

PATTERN PLAY TABLE SETTING

Botanical dinner plates set the stage for this beautiful table. The fresh color palette, inspired by the floral pattern—yellow, lavender, brown, and gray—brings everything together in perfect harmony. Sleek gray side plates offer a contemporary contrast to the vintage design of the dinner plates.

To enhance the setting, assorted napkins are unified by stitched-on crochet trim along one edge. Antique etched wine glasses, simple low tumblers, and purple pressed-glass tumblers complement the old-new theme beautifully. Flat place cards adorned with single dried flowers reinforce the color scheme, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for your Thanksgiving gathering.

GILDED TABLE SETTING

Give your table the Midas touch by transforming fallen leaves into a rustic yet elegant centerpiece. Start by collecting leaves and bare branches to create your arrangement—there’s no need to press the leaves, as their natural form is part of their charm. Spray the leaves with gold paint and allow them to dry. Once dry, use hot glue to attach the leaves to the branches and arrange them in a vase.

For the rest of the table, embrace a resplendent gold theme with modern flatware and dinner plates, complemented by a fringed linen runner. To personalize the dining experience, place Baby Boo pumpkins at each guest’s seat to mark their place, adding a delightful touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.

BARN TABLE SETTING

The Nordt family from Charles City, Virginia, hosts their Thanksgiving feast in a charming barn setting. Instead of traditional chairs, they creatively arrange bales of hay along the table, draped with handwoven blankets that add warmth and softness. The main table features an assortment of candles, glasses, and antique 1920s Theodore Haviland china that Dianne Nordt, the family matriarch, has lovingly collected over the years.

Nut wreaths, crafted by drilling holes in pecans and sweet-gum seeds and stringing them onto wire rings, add a rustic touch and adorn a reclaimed barn door. Above the buffet, a beautifully threaded magnolia wreath hangs on the wall, completing the cozy and inviting atmosphere for their Thanksgiving celebration.

SOFT METALLICS TABLE SETTING

Glints of gold and silver beautifully complement soft pinks and yellows at this inviting table. Arrangements of carnations, mums, scabiosa seed heads, and grasses are positioned on and around the mantel, adding a touch of natural beauty to the setting without overwhelming the table. This thoughtful design creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for gathering with loved ones during the holiday season.

COZY RUSTIC TABLE SETTING

Feelings of gratitude flow effortlessly in autumn, the peak season for ethereal light, rich colors, and joyful homecomings. This Thanksgiving, embrace these elements with a simple yet special table that honors great food and cherished company. Bring in a cushioned bench to create a comfortable setting for enjoying a spread of easy earthly delights.

Our interpretation of a pared-down Scandinavian aesthetic—where flowers are not essential—draws warmth from raw linen and the soft glow of beeswax candles. A casually stunning centerpiece features an informal arrangement of mottled gourds, leather-trimmed hurricane lanterns, and whole nuts ready for cracking, creating a relaxed yet beautiful atmosphere for your Thanksgiving gathering.

FALL HARVEST TABLE SETTING

While many people say grace at dinner, you can cultivate feelings of gratitude even before the meal begins by preparing an easy yet stunning, wilt-proof centerpiece. To create this simple arrangement, place candles on small glass dishes and cover them with curvy lamp chimneys, which can be found for just a few dollars at hardware or antique stores. Fill in any spare spaces with seasonal fruit and foliage for added color and texture. When guests arrive, light the wicks and enjoy the warm glow, setting a beautiful and inviting atmosphere for your Thanksgiving celebration.

DRIED FLOWERS TABLE SETTING

If you didn’t have time to wander through a meadow to gather materials for your tabletop, this setup is the perfect alternative. The key to achieving a breezy yet modern feel is to use mostly one variety of flower per vase, allowing the simplicity of the arrangement to shine. The mix of white stoneware vases beautifully contrasts with a rust-colored tablecloth, creating an eye-catching display.

By lining the vases up loosely, you maintain an effortless charm. This spare palette will carry you through the winter months; for a fresh look, simply swap out the vessels to match the season or your mood.

INDIGO TABLE SETTING

Take a break from the hassle of formal floral centerpieces and instead showcase wispy dried branch stalks in a variety of vases. For a snow-kissed effect, lay the branches on paper and spray them with white floral paint before arranging them.

While block-printed linens can be expensive to buy, they are surprisingly easy to make using just textile paint, muslin fabric, and woodblock stamps. When block-printing napkins, mix colors and patterns to enhance your table’s eclectic vibe. This unique combination of colors and loose materials creates a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere that still feels celebratory.

In this setup, vintage yellowware pie dishes serve as unconventional dinner plates, while individual cutting boards hold bread and salt dishes; adding a stylish touch by winding ribbon around their handles. Vintage and reproduction Dutch tiles add personality to the table and can serve multiple purposes. Arrange them in clusters or as a band down the center of the table, using them as trivets or placing them individually as coasters for a charming touch.

BOTANICAL POTS

To elevate your table for the feast, transform plain terra-cotta pots into elegant, one-of-a-kind displays with botanical accents. All you need are silicone baking molds (typically used for making fondant details on cakes), white air-dry clay, and craft glue. Here’s a simple how-to:

  • Prepare the Clay: Start by kneading the white air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable.
  • Mold the Shapes: Press the clay into the silicone baking molds, ensuring you fill each detail. Let the clay set as per the manufacturer’s instructions until it’s firm.
  • Assemble the Accents: Once the clay pieces are ready, carefully remove them from the molds. Use craft glue to attach these botanical accents to the sides of your terra-cotta pots.
  • Plant Your Botanicals: Fill the pots with soil and your favorite plants or flowers, allowing the clay accents to enhance the overall aesthetic.
  • Set the Table: Arrange the decorated pots on your table for a charming and personalized centerpiece that adds a touch of nature to your Thanksgiving feast.

This simple DIY project not only beautifies your table but also creates a unique and inviting atmosphere for your gathering.

TERRA COTTA TABLE SETTING

For a natural and earthy aesthetic this Thanksgiving, consider using terra cotta serving ware. Terra cotta isn’t just for flower pots; it can be transformed into beautiful and versatile tableware that complements any holiday theme, whether dressed up or down.

METALLIC MINI GOLD PUMPKIN TABLE SETTING

Elevate your Thanksgiving table settings by spray painting mini pumpkins in metallic gold. Place one on each plate, attaching a name card for a personalized touch that enhances the seasonal ambiance. For a cohesive look, arrange larger metallic gold pumpkins down the center of the table. This simple yet elegant decor idea adds a festive flair while keeping the aesthetic sophisticated and inviting.

NATURAL PUMPKINS AND GOURDS TABLESETTING

Create a charming autumnal table display by arranging a mix of gourds and mini pumpkins along the length of your table. Pair these colorful accents with navy blue plates, soft linen napkins, and natural wood-accented silverware for a refreshing twist on traditional Thanksgiving tablescapes. This combination adds warmth and texture, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season while ensuring an inviting atmosphere for your guests.

BOHEMIAN VIBES

Embrace a bohemian-inspired table setting by layering patterned tablecloths to create visual interest. Use a mix of eclectic plates in various colors and designs to enhance the laid-back vibe, and complement them with vintage glassware for a touch of charm. To complete the whimsical atmosphere, hang dreamcatchers or macrame accents from the backs of the chairs. This unique decor not only adds character but also invites a relaxed and inviting feel, perfect for a memorable Thanksgiving gathering.

CONCLUSION

As your Thanksgiving feast draws near, remember that the table setting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. By incorporating these 20 best Thanksgiving table decor ideas, you can effortlessly wow your guests and elevate your holiday celebration. From rustic charm to modern elegance, there’s a style to suit every taste and preference. So, gather your favorite elements, let your creativity flow, and create a Thanksgiving table that will be the talk of the town. Happy Thanksgiving!

12 SIMPLE FALL PLANTER IDEAS TO ELEVATE YOUR SEASONAL DECOR

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin carving and warm apple pie; it’s also the perfect time to refresh your seasonal decor as the major holidays approach. For many, creating a stunning fall container display filled with vibrant plants and planters can feel overwhelming. With the rich textures, colorful contrasts, and cozy hues of green, purple, blue, red, and brown that define autumn, it’s easy to feel daunted!

To help you avoid endless scrolling on Pinterest and the stress of where to begin, we’ve curated 12 fall container garden ideas that will elevate the front of your home and leave your neighbors in awe!

Herb Gardening During Fall

This rustic hanging arrangement can also serve as a mini herb garden. Instead of opting for typical green foliage, consider using herbs to add edible elements to your container garden. Imagine the delightful aroma of fresh cilantro, golden lemon thyme, and Italian oregano flourishing in your hanging planters.

Most of these herb plants grow tall in the fall and will die back during winter, so be sure to harvest them before the cold truly sets in.

One Drop of Pumpkin Spice

Nothing enhances a front porch in the fall quite like golden pumpkins. Whether they’re short and bumpy or smooth and tall, we love arranging pumpkins of all colors and shapes to bring a touch of excitement to the annual pumpkin patch right at your front steps.

FAUX PUMPKINS

A budget-friendly design trick for your fall container garden is to incorporate older or even broken faux pumpkins. These can be nestled among your foliage for added charm. To create a fuller and more vibrant display, consider spraying them with colorful acrylic paint. This will not only enhance their appearance but also ensure they last throughout the season and even into winter, providing festive decor for years to come.

Hanging Container Gardens

Blooming with vibrant annual flowers, perennials, or lush succulents, hanging baskets provide the perfect finishing touch to your home’s exterior. You can also enjoy your fall container baskets from inside, as the stunning tops of flowers and plants peek just below the window frame.

Add cheerful yellow garden pansies and radiant marigolds for a vibrant burst of color in your planter, along with baby kale to introduce a touch of purple.

The key to achieving a rustic aesthetic is to avoid overplanting the basket. Giving your flowers space to breathe will enhance the overall look of the arrangement. Since hanging baskets can become quite heavy, consider filling the bottom with empty plastic bottles before topping them off with potting soil. This will help keep the basket light and manageable.

Container Garden with Spotlight Purple

Bring the glorious colors of fall right to your door by combining vibrant tones of orange and yellow with cool shades of purple and blue in a single pot.

This ceramic pot, featuring a subtle shade of turquoise, showcases a variety of beautiful plants that create a stunning seasonal display.

A CHARMING SECRET GARDEN

When container gardening, it’s always best to work from back to front. Start by adding tall plants at the rear, such as purple ruby grass and Hameln fountain grass, to create texture. In the front, place chrysanthemums and marigolds to trail gracefully over the edge. For a striking touch, include a bold, single-note purple kale—one of our favorite vegetables—at the bottom. Finally, tuck in some greens to fill in any gaps, achieving a balanced look for this contrasting color palette.

A Fall Planter with a Blaze of Orange

A fantastic tip for fall planters is to leverage the height of ornamental grasses to create balance in a large planter box.

Start by filling your planter with tall, dramatic grasses such as fountain grass, ruby grass, maiden grass, or Indian grass. For an extra pop of color at the bottom, add flowering kale or cabbage. The rich gold, orange, and purple hues will beautifully complement a farmhouse-style planter, brightening up your shaded front porch. This stunning fall display will last until your first frost.

Ornamental kale and its cousin, ornamental cabbage, are the stars of the season. Requiring minimal maintenance while delivering a striking visual impact, this vibrant combination features fall favorites and a blaze of orange that’s sure to turn heads.

A Dose of Green

Looking to enhance the beauty and interest of your home’s exterior while boosting your curb appeal? Window boxes are the perfect landscaping solution to showcase your style.

This stunning fall container features a harmonious palette of greens and whites. At the center, white caladium plants create a focal point, with greens evenly spaced around them. Fill any empty spaces with white violas nestled between the grey-leafed Lamium and variegated English ivy, finishing the box with a ring of white sweet alyssum. The graceful Creeping Jenny spilling over the sides adds the final touch of elegance.

What’s truly unexpected is how effortlessly this window box maintains a palette of greens, relying on tone and variation to create a harmonious blend of color and shape. While it may be a window box, it’s anything but confined. With regular watering, these plants will thrive in a partially shady spot throughout the season and into winter.

Perennials Make Good Fall Plant Partners

Evergreen perennial plants are an excellent addition to your fall containers, as they can withstand light frost and help protect other plants from freezing temperatures.

Creeping Jenny, a trailing evergreen perennial with small, waxy round leaves on slender stems, is particularly effective for container gardening alongside more delicate plants and flowers. When frost threatens, simply use the trailing leaves to cover the soil around the vulnerable plants. This will act as a natural mulch, helping to keep them warm and insulated.

Additionally, perennials add a stunning touch to your front porch, with plants like Bloody Geraniums transforming into vibrant shades of red and brown in the fall.

Dress Up Your Front Porch Fall Container Garden

Layer your entrance or walkway with a cascading arrangement of the season’s most popular gourds, flowers, and fall-themed plants. This beautiful display will greet you warmly every day as you come home.

CREATE A CONTRAST OF FALL COLORS

Incorporate a handful of fall hues—yellow, orange, and red—to create that iconic seasonal display. Fill your front porch with an assortment of faux pumpkins, straw bales, and dried fall foliage at the base for a look that remains beautiful all season long. This combination results in a cozy porch that beckons you to sit and enjoy a sunset with a warm mug of apple cider!

Cheeky Hideaway

Picture this stunning paper flower gracing a dreamy garden or a light-filled screened porch. The lanterns are adorned with classic patterns and faux-flame candles, adding a romantic touch, but it’s the overall arrangement that truly evokes a sense of magic.

The secret to achieving this dreamy look lies in incorporating signature decor items. Beautiful lanterns, candles, and vibrant spires of both white and pink Bougainvillea glabra come together in a cascade of bright colors, creating a festive atmosphere. Set in an ornamental shape, the simple monochrome tone of the lantern invites you to imagine stepping into a wonderland.

Fall Favorites

Infuse your front porch with a touch of farmhouse style by filling oversized, rustic wicker containers with delightful fall blooms. If you find a single pot a bit dull, we recommend using two fall planters to showcase the fresh bounty of autumn.

Select containers that resonate with you; metal laundry pots are especially durable and can withstand strong winds. The left fall container garden features Helichrysum Icicles at the back, accompanied by Creeping Jenny, pansies, flowering kale, black-eyed Susans, and Sedum Autumn Joy. While yellow pansies and kale are excellent choices for a vibrant fall display, the silvery foliage of the Icicles licorice plant adds a perfect accent to round out the season.

The wire basket on the right showcases Swiss chard, ornamental peppers, pansies, black-eyed Susans, and golden sage. The annual pansies provide vibrant late-season color, while the peppers add a touch of summer red, creating a striking contrast. This fragrant combination of purple and red continues to thrive through winter, ensuring a blooming display all season long.

Polish Off Fall Planters with Succulent Glory

You won’t find any plants better suited for growing in pots than succulents. Native primarily to arid regions, these resilient plants store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to withstand drought conditions. With a wide variety of colors, shapes, and patterns, succulents offer endless possibilities for creating beautiful combinations.

It’s ideal to use a wide, extra-large planter to accommodate the spreading nature of each succulent. Modernize your fall accents with a playful mix of these plants, allowing their dense foliage to cover the entire surface of the soil. With their incredible variety and elegant architectural forms, succulents are irresistibly drawing us to the “green” side.

Cottage Charmer

Who needs fall flowers when you can turn to colorful foliage and leafy perennials to create a fall-worthy symphony? Add pops of purple, mini pumpkins, and hearty cabbage and purple kale to an old wooden dough bowl for a stunning display. Sugar Plum Heuchera, Red Giant mustard, and ornamental kale and cabbage are arranged directly in the bowl, forming a cool purple foundation that enhances the seasonal aesthetic.

Next, add various greens like Creeping Jenny, Lemon Ball sedum, and Ogon sedum (keeping them in their containers) to brighten the deep purple color palette. Fill in any empty areas with moss to conceal the containers, and tuck in some white mini pumpkins for a delightful seasonal touch.

conclusion

Incorporating these elements into your seasonal decor not only enhances the beauty of your space but also invites a sense of warmth and wonder. By thoughtfully selecting plants, lanterns, and signature decor items, you can create a stunning display that reflects the vibrant spirit of fall. Whether you’re setting the scene for a cozy evening at home or preparing for festive gatherings, these design ideas will help you cultivate an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the season.