No hair trend has stood the test of time quite like blonde highlights—they’re the ultimate glow-up! But can they work with dark hair, like rich brown or jet black?
Absolutely! Blonde highlights add instant brightness to dark hair, creating stunning depth and dimension. Even better, there’s a shade of blonde to complement every dark hair color, whether you want a soft, subtle blend or a bold, high-contrast look. Why choose between dark and blonde when you can rock both? Here are 20 ways to embrace the best of both worlds with dark hair and blonde highlights!
Dark Ash Brown Hair with Platinum Blonde Highlights
Want a luxurious look with a touch of grunge? Try dark ash-brown hair paired with platinum blonde highlights! The striking contrast between the cool, dark tones and icy platinum streaks creates incredible depth and dimension, delivering an edgy yet sophisticated vibe.
Midnight Blue Hair with Silver Blonde Highlights
Midnight blue hair with silver blonde highlights is a captivating style that channels the mystery of the night sky. This striking combination adds mesmerizing dimension with a hint of futuristic flair, complementing any hair length or style. It’s especially breathtaking on wavy locks!
Lustrous Black Hair with Rose Gold Blonde Accents
Want to nail a punk-glam vibe? Opt for sleek black hair with rose gold blonde accents. This look combines the boldness of rich black with the softness of rose gold tones, creating striking contrast and adding intense depth. The result? Hair that appears fuller with a whimsical rose gold finish.
Coal Black Hair with Icy Blonde Ombre
Coal black hair with an icy blonde ombre is the ultimate statement of bold contrast and fierce style. This dynamic pairing adds incredible depth and texture, delivering a flawlessly chic, fashion-forward look that shines on both straight and wavy hair.
Raven-Black Hair with Subtle Sandy Blonde Highlights
If you adore subtle yet striking styles, raven-black hair with sandy highlights is a must-try! The soft sandy blonde accents bring a touch of brightness, adding life and dimension to your rich raven-black locks. This look enhances the beauty of thicker hair, no matter the texture or length.
Dark Walnut Hair with Sun Kissed Blonde Highlights
For effortless radiance, dark walnut hair with sun-kissed blonde highlights is the perfect choice! This understated yet luxurious style pairs rich walnut brown with warm, sunlit blonde tones, adding subtle dimension and a natural glow to any hair type. It’s a look full of life and soft, sunny charm.
Dark Burgundy Hair with Copper Blonde Highlights
Dark burgundy hair with copper blonde highlights is the ultimate blend of drama and rustic charm. The warm, earthy copper tones add vibrant, multi-dimensional brightness to the rich burgundy base. This versatile combo breathes life into straight styles and beautifully enhances waves and curls for a look that’s both bold and adaptable.
Glossy Dark Brown Hair with Butterscotch Blonde Accents
If you love understated (but never overlooked) styles, glossy dark brown hair with butterscotch blonde accents is a must-try. The smooth butterscotch blonde adds a subtle contrast to the rich dark brown, creating natural dimension and a lustrous, luxurious vibe. It’s the perfect low-key look for both straight hair and waves.
Dark Olive Brown Hair with Golden Blonde Highlights
Earthy and elegant—that’s the vibe you get with dark olive-brown hair and golden blonde highlights. This unique twist on the sun-kissed look features a rich, organic brown base, with golden blonde highlights adding warmth and vibrancy. It enhances any hair texture, creating a radiant glow that complements all skin tones.
Deep Brown Hair with Mocha Blonde Highlights
Deep brown hair with mocha blonde highlights is a luxurious pairing that adds a sophisticated boost to any hair type. The rich, creamy mocha blonde highlights create a smooth, complementary contrast with deep brown hair, offering a natural yet summery touch of elegance.
Rich Ebony Hair with Amber Blonde Streaks
Soft and sophisticated—that’s the essence of rich ebony hair with amber blonde streaks. The warm, golden amber blonde perfectly complements the deep tones of ebony hair, offering a subtle contrast that adds brightness and a rich, glowing warmth.
Pitch Black Hair with Bronzy Blonde Balayage
A deep, bronzy blonde is the perfect highlight color for black hair—and for good reason. It adds a subtle touch of illumination, bringing life to your dark locks with a hint of sunlight, all while preserving the luscious, dark, and mysterious allure of your black hair.
Dark Cocoa Hair with Sunlit Blonde Streaks
Looking for something natural with a touch of sparkle? Try dark cocoa hair with sunlit blonde streaks! True to their name, these streaks brighten your rich cocoa brown with a sunny glow, while adding warmth and radiance to your skin for an inviting, luminous effect.
Black-Brown Hair with Soft Beige-Blonde Highlights
For a subtle twist on sleek and sophisticated, try black-brown hair with soft beige-blonde highlights. The creamy beige-blonde highlights add a refined touch of radiance, enhancing the depth of your lustrous black-brown hair with a soft, elegant glow.
Dark Caramel Brown Hair with Warm Blonde Highlights
Opt for a timeless highlighted dark hair look with dark caramel brown and warm blonde highlights! This classic pairing not only brightens your hair but also adds movement to any texture, creating a cozy glow that complements every skin tone.
Lush Black Hair with Smoky Blonde Balayage
Nothing exudes “mysterious allure” quite like lush black hair with smoky blonde balayage. This combination pairs rich black hair with soft, barely-there smoky blonde balayage, creating a subtle contrast that adds natural life to your hair while maintaining that deep, dramatic vibe.
Dark Sable Hair with Honey Blonde Ombre
Dark sable hair with honey-blonde ombre is a sweet, sophisticated style that keeps you looking summer-ready all year long. The honey-blonde ombre beautifully complements dark sable hair with a smooth, soft transition, adding a warm, sun-kissed glow that enhances natural curls and waves.
Inky Black Hair with Silver Ash Blonde Highlights
Looking for the perfect mix of classy and contemporary? Try inky black hair with silver ash-blonde highlights. The striking contrast between deep, mysterious black and bold, modern silver ash-blonde adds powerful dimension, instantly enhancing any hair texture—from sleek, straight strands to bouncy curls and everything in between.
Blackberry Tinted Hair with Golden Blonde Highlights
Blackberry-tinted hair is truly captivating. The rich blend of deep berry tones creates a unique, eye-catching look that adds incredible depth and multi-tonal definition to any hair texture—ensuring you steal the spotlight every time!
Rich Espresso Hair with Toffee Blonde Balayage
Rich espresso hair with toffee-blonde balayage is an indulgent and irresistible look, offering a warm, luscious contrast between deep espresso and smooth toffee-blonde balayage. The golden tones of the balayage create natural definition, flattering any hair texture with a sun-kissed, effortless vibe.
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?
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!
