Everything You Need for the Best Thanksgiving Table Decor

Work from the Bottom Up & Inside Out

I find that most beautiful things in life require layers. Whether that be paint, makeup, a sandwich, fall outfit, or tablescape. Things are better layered, and that’s exactly what we’ll do to create a beautiful thanksgiving tablescape.

Tablecloth & Table Runner

Option 1

Begin by laying out your tablecloth. If you notice that it’s wrinkled there are a few things you can do. You can steam your tablecloth, or sprinkle it with a bit of water and toss it into the dryer on an air fluff or permanent press setting. Remove it promptly and lay it across your table. You can leave it as this and go to the next step, or you can also add a table runner down the centre of your table.

Pro Tip: If you’d like to have both a table cloth and table runner, keep it mind that you don’t want your table to look too busy. Opt for a solid colour tablecloth with a patterned table runner.

If you’re not a fan of table clothes, there’s always option 2.

Option 2

If you’d like to forgo the tablecloth, opt for a table runner and placemats. There are so many matching and complimentary options to choose from at home decor stores. I enjoy HomeSense, Marshalls and Winners. 

Centre Piece & Candles

Your base layer(s) have now been established. Next, we’ll work from the inside of our table out by creating a centre piece. There are endless options for centrepieces and below we highlight some ideas to get you started. You can opt from anything from fresh flowers, candles, gourds or small pumpkins, or a combination! The choice is really yours, and no matter what you choose to create as your table centre piece keep in mind 3 key factors.

1. Colour // the colours you choose should be complimentary.
2. Height // your centre piece should have a range of heights, but should also not interfere with your guests ability to see one another from across the table.
3. Texture // add interest to your centrepiece with different textures. Candles add a smooth and waxy texture, while foliage and branches bring interest with their differing appearances.

Place Settings

The final step in creating our thanksgiving tablescape is to arrange the place settings. Whether you choose to use a charger plate or a placemat it will act as a beautiful underlying layer which will accentuate your dinnerware.

Dinnerware is to be laid on top of the charger plate first with the dinner plate then followed by the salad plate. To add interest you can layer a linen napkin in between the two plates, or if you have napkin rings you can place them on top. The bread plate, should you choose to use one, is to be placed in top left upper corner of the charger plate.

Cutlery and glassware should be chosen based on what will be served. For example, if you will not be serving soup, there is no need for a spoon. The below diagram demonstrates how to set your dining table for a formal occasion.