Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

 

When it comes to setting a table there are endless options, ideas and product available. I happen to be a bit of a tableware addict and in general, table setting paraphernalia, so it’s tempting for me to accumulate new wares with each opportunity to set a holiday table. There are, however, a few key items to create a beautiful table scape in a number of setting styles with simple, accessible additions without needing to renovate your home to house all your wares.

With a medium wood coloured table, we’ve designed three options to set your Thanksgiving table with the following basics you’ll either already have, or are easy to find. From here, dress as you feel inclined and take inspiration from our three styles below.

Key pieces:

  • brass flatware

  • white dishes

  • white pumpkins

  • silver (grey) cloth napkins


Casual

A casual setting means simply relaxed, and not too serious. You’ll wow your guests with the many layers and textures, creating an overall mood of laid back sophistication.

With yellow as our accent we layered a hand made salad plate atop our white dinner plate. A yellow velvet ribbon adorns the silver cloth napkin and stems of faux goji leaves fill the centre of the table. White pumpkins are layered within the leaves and stacked on pedestals for varying height. Any coordinating leaves and ribbon can be used for this table scape so have fun with it!

Thanksgiving Casual Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Casual Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Casual Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs

Colourful

With interior design decisions we often find clients are somewhat hesitant to embrace colour for fear of getting tired of it. The same could be said for dinnerware as let’s face it, dishes are pricey too!

This table setting approaches colour from a floral perspective, embracing the beauty of fall flowers. Fill the centre of your table with one type or many. Scatter white pumpkins throughout and include succulents for added texture and greenery. If Thanksgiving brings along a special occasion (or even just because!), adding a cake to your table scape is a lovely way to introduce more colour and show it off before dessert.

We layered a gold lace patterned salad plate over our white dinner plate and used a wooden napkin ring to add warmth. Black accents in the painted antlers and side plates are a great way to add dimension and interest.

Thanksgiving Colourful Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Colourful Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Colourful Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Colourful Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs

Formal

Metallic accents, white pumpkins and a monochromatic palette give a beautiful, more formal feel to this table scape. An ikat patterned salad plate with navy and gold accents, gold rimmed wine glasses and of course the brass flatware all offer a hint of glam without going overboard. The pattern of the plates provides impact throughout the table and layers of eucalyptus, white pumpkins and “log plates” bring a sophisticated feel to the centre of the table. So simple and elegant all the same.

Thanksgiving Formal Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Formal Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs
Thanksgiving Formal Table Setting Ideas, Four Basics Three Options, Holiday Decor, Calgary Interior Designer, Nyla Free Designs

Top tips to decorate your Thanksgiving Table:

  1. Layers - Adding multiple layers of depth, dimension, height and texture will provide wonderful impact to your table. I say the fuller the better!

  2. Accents - Salad size plates are the perfect way to add interest to your table and an area to have a little fun. They typically cost less than dinner plates and are versatile for formal dinners as well as informal gatherings as a main plate. A great investment!

  3. Faux - Another great investment is faux product you can use year after year. Faux eucalyptus (as pictured above), succulents (although the real ones do last a long time), even pumpkins look so real these days it’s hard to tell the difference.

  4. Nature - Look to nature to bring the outside in with fallen leaves, branches, even rocks to set your table. Not everything need be purchased :)

  5. Plan Early - Start gathering accents and accessories a week prior so you’ll know what you have and what you still need. I love setting my table the day before which eases the to-do list the day of the dinner party and gives me the opportunity to enjoy it a little longer as well.

  6. Unexpected Details - Cake plates, old books, platters, and ribbons are all great options to add to your table offering texture, height and interest on multiple levels.

  7. Keep it Low - Tall centrepieces inhibit the views of your guests across the table and make it difficult to carry on conversations. Be sure all centre arrangements are below eye level when seated to avoid issue when passing food or conversing.

Find more Thanksgiving table setting ideas here, here, and here. Also check out our pumpkin DIY!

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