5 Tips for Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

We know that the holidays are going to look a lot different this year. But even a small Thanksgiving gathering deserves a beautiful table! 

Setting your Thanksgiving table shouldn’t feel overwhelming. But with Pinterest inspiration galore, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. When thinking about your Thanksgiving table, my advice is the same as it is for every party or gathering I design, find one thing that inspires you, and build your look off of that. 

Is it the beautiful color of the changing leaves in your front yard? Or your favorite pumpkin pie? What colors are you feeling drawn to? How do you want guests to feel around your table? Once you have that in mind, then go to Pinterest for some ideas. It will help you narrow down your search and ensure you are creating the look and feel you really want. 

And remember, you can make it as elaborate or as simple as you want! A minimalist table done well is still stunning. 

Still feeling nervous? To help you along, we have pulled together 5 tips for setting your Thanksgiving table. Just follow along and you will guarantee a beautiful and low-stress holiday celebration. 

1. Start with what you have.
   Inspiration is often closer than you think. I’m sure you already have some beautiful fall decor laying around your house. What do you love? What could be included in your look? Start there and then see if you need to supplement with something new. You probably have more than you think!  Consider your table linens or piles of pumpkins as your starting point. Get it all out in front of you to see what works together and start playing with it.

2. Play with texture and patterns. 
   Don’t be afraid of pattern and texture. They make your design unique. Try mixing and matching china. Or using something unexpected for a charger. Think about incorporating a lush texture in your linens, like velvet or silk. 

   TIP: Head to Joann Fabric or Hobby Lobby and buy a few yards of fabric to create an easy table runner. Try Goodwill for a fun vessel or two to serve food on or create a floral centerpiece in.

3. Include a fun or creative place card.
   Even for a small gathering, place cards can be a great way to add a little fun to the table. Plus they make everyone feel welcome. A simple handwritten tag can feel special. Maybe your nephew gets involved and creates those!

4. Add some candles. 
   Candles just help set the mood! When they are added to a table it automatically feels a bit warmer and more intimate. Remember to vary the height. Short votives mixed with taller candles create visual interest. 

   TIP: If there are little ones around I recommend glass-enclosed or chunky pillar candles to be safe. The tapers candles can fall over or drip too much if not watched.

5. Work Together
   Just because you are hosting does not mean it all has to be your job. Enlist your friends for Friendsgiving or family for your thanksgiving. They may have a perfect platter or extra plates to be just the touch you need and save you from running a last-minute errand to purchase something new.

Above all, remember that the holidays are about spending time with the people you love and creating lasting memories. Have fun with setting your table but don’t stress!