Serena Thanksgiving tablescapes are such a fun way to express creativity while bringing a festive touch to your dining room.
A well-designed Thanksgiving table can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests, setting the tone for the holiday meal.
Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or a casual family dinner, there are so many ways to make your Thanksgiving table shine.
Here are some ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving tablescape!
Traditional Fall Colors: Orange, Burgundy, and Gold
When it comes to Thanksgiving, nothing says “autumn” quite like the rich, warm hues of orange, burgundy, and gold.
These colors instantly evoke the spirit of the season and make your table feel cozy and festive.
How to Create It:
- Tablecloth: Opt for a deep orange or golden tablecloth as your base.
- Plates: Choose simple white plates with gold-rimmed edges for an elegant touch.
- Centerpiece: Create a gorgeous centerpiece with a mix of mini pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal foliage like eucalyptus or oak leaves.
- Candles: Add a few gold or amber candles to the table to enhance the warm glow of the setting.
- Napkins: Burgundy or deep red napkins can complement the color scheme, either folded neatly or tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary.
Elegant White and Gold Tablescape
If you’re looking for something sophisticated and timeless, a white and gold Thanksgiving tablescape is the way to go.
It’s simple yet elegant, and it brings a touch of refinement to your holiday meal.
How to Create It:
- Tablecloth: Choose a crisp white tablecloth or a soft linen table runner in white or ivory.
- Plates: Use gold-rimmed dinner plates paired with plain white salad plates. Add a gold charger underneath for extra glamour.
- Centerpiece: Create a minimalist centerpiece with white candles in gold holders, If you want a more natural vibe, opt for a white pumpkin arrangement with small white flowers.
- Flatware: Gold flatware adds an elegant touch that ties into the theme.
- Napkins: White or ivory linen napkins tied with gold rings or twine.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a bit of texture, use a gold-trimmed ceramic charger or add a few white crocheted elements.
Rustic Farmhouse Style
For a more down-to-earth, rustic vibe, a farmhouse-style Thanksgiving tablescape can be warm and inviting. Think wood, simple elegance, and touches of nature.
How to Create It:
- Table: Start with a rustic wooden table, or use a linen table runner in a natural, earthy color like burlap or cream.
- Plates: Mix and match simple white dishes with rustic clay or wooden salad plates.
- Centerpiece: Go for a low wooden tray filled with autumn-colored flowers like sunflowers or daisies, combined with small pumpkins, pinecones, and branches.
- Candles: Use mason jars or small glass candle holders filled with votive candles. You can even add cinnamon sticks or twine around the jars for an added farmhouse feel.
- Napkins: Use simple, natural-colored napkins, tied with twine or wrapped with a small sprig of rosemary.
Use mismatched vintage-looking cups and glasses for a more relaxed, charming touch. The key to a farmhouse tablescape is simplicity and coziness.
Natural & Organic
For those who want a Thanksgiving table that feels earthy and organic, let nature take the lead. A natural and organic tablescape is full of texture, with raw, unpolished elements.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a natural linen tablecloth or opt for an untreated wood table for a rustic look.
- Plates: Choose neutral-colored plates or earthy tones like muted greens, browns, or beiges.
- Centerpiece: Place a simple wooden tray down the center of the table filled with a mix of seasonal produce like squash, apples, and pears.
- Candles: Add beeswax candles or small candles in mason jars for a natural feel.
- Napkins: Use cloth napkins in natural colors like soft beige, green, or brown, tied with twine or rustic fabric strips.
Try incorporating an herb bouquet or wildflower arrangement into your centerpiece for added fragrance and texture.
Boho-Inspired Thanksgiving
For something a little different, a bohemian-inspired Thanksgiving tablescape is a fun way to mix rich colors, textures, and patterns. It’s relaxed but still beautifully put together.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a colorful patterned table runner or a mixture of different textured tablecloths.
- Plates: Layer mismatched plates in warm earthy tones like rust, mustard yellow, and teal. Opt for artisanal pottery or ceramic dishes for a boho touch.
- Centerpiece: Create a striking centerpiece with a mix of wildflowers, pampas grass, and succulents in mismatched vases and jars. Add in small pumpkins, woven placemats, and feathers for an eclectic vibe.
- Candles: Use lots of small candles in colorful glass holders to add warmth and ambiance.
- Napkins: Choose textured cloth napkins in jewel tones, or mix and match patterns for that free-spirited feel. You can tie them with velvet ribbons or gold wire.
Harvest-Inspired Farm Stand
If you want to bring a fun and festive vibe to your Thanksgiving table, a harvest-inspired farm stand look is a playful and seasonal choice.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a checkered or plaid tablecloth (preferably in red or orange tones) to give it that farm stand vibe.
- Plates: Opt for classic white plates with rustic touches like a wooden charger or woven placemats.
- Centerpiece: Fill the center of the table with a mix of fruits like apples, grapes, and pears, along with a few small pumpkins or gourds.
- Candles: Consider using a collection of mason jars with small votive candles, placed sporadically down the center of the table.
- Napkins: Use bright, playful napkins in orange, yellow, or red hues, and tie them with raffia or twine for a rustic touch.
Elegant Fall Garden
Bring a lush fall garden feel to your Thanksgiving table with floral arrangements, greenery, and elegant details.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a soft ivory or light green tablecloth as your base, letting the florals stand out.
- Plates: Choose fine china with a floral or leafy pattern, or opt for white plates with a soft gold rim.
- Centerpiece: Create a garden-like atmosphere with an abundance of autumn flowers like dahlias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums in tall vases, interspersed with sprigs of greenery like eucalyptus or ferns.
- Candles: Add elegance with a few tall, ivory candles in decorative candle holders along the table.
- Napkins: Soft linen napkins in muted greens, yellows, or oranges can add a subtle pop of color. Fold them neatly and place them on the plates, or tie them with an elegant ribbon.
A few small bud vases with individual flowers placed along the table will create a garden-inspired vibe without overwhelming the space.
Modern Chic: Minimalist & Sleek
If you’re a fan of minimalism, a sleek, modern Thanksgiving tablescape might be just the thing for you.
Clean lines, subtle colors, and bold design elements will create a modern feel without sacrificing the warmth of the holiday.
How to Create It:
- Table: Go for a simple black or white tablecloth or a sleek glass table. Keep the base neutral.
- Plates: Opt for minimalist plates in matte black, white, or even gray. Combine them with modern geometric glassware.
- Centerpiece: Use a single, striking centerpiece like a few large white or black candles in holders or a sculptural modern vase with a single branch or floral arrangement.
- Flatware: Consider using matte black or stainless steel cutlery to maintain the chic vibe.
- Napkins: Stick to plain black, white, or gray linen napkins and tie them with sleek black napkin rings.
To add depth to the minimalist style, use a variety of textures like stone, glass, and metal to create contrast.
Luxe Metallics: Glamorous and Bold
For those who love a bit of sparkle, a metallic Thanksgiving tablescape will bring a touch of luxury to your holiday meal.
Combining shiny gold, silver, and copper tones can create a glamorous atmosphere without feeling overly flashy.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a rich, deep-colored tablecloth, such as navy or plum, to create contrast with the metallic accents.
- Plates: Choose fine white porcelain plates with metallic gold or silver detailing. A metallic charger underneath each plate will add extra elegance.
- Centerpiece: Use a collection of metallic pumpkins or gourds in copper, gold, and silver as the centerpiece. Add a few metallic candle holders with white or cream candles for a chic touch.
- Candles: Candles in gold or silver holders will add warmth and sophistication to the table setting.
- Napkins: Opt for dark-colored napkins and fold them elegantly, using metallic napkin rings for a polished look.
Harvest in the Woods: Woodland and Natural Themes
If you want to incorporate the beauty of nature into your Thanksgiving table, a woodland-inspired tablescape is perfect.
Think of earthy tones, pinecones, acorns, and rustic details.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a rustic wooden table or a table runner with natural fibers like burlap or jute to create a warm base.
- Plates: Stick to neutral-colored plates in earthy tones like brown, tan, or green, or opt for plain white plates for a clean look.
- Centerpiece: Fill a wooden basket or tray with pinecones, acorns, and sprigs of greenery. You can also add a few small birch logs or wooden slices as part of the centerpiece.
- Candles: Use natural beeswax candles in wooden holders or clear glass jars filled with pine needles or small pinecones.
- Napkins: Use dark green or brown napkins with rustic twine to tie them together, or tuck a sprig of pine into each napkin for a woodland touch.
Pro Tip: Adding a few animal figurines, like a fox or owl, to the centerpiece will enhance the woodland feel and make the table even more charming.
Coastal Thanksgiving: Seaside-Inspired Elegance
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving near the coast or just love the beachy vibe, a coastal-themed tablescape is a fresh take on the traditional holiday setup.
This style brings in soft blues, sandy neutrals, and beach-inspired details.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a soft blue or seafoam green tablecloth or runner to evoke the feeling of the ocean.
- Plates: Choose white or light-colored plates with delicate sea-themed patterns, such as shells or coral designs.
- Centerpiece: Fill a glass vase with seashells, driftwood, and a few sprigs of dried sea grass or sand. You could even use a starfish or a beachy lantern to complete the look.
- Candles: Opt for tealight candles or pillar candles in white or light blue, displayed in glass holders or small beach-themed containers.
- Napkins: Choose napkins in sandy beige or pale blue and wrap them with a simple twine or rope, resembling a beachside look.
To add an extra touch of elegance, use silver or light-colored flatware, and incorporate small touches like glass beads or pearl-like accents.
Whimsical Fairytale: Magical & Dreamy
For those who love a fairytale-like atmosphere, a whimsical Thanksgiving tablescape can make your holiday feel like a magical experience. Think soft pastel colors, delicate details, and an ethereal ambiance.
How to Create It:
- Table: Use a soft pastel-colored tablecloth, like light pink, lavender, or pale blue, to create a dreamy foundation.
- Plates: Choose porcelain plates with delicate, floral patterns or ones that have a soft, iridescent sheen.
- Centerpiece: Place a whimsical, light centerpiece featuring fairy lights, delicate flowers, and soft pastel-colored candles. You can even add a small faux pumpkin or two in pastel hues.
- Candles: Add a fairy-tale vibe with tea lights or candles in pastel holders, arranged in small clusters down the center of the table.
- Napkins: Use light, airy napkins in pastel shades, tied with sheer ribbon or delicate lace.
Keep everything light and airy. If you add too many bold colors or heavy elements, the whimsical feel can be lost. Less is more for this ethereal theme.
Farm-to-Table: Fresh & Local
For a more eco-conscious and sustainable Thanksgiving, the farm-to-table style celebrates fresh, local ingredients and natural beauty. It’s a simple yet impactful theme that emphasizes the harvest and nature’s abundance
How to Create It:
- Table: Choose a natural linen or cotton tablecloth, keeping the texture simple and rustic.
- Plates: Stick to plain white or neutral-toned plates. Add a woven placemat for a more natural feel.
- Centerpiece: Use fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables as part of the centerpiece. Think apples, squash, pomegranates, and figs. Arrange them in a beautiful wooden basket or a long, rustic bowl.
- Candles: Opt for natural beeswax candles or simple votive candles in earthy tones to keep it rustic.
- Napkins: Choose cloth napkins in soft, earthy tones like mustard, olive, or beige, and tie them with twine or natural fabric strips.
Pro Tip: If possible, shop local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and incorporate them directly into the decor. It’s a great way to celebrate the harvest and support your local community.
Thanksgiving tablescapes are such a fun way to show off your personal style, celebrate the season, and create a cozy, welcoming vibe for your loved ones.
Just let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process of putting everything together!
You can mix and match pumpkins and gourds, add candles in warm tones, or even incorporate fresh flowers and greenery to bring that autumn feel to life.
Layering different textures like linen napkins, wood accents, or a macrame runner can really add depth and make your table stand out.
Don’t forget the centerpiece—it’s the heart of your tablescape.
Whether you go for a classic pumpkin arrangement, a bouquet of seasonal blooms, or a mix of natural elements like pinecones and leaves, it sets the tone for a warm and inviting meal.
And if you want to add a modern twist, metallic touches like gold or copper pumpkins and candle holders can bring a little sparkle to your setup.
What kind of theme are you thinking about trying this year?
Maybe something cozy and vintage, a bright and bold look, or a simple, elegant neutral palette?
I’d love to hear your ideas and any tips you’ve picked up along the way!
