Beautiful Thanksgiving Table Settings to Make Your Meal Extra-Special
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When it comes to planning our Thanksgiving menu, one of our favorite elements, after the roast turkey and pumpkin pie, is the Thanksgiving table setting. The guest room prep, grocery shopping and cooking and baking can feel like a chore, but decorating the table is the fun part. Your guests will love the extra special touches you added to the table, like Thanksgiving place cards and Thanksgiving centerpieces.
Luckily for you, we've done the legwork work of rounding up the best and most beautiful Thanksgiving table setting ideas out there. Browse through our list, then surprise your guests with a gorgeous, thoughtful tablescape this holiday season. There are a million little things you can do to set the table with pizzazz and style. And whether you're looking for a more casual, elegant look or something a little more glamorous, there's something in our list for you. Go ahead and use one of these ideas as is, or simply use them as a jumping off point from which to dream up some Thanksgiving table decor that's uniquely you. Happy holidays!
Bowtie Napkins
Beautiful tones of orange and gold make for an elegant Thanksgiving table. And don't forget to give that napkin extra love by forming it into a bow shape and slipping a gold napkin ring over the center.
Add An Unexpected Element
Harmonicas do double duty as a placecard holder and party favor for this casual setting. Pair with transferware plates and mismatched tonal linens to layer on the fall feels.
Kids Thanksgiving Table Setting
When it comes to pint-size partygoers, embrace the butcher-paper-as-tablecloth. It evokes a rustic feel, doubles as a coloring surface, and makes for quick cleanup. You can also add fun activities like an “I’m thankful for” fill-in-the-blank list or Thanksgiving-themed word search at each place setting. Bundle colored pencils with the napkin to keep clutter at bay.
Simple Monograms
This thoughtful idea looks impressive but is very simple. Simply loop baker's twine into an initial and place on the plate. Pair with a seasonal tablecloth and folded paper leaves.
Nostalgic "Face" Cards
Allow Thanksgiving family and friends to enjoy a walk down memory lane with a cute photo placecard.
To make: Simply cut a shallow, 1/4-inch-deep channel into the top of a wooden spool (a fine-tooth blade hacksaw will do the trick). Insert a small photo, and place at the relevant setting.
Table Setting with Vintage Finds
This simple and beautiful setting brings out vintage favorites, like a wool blanket repurposed as a placemat and a wooden spoon that becomes a placecard with a name written in white acrylic paint pen.
To make napkin ring: Drill small holes through nuts. Thread nuts onto a 5-inch-long piece of wire, shape into a circle, and twist ends to secure.
Ombre Pumpkin Centerpiece
Paint small white pumpkins in differing shades of red and pink to create a lovely ombre effect down the center of the table. Add single maroon flowers in bud vases here and there for a light floral touch.
Mini Orange Pumpkin Place Card
All it takes is a fancy gold push pin and rough torn card stock to turn the cutest mini pumpkin into your guest's place card.
Leaf Place Card and Acorn Napkin Ring
Nature is the theme of this classically fall hued table. Hot glue acorns to lengths of brown waxed twine and use to tie up rolled napkins. Apply gold leaf to a portion of a preserved maple leaf and use a gold paint pen to mark with guest's initials.
Cinnamon Stick Placecard Holder
Welcome guests with a the scent of warm spices. Wrap the ends of cinnamon sticks in red twine and slip place cards in the stick's natural crevice to create place cards.
Button Napkin Ring
This neutral toned place setting is just cute as a button! To make either buy wood buttons or drill small holes into small wood rounds. Thread holes with white twine and tie around napkins.
Embroidered Table Runner
Remember Thanksgiving guests from years past with a hand embroidered table runner. Have guests sign their names with a disappearing sewing pen and then stitch over each signature.
SHOP DISAPPEARING PENS
Mix-and-Match Plaid Table Setting
This playful setup features place cards fashioned from embroidery hoops, plaid-covered pumpkins, and layers of checked cloths. Feel free to mix it up with your favorite patterns—just be sure to stick with autumn hues for a cohesive look.
Neutral Tones Table Setting
Full of neutral tones, including painted pumpkins, this setting is modern and sophisticated. Mercury glass votives add a layer of much-needed patina.
SHOP VOTIVES
Wire Leaf and Stitched Edge Paper Runner
Put a 12- by 12-inch sheet of birch bark to work as a place mat atop a kraft paper runner with whipstitched edges. Next, create the wire leaf place card holder. A gingham napkin, ceramic plate, and wood-accented flatware complete the look.
For the wire leaf: Download our leaf template. Place template on foam block and insert pushpins along curves of leaf. Cut a 25-inch piece of 16-gauge wire. Starting at the stem, bend wire, using the template as a guide. (Loop wire at the back of the pins where the shape dips and around the front where it curves out.) Wrap excess wire around base to finish.
For the runner: Cut a piece of 18-inch-wide kraft paper to desired length. Punch holes with an 1/8-inch hole punch, ½ inch from edge and ½ inch apart along the length of the paper. Thread twine through holes; knot at end. (Tip: We used wine-colored twine to stand out against the kraft paper.)
Personalized Place Settings
Use old family photos to help guests find their seats—and to inspire "remember when" banter. Layer on top of simple white linens and surround with colorful fall arrangements to complete the look.
Bright Blue Table Setting
Blue may not seem the obvious first choice when it comes to selecting a color scheme for your Thanksgiving dinner. But here, helped along by obvious autumnal touches (gourds, pinecones, and a vintage-inspired lantern), it makes perfect sense—and it's creative and interesting to boot.
Get the tutorial at It All Started with Paint.
Punched Paper Runner
Punch out a delicate border along the edge of a kraft paper runner. Add a not-too-sweet pop of color with a green charger and top it with a complementary patterned plate. Sculptured flatware offsets an unapologetically bold floral napkin, which doubles as a place card.
For the runner: Cut an 18-inch-wide piece of kraft paper to desired runner length, then use an edge puncher to add a decorative touch along the edges.
For the place card: Tie linens with ribbon, embellish with foliage, and tuck in a decorative place card.
Simple Table Setting
Grab a white paint marker to create this "place card/place mat" combo on plain kraft paper. Round out the no-frills setting with a marble charger and an ivory-colored plate, then add a hint of sparkle with silver-flecked linens and pretty acrylic flatware.
For the paint marker place mat: Cut an 18-inch-wide piece of kraft paper to desired runner length. In pencil, lightly draw three sides of a 16-inch square, leaving the top side open. Write guest's name in the center of the open space, extending the lines on either side of the name to complete the square. Trace over the pencil lines with a white paint marker.
Simple and Elegant Table Setting
Linen napkins, a small length of twine, and whatever greenery you happen to have on hand is all it takes to make this simple place setting come to life. Eucalyptus or even fresh sage would work beautifully, but so would twigs from your backyard.
Get the tutorial at Your Marketing BFF.
Black, White, and Gold Thanksgiving Setting
Simple and timeless, this is a look you can put together this Thanksgiving and then use year after year. Make your holiday guests feel welcome with layers of greenery and small slips of paper featuring their name right on their plate.
Get the tutorial at Stories of Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel.
Modern Rustic Table Setting
There's only one problem with this stunner of a table setting: It just might upstage the food itself. Copper silverware, earthy linens, and organic-looking bouquets create a look that's as lively as it is low-key.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Fuchsia Table Setting
Fuchsia works beautifully as an accent color on this Thanksgiving table (in fact, even the cocktails are colored in accordance with the fun palette!). It's not quite as bold as bright pink, nor is it as "been there, done that" as your typical fall red—and that's why we love it.
Get the tutorial at Redbook.
Modern Table Setting
Bold typography isn't the only modern element in this tasteful scene. A selection of small air plants and brass silverware add to the effect.
Get the tutorial at Craft and Couture.
Rose-Gold Wishbone
Create a basket weave pattern in the center of a kraft paper runner. Add a dinner plate with an earthy, exposed clay rim atop an intricately etched charger. A patterned napkin adds graphic punch, and rose-gold flatware brings warmth. The hand-crafted wishbone also serves as a party favor.
For the wishbone: Bend a 10-inch piece of armature wire into a "U" shape. Hammer curved end to make a point. Use pliers to bend the point and two ends of wishbone slightly upward. Wrap wishbone in copper foil tape and add place card.
For the runner: Cut an 18-inch-wide by 24-inch-long piece of kraft paper. Draw 1-inch lines the width of the paper, leaving a 1-inch border on the narrow ends and a ½-inch border on the long sides. Use a utility knife and ruler to cut along lines. Thread 30 (½-inch by 23-inch) strips of paper through lines in a basket weave pattern. Secure ends with tape and cut off excess. Cut an 18-inch-wide piece of kraft paper to desired length; position across table and lay basket weave mat in center.
Fall Leaf Place Card
A simple leaf and pretty penmanship make the perfect place card.
Rosemary Wreath
Soak the 7-inch sprigs of rosemary in water to make them more pliable. Then, simply form the stems into circles and attach with floral wire. Cover the bindings with twine, and glue the printable place cards.
Get the tutorial at Spoon for Bacon.
French Country Table Setting
Not only is a mini casserole dish an adorable table setting, but it's also practical too! You can fill the tiny pot with small candies, a note of gratitude, or even a single serving of mashed potatoes.
Colorful Leaf Place Card
Leaves in brilliant autumn shades stand on their own—just grab a pen.
Layered Table Setting
The best table decorations are the ones you barely have to think about. In this inspired setting, a trio of plates in various sizes is all it takes to provide a ton of visual interest with minimal effort.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Rosemary Table Setting
Not only is rosemary a delightful, seasonally appropriate addition to any tablescape, but it also smells delicious. A tiny ceramic pumpkin is the finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.
Pine Cone Table Setting
With just a touch of neon paint and a few craft pine cones, you'll be well on your way to wow-ing your holiday guests. Select whatever colors work best with your home decor; this project is entirely customizable.
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.
Wine-Inspired Table Setting
This elegant but relaxed palette was inspired by the colors of wine country, so it features plenty of pretty greens and rich purples. Our favorite part, though, has to be the burlap pouches, which hold fresh lavender and eucalyptus.
Get the tutorial at Two Ladies and a Chair.
Bright and Bold Thanksgiving Setting
This host's bright blue and coral table settings are made even more special by the addition of the sweet messages she left on each plate. Follow her lead and use the free printable to get the same look.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Copper Thanksgiving Table Setting
Metallic charger plates and candle holders warm up this otherwise neutral Thanksgiving table. At each place, a kraft paper list allows each guest to write down what they're thankful for.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House.
SHOP COPPER CHARGERS
Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape
There are so many things to love about this stunning setting, but that pretty pumpkin centerpiece and those personal-sized pies at each place caught our eye.
Get the tutorial at Shades of Blue Interiors.
Thanksgiving Table Place Cards
Show everyone to their seats using salt dough place card tags tied to mini pumpkins.
Get the tutorial at Driven By Decor.
Thanksgiving Table Chair Markers
Make every guest feel special with a chair marker at each place setting.
Get the tutorial at Shades of Blue Interiors.
Natural Elements and Metallic Tablescape
You can still keep your dining room cozy for Thanksgiving even when using bright colors at the table.
Get the tutorial at Home Stories A to Z.
Fall Tablescape
Dinner guests will be oohing and ahhing when they see this stunning DIY decoration.
Get the tutorial at Homey Oh My.
Kids' Table Decor
To accommodate your youngest guests' abbreviated attention spans (and your desire to linger over dessert), cover the children's dining surface with kraft paper and set out pots of crayons for tic-tac-toe. Bonus: This tablecloth is a cinch to clean up. Stamped birch name cards ensure kids feel as special as grown-ups.
Pumpkin Leaf Place Cards
These personalized pumpkins will bring your table and your family together.
Get the tutorial at Ella Claire.
Paper Placemat Setting
For each place setting, cut a 18" L x 14" W piece of kraft paper. Use a decorative edge punch on all four sides to create a lace-like border. To create this gilded napkin, dip a corncob in gold paint, then roll it onto a basic linen napkin—it's that easy!
For each place setting, cut a 18" L x 14" W piece of kraft paper. Use a decorative edge punch on all four sides to create a lace-like border. We used Martha Stewart Crafts Punch Around the Page, Eyelet Lace ($16.94; Brian Woodcock
Modern Autumn Brights, Sweets, and Spice
Get the tutorial at Annabode + Co.
SHOP FAUX SATSUMAS WITH LEAVES
Coastal Thanksgiving Table
Wish you were at the beach instead of hiding from the cold? This tablescape is inspired by the ocean's natural elements.
Get the tutorial at Sand and Sisal.
Rustic Plaid Thanksgiving Tabletop
Give your table an extra dose of color with a batch of vibrant flowers. A fun tartan blanket serves as a seasonally appropriate makeshift tablecloth.
Get the tutorial at City Farmhouse.
Natural Thanksgiving Tablescape
Keep things soft and simple this holiday with tone-on-tone tablescape. Woven chargers add a lovely layer of earthy texture.
Get the tutorial at Stone Gable.
Fun and Colorful Table Setting
A hot pink cornucopia centerpiece isn't the only outrageously fun thing that'll await your guests when they sit down at this colorful table. Dessert drumsticks, tie-dye napkins, and golden silverware complete the look.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Gilded Harvest
The gold shine on these miniature pumpkins is so dazzling, guests won't have any difficulty finding their seats.
Get the tutorial at Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Golden Clothespin
An easy and inexpensive way to decorate your tabletop, simply spray-paint clothespins and glue faux berries for a pop of autumnal color.
Get the tutorial at Centsational Girl.
Cork and Feather
Purchase a few feathers at your local craft store and center them in tiny corks. Tie lace ribbons or tulle for a refined, delicate finish.
Get the tutorial at Carolyn's Homework.
Rustic Arrangement
Using wood slabs as both a placemat and place card holder are an easy way to make a Thanksgiving table feel like a woodland gathering.
Get the tutorial at Elizabeth Anne Designs.
Burlap Utensil Holders
Craft your own napkin holders with burlap and a chevron pattern for an easy, reusable table decoration.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Naptime.
Craft your own napkin holders with burlap and a chevron pattern for an easy, reusable table decoration. Get the tutorial at I Heart Naptime.
Turkey Feather Place Cards
Put old corks to good use by using colored paper to turn them into place cards that look like turkey feathers.
Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.
Pears and Rosemary
Blogger Ann made her no-sew linen napkins herself, tied a sprig of rosemary to them, and completed the look with name tags tied to Anjou pears.
Get the tutorial at On Sutton Place.
Blogger Ann made her no-sew linen napkins herself, tied a sprig of rosemary to them, and completed the look with name tags tied to Anjou pears. See more at Courtesy of On Sutton Place
Blue and Orange
Get the tutorial at Celebrating Everyday Life.
Classic Elegance
Sheet music placemats, a single bleached pinecone, and a sprig of dusty miller add elegance to a tablescape.
Get the tutorial at Craftberry Bush.
Sheet music placemats, a single bleached pinecone, and a sprig of dusty miller add elegance to a tablescape. See more at Craftberry Bush.
Back to Basics Tablescape
Create a simple fall harvest theme for your Thanksgiving table with pumpkin, squash and corn.
Get the tutorial at Thoughts From Alice.
Buffet-Style Utensil Display
Serving Thanksgiving buffet-style? Arrange utensils in Mason jars imprinted with silhouettes of forks, knives and spoons.
Get the tutorial at How Does She?.
Rustic and Refined
Charm your party guests by creating place cards accented with a simple wheat stalk.
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.
Autumnal Centerpiece
A seasonal arrangement of ornamental cabbages, white pumpkins, berries and roses takes center stage on the dinner table.
Buffet Centerpiece
Add a playful yet practical touch to your table by bringing an outdoor piece—like a garden plant stand—indoors and placing a cake, tart, or pie into the stand's arms.
Thanksgiving Table Napkin Place Card
Practice your script first, then write each guest's name invisibly: try the Prym Dritz disappearing-ink pen. Immediately trace over the name in bronze, copper, or gold with a medium round-tipped ink marker.
Practice your script first, then write each guest's name invisibly: try the Prym Dritz disappearing-ink pen. Immediately trace over the name in bronze, copper, or gold with a medium round-tipped ink marker, such as Uchida's DecoFabric Marker from Tria Giovan
Festive Autumn Napkin
Favorite items like colorful linen napkins or a family heirloom can inspire the overall look.
Pear Place Card
This year, prepare a memorable table using everyday materials and your favorite things. A simple pear becomes a place card for dinner guests.
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