Yeah, yeah, we know it’s early to talk about it Thanksgivingbut here in food and House world, we always think one step in advance of the next gathering! And since fall is just around the corner (apple cider donuts, floats, pumpkins!), so is Thanksgiving.
Knowing how stressful the holidays can be, we’re all in favor of low-maintenance fun. Below, we’ve rounded up 20 easy Thanksgiving table decorating ideas, so you can spend less time worrying about setting the table and more time feeling grateful for those around you.
Whether your table style is maximalist, modern farmhouse, classic, or indecisive, we’ve got enough inspiration below to help you easily create a Thanksgiving table.
1. Individual and compostable: a perfect combination
What is hygienic, breaks down in two months and still looks premium? Tableware made from dead leaves, That’s what. This year, you can feel better about single-use knowing that your dishes won’t sit in a landfill for years and you won’t spend hours washing dishes. Now that’s something to be grateful for.
2. Four “ingredient” settings
Only four simple parts make up this decor, and the colors can be changed endlessly. A plate, a cloth napkin, a printed menu (which you can exchange for a place card) and a sprig of grapes or berries bring it all together in an almost professional way.
3. Mismatched ceramics
Probably the most popular aspect of handmade tableware is the variation between parts. Some speckled, some swirled, some barely sprinkled with color, and that’s what makes this clean table so chic. All you need are basic glasses and cutlery.
4. Bring in outside branches
Go out into the garden and grab a branch from your tree before it loses all its leaves, toss it into a pitcher and set it up as a breathtaking centerpiece. The place settings each receive a sheet, and this assembled table is completed in record time.
5. A color for everyone
Don’t do it, we repeat: not, waste time looking for matching sheets, when mismatched ones are lovely as is. The trick to making this table look super polished is coordinating glassware and utensils, but you absolutely don’t have to follow any rules.
6. Blue Flax and Brown Leaves
Similar to the green leaf scheme, this decor uses simple linens, dishware and cutlery, but looks intentional with a fallen leaf in the center. Bonus points if you write the guest’s name in black ink.
7. Dried Herbs and Matte Black
Dried grasses are always in style and feel especially relevant during this harvest time. Paired with matte black and brass cutlery, it’s a super stylish setup.
8. Twine and eucalyptus
You don’t need napkin rings when you can simply tie the napkins with a bit of twine. Slip a eucalyptus stem in, and it’s a cute little “package” that someone can open.
9. The centerpiece takes… center stage
The reason this slightly simple place setting seems so special is because the delicate flowers from the centerpiece appear on it. arrange one yourself with a few stems from Trader Joe’s – or you can take this preparation to a florist to make sure the table is everything you hoped for.
10. The most edible decor
Cheese board on this table serves as a centerpiece (genius), so the artichokes, as place cards, feel right at home. When dinner is over, cook them with confidence for your next meal.
11. Covered with pretty pears
These pears have adorable little name markers, but a simple pear on each plate would serve multiple purposes: harvest season decor and a perfectly packaged appetizer or dessert.
12. Make Blue and White China Stand Out
If you’re lucky enough to have inherited a collection of blue and white dishes, they’re not limited to summer or dinner parties, they fit perfectly into fall, too. Paired with small pumpkins and matching seagrass placemats, they make for an unconventional Thanksgiving table setting.
13. Gold, black and green
Is there anything more classic than gold, black and a few touches of greenery? We certainly don’t think so. This table decoration is traditionally chic, but actually easy to put together. Simple black plates, gold cutlery and gold-rimmed glasses set the scene, while gold candlesticks and small pots of cut greens bring it all together.
13. Freshly harvested
Thanksgiving is synonymous with harvest time, as are fluffy stalks of dried wheat or grass. Instead of using a green sprig as an accent, a dried stem is path more on the theme of autumn.
15. Lin on Lin
Sometimes a beautiful table setting is as simple as putting a tablecloth on top of the one you already have. Tablecloths can instantly make a dining experience luxurious, and all you did was put them on the table.
16. The maximalist look
Maximalism is about doing the most you can. Think bright colors, bold patterns, contrasting designs and carefully organized chaos. Creating this look is easy with whimsical tableware like this floral dessert plates.
Photo by Mark Weinberg
17. The Modern Farmhouse Look
Modern farmhouse style is all about mixing traditional, more rustic farmhouse aesthetics (think neutral tones, antique pieces, and exposed wood) with more modern touches like pops of color, soft lines, and bright accents . These Portuguese cabbage plates would stand out (without being loud enough to enter maximalist territory) on a more neutral colored table.
Photo by Ty Mecham
18. Statement Placemats
Add a touch of style to your meal presentation with an eye-catching placemat. This Italian manufacturing option of our Shop is made of wax paper, which gives each a leather-like quality, and is available in 13 different colors.
photo by Rocky Luten
19. Layer your sheets
Playing with textures and layers adds depth to your table design. THE cotton table runner of our Five Two The row is an easy addition to any table looking for that extra layer to make it just RIGHT.
Photo by Rocky Luten
20. Up your napkin folding game
here is a how to do a 30 second ride this will beautify any table. Trust us, once you learn, you won’t want to stop surprising your guests with this fun table treat.
More from Food52
How are you setting the table this year? Let us know your ideas below!
