How to Create a Thanksgiving Table Setting

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a time to come together with friends and family and gather around the table to give thanks for our many blessings. We share old memories and create new ones. Today, I’ll be sharing some tips on creating a Thanksgiving table setting.

I take pride in setting the Thanksgiving table that my family will gather around. But that doesn’t mean it has to cost much.  In fact, I had most of these items in my house already. I like to shop my space to see what I can find to use in my table settings. It’s like a little challenge that inspires me to get creative.

There are really no rules to creating a Thanksgiving table setting, or any table setting for that matter.  Just get creative, use your imagination, and bring it to life by playing around and trying different things.

How to Create a Thanksgiving Table Setting

1. Choose a theme and/or color palate

When deciding on a color palate for a Thanksgiving table setting, consider what you love. You don’t always have to go with traditional colors for the season. I tend to stick to neutrals because that is where my heart is. There are so many different color palate options for the fall season. You can go with the deep tones of the traditional fall colors, bring in natural elements, add some buffalo check, stay with neutrals, or anything else your heart desires and your mind creates.

I’m not fancy, so I tend to keep my table setting pretty casual. The fall is also a great time to bring the outdoors in.  Pine cones, autumn leaves, and branches are a great addition to your table decor. Not to mention, they are FREE!

2. Create a centerpiece

I usually start with my centerpiece.  I decide what I want to feature and then work off of that. The centerpiece you chose should really depend on your table shape. Shutterfly has a great post on what type of centerpiece works best for your table.

I tend to put down a table runner first. This grounds everything and ties it all together. I like to stay with a neutral runner so I can use it on several occasions. You can even use craft paper to create your own runner.

Next I add some garland or stems. This is also where you could bring in those outdoor pieces. This is what gives the table a warm and welcoming feel. It softens everything up.

Then I bring in my centerpiece(s) to fill in the empty space.  Sometimes I may use 1 large centerpiece and other times I may tie several smaller items together. Some great centerpiece items are wooden candle sticks, a dough bowl filled with fruit, a vintage serving board, or a white pitcher with fresh flowers. These are just a few ideas. There are so many other things that you could incorporate into a centerpiece.

I decided to highlight some of my copper in my centerpiece because of my current copper crush. The piece that I had wasn’t quite large enough so I added a few round wood slices underneath to give it some height. I had some vintage music sheets that I rolled up and tied with jute to add a little extra softness to the table.

3. Place setting

I always use a charger to set my plates on.  It adds an extra dimension. I used the round wood slices for my chargers also. Then add your dinner plate. I have a set of white dinner plates that I stick to because I can incorporate them into any table setting. I am totally loving these moscow mule copper mugs! The are the perfect addition to my table this year.

Next add a napkin that ties in with your color scheme.  I made my own napkin rings with jute string and these cards that I made and printed on card stock. To give thanks to all of my wonderful readers that I am so grateful for, I have the Free Printable for you.

4. Place cards

I don’t typically use place cards because I don’t like to limit people on where they can sit.  However, if place cards are something you like to use, Shutterfly has some free printable place cards that you can download.

I hope you have enjoyed setting this Thanksgiving table with me. Honestly, sometimes everything comes together with the first attempt, but most of the time it takes moving things around and trying different objects several times until I find the look that I love.

I wish we could all sit down and enjoy a meal together and share our many blessings. But I guess, we’ll just have to imagine.  I’d love for you all to share some of the things you are thankful for below.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving friends! xoxo

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 107:1