Thanksgiving Table Setting and Decorating Ideas

Giving thanks. Thanksgiving is a wonderful American holiday, one that I look forward to every year. Because I'm not much of a chef, setting and decorating the family table is typically the task delegated to me. Here are some festive table setting and decorating ideas for your turkey day table.

First, knowing how to set the table is essential. Here is a helpful diagram to follow and links to wonderful articles on setting the table at Laura Casey Interiors and Martha Stewart.

In my home like many others, there are dishes reserved for special occasions and Thanksgiving is one of those occasions. You are off to a good start by simply setting the table with fine dinnerware. Be sure to polish the silver and here's a non-toxic DIY way to clean silver.

Selecting table linens is an important step in decorating your Thanksgiving table and a great way to introduce autumn colors. Bold reds and vivid oranges with a mix of neutral browns and creams can create a dramatic holiday table. For your table you may wish to cover with a tablecloth, runner or keep it bare. If you decide to have a tablecloth or runner, there are plenty of beautiful fall and holiday patterns available. Keeping it simple and versatile, like this two-toned Russian made Cornucopia Jacquard Tablecloth is best if you intend to decorate the rest of the table with lots of smaller items and want to use it through Christmas.

Table runners are also a great look. They give the table some festive color and at the same time show off it's beautiful wood grain or shine. If you are the do-it-your type, check out this post by The Stories A to Z on how to make your own table runner. And remember to always coordinate the colors of your tablecloth to that of your placemats and napkins.

Thanksgiving table centerpieces can be as simple or complex as you'd like. Candles, floral arrangements, leaves, cornucopias, pumpkins, gourds and other seasonal fruit are all good options when it comes to creating a holiday centerpiece.

Filling vases with decorative autumn leaves, acorns or berries and a pillar candle in coordinating colors is a fast and easy way to warm up your table. For visual interest, place three vases in a row down a long table and small pumpkins in between.

These handcrafted grass and wood chip turkeys available at Williams Sonoma would be perfect additions to your Thanksgiving decorations and table setting. The smaller version - sold in pairs - can be used to hold place cards or menus on the holiday table. Regardless of setting - formal or informal - adding menus and place cards is always an elegant touch.

The adorable pinecone turkey place card or menu companion by Martha Stewart is a simple DIY project - here's the how-to. They would make great hostess gifts too!

Naturally elegant. Place cards can be as simple as an autumn pear with guests' names pinned on.

Creating your own place cards or menus with a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner motif is a breeze with this punch by Martha Stewart.

Create a custom napkin holder and place card by stamping a festive design and handwritten message on cardstock. Then punch holes on either side and thread with a decorative ribbon that coordinates with your table's color scheme.

Here is an adorable turkey stamp from Paper Source that would be perfect for the DIY napkin holders above.

Running short on time? These ready-made sweet pilgrim turkey place cards only need you to add your guests' names. Their rope legs are the best!

For more Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas {with or without kids!}, go here.


How will you decorate your Thanksgiving table this year?
 

*images from Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Paper Source {Simplified Bee affiliate}, Martha Stewart, Gumps, Simon Says Stamp!, Country Living, Hungry Monster.com, Better Homes and Gardens