Favorite Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas for a Cozy Gathering
Set your Thanksgiving table with these 5 details for a cozy, beautiful celebration.
More than likely, your Thanksgiving dinner will be a smaller celebration this year. Because everything’s different right now:( But that doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable. There’s no better time to plan a special meal using pretty and heartfelt details; especially this year! Today I’m going to share some glimpses into some of my past Thanksgiving table settings, so you can use some of the same elements for yours. Here are 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas for a Cozy Gathering.
Today’s post is part of “A Season of Thanks” blog hop, organized by Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home (definitely check out her new kitchen). If you’re visiting from Panoply, welcome! Rita is going to enjoy a cozy, yet beautiful, Thanksgiving at home, too! I’m so excited to see all the amazing ideas and inspiration from this talented group of bloggers! I’ll have all the links down below.
Favorite Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas for a Cozy Gathering
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Set Your Thanksgiving Table With Many Textures
The Thanksgiving table looks the most bountiful with many various textures. The weather has gotten colder, and just like our wardrobe, it’s time to layer it on! As you are deciding what tablecloth to use, what dishes and glasses, if you’re going to use chargers or placemats, or both, be conscious of all the textures.
Here are some of the different materials and textures that are perfect to incorporate into your Thanksgiving table:
- nubby and thicker fabrics such as wool, burlap, velvet
- metals: galvanized, copper, brass
- colored glass
- heavier china, pottery
- paper
Tip: If you don’t have a tablecloth that will work, just get some fabric, like I do all the time, “How to Use Fabric Yardage on Your Table Settings”.
Use Produce for Traditional Style
Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday. To harken the history of our ancestors and pilgrims, I love to use fresh produce from the grocery store. You can make it more special by sugaring it, or poking cloves into it. But all you really have to do is walk through the produce area and see the beauty of real fruits and vegetables.
Here are some grocery store items to incorporate into your centerpiece and tablescape:
- sugared fruit: pomegranates, pears, apples, grapes
- layered legumes
- harvest vegetables: pumpkins, artichokes, corn
- pineapple-represents hospitality
- oranges studded with cloves (so fragrant;)
- nuts in shells
Fresh Flowers and Foliage Make Every Table Setting Beautiful
You don’t need to spend big money on a professionally arranged bouquet. Some simple flowers from the grocery store and fresh clippings from your yard or side of the road will do just fine!
Here are natural touches to add to your Thanksgiving table:
- grasses, seedpods
- succulent cuttings
- evergreen clippings
- pinecones
- feathers
- acorns
- fall flowers
- berries
Every Cozy Celebration Table Setting Should Have Candlelight
The flickering light of candles makes everything special. Don’t use candles with fragrance at the table though; it gets mixed up with the good aroma of the food!
A combination of differing light sources can be beautiful: battery-powered twinkle light strings, faux candles and real. Use some votives and some pillars for high and low lighting.
Here are some candlelight ideas:
- candles in colored, faceted glass is beautiful
- candles under something metal with holes like a cheese grater gives dimension
- have your lighting at different levels: some high, some low
Include Words of Thanksgiving in your Tablescape
Thanksgiving is the holiday where words of affirmation need to be expressed. It’s the perfect time to lavish love on those around you and give them a blessing. You can include these special words in a number of ways on your table.
Ways to include words of blessing, love and thanks:
- print off free placecards with a special sentiment (I have a couple options in my Resource Library, if you become an Insider, down below)
- display a small frame with a verse or blessing in your centerpiece
- incorporate a hymnal into your table with a Thanksgiving song, laying flat or propped up
- use game boards and letters to spell out character qualities you love in those around your table
Become an Insider for Free Placecard Printables and more!
Are you excited to set your Thanksgiving table now? I hope so! Setting a beautiful tablescape is one of my favorite decorating things to do. Probably because I love dishes, but mostly because every table setting is different. The interplay of different textures and placement is like a fun game!
Having a smaller celebration can be just as special when you add beautiful and natural accents, along with heartfelt words and sentiments.
For more Thanksgiving ideas and inspiration, check out the rest of the “Season of Thanks” blog hop. If you’re going in order, visit Belle Blue Interiors next; Shannon is hosting the prettiest autumn tea.
Thanks for reading 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Table Ideas for a Cozy Gathering! Become an Insider down below, if you enjoyed your visit!
Please Pin, Share, and Enjoy the Rest of the Inspiration!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Lora, you have so many pretties! All of your vignettes and settings are so beautiful. You have given us lots of gorgeous inspiration for our Thanksgiving decorating. I hope you have a most blessed holiday season!
Thank you, Shannon!
Great tips for Thanksgiving table settings, Lora. Love your lists of items to include. Using fruits and flowers together is always a winning combination. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, Carol! Thanks:)
There is so much to love about your post! I was pinning away! I love your Thanksgiving decor and table settings!
Thanks for pinning, Kristin! Such great variety and beauty from everyone!
Lora, You have incorporated so many lovely elements in styling a lovely tablescape. The warm amber glass and glowing candles make your table feel so cozy and welcoming. the centerpiece of opposing cornucopias is a fantastic way to display them so everyone gets the perfect view of your the overflowing bounty of the harvest. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Yes, I always try to remember not to block the guest’s view across the table; hard when you get carried away making pretty, sometimes!
Lora these are all such fabulous ideas! I am in love with your blue dishes…they are gorgeous! I hope you find some time to rest and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Me, too, Kelly! Thanks:)
Lora,
I adore your collection of amber glass. It’s perfect with your fall colors. Thanks so much for the layering tips. Great ideas!
Thanks, Christy!
Lora you have shared so many wonderful ideas and tips! Your harvest centerpiece is stunning and I love how you have incorporated cozy candlelight too. The Thanksgiving vignette and treasures above the piano are wonderful.
Everything looks just gorgeous for Thanksgiving. I hope you have a blessed and safe holiday!
Thank you, Amber! Enjoy the holidays in your new kitchen!
Love each setting and tablescape Lora. And I totally agree that tablescapes are so much fun to put together. But if I used words of sentiment and thankfulness, my kids would laugh. Little brats. They must take after their dad. :/ Great tips! Happy Thanksgiving
Too funny, Cindy!Thx:)
So many great styling ideas. Loved the cornucopia. I love how imagiantive your ideas are–combining everyday things we already have with a few new items–great effects without breaking the budget!
Definitely, Kathy! Just adding a few special touches to the everyday is beautiful (and inexpensive;) Thanks!
Lora, all your table photos are so beautiful! I love how you use so much color and texture. They definitely make a table feel warm and cozy! Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Shelley
Thank you, Shelley:) Especially at Thanksgiving, I love to pour on the saturated colors and textures!
Lora, your table settings are so pretty and every detail is so well planned. Love the cedar greenery used as a charger. It adds that natural look that I appreciate so much! Pinned!
Thanks, Michelle:) I picked up the cedar chargers at Pier 1 a few years ago and absolutely love them; they’re perfect all through the holidays. Still trying to find them online somewhere:(
I can’t get over that cornucopia, Lora, it’s gorgeous! Love your beautiful china and how you added so many layers of nature and greenery too. It’s totally fabulous. Hugs and hope your holiday season is a special one, CoCo
I’ve had that cornucopia so long, I don’t remember where I even picked it up; maybe the floral wholesaler I used to buy from. It sure takes up space to store, but I love using it at Thanksgiving! Thank you:)
Thank you Lora for this beautiful table setting, i love the natural items you use, there’s so much outside to pick from right now. Going outside and looking for items to use brought me joy and i am very thankful to God.
Yes, Marlene, gathering natural items is as fun and worshipful as creating a beautiful table with them! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Each table is so beautifully done. I love them all. I think the cornucopia is my favorite. All of your china patterns are fabulous too. So many ideas to inspire.
Thanks, Marty! The colors and textures of Thanksgiving are so fun to create with:)
I love all your tips Lora! And you have the most beautiful tablescapes here. I am so inspired! Happy Thanksgiving!
You’re too sweet, Kim:) I think you and I have very similar style and tastes; I loved your table settings too! Now, if I can just get those ads on like you were able to…
These are great tips, Lora, and I love your pretty vintage tablescapes and centerpieces! Pinned and sharing on IG later! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Yes, pinning away like crazy, Cecilia! So much beauty and inspiration:)
Love your ideas for tablesettings, Lora. Your centerpieces with naturals are just gorgeous, that huge cornucopia is a sho!wstopper. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Debra:) I love bringing out that rustic beauty and filling it with Thanksgiving textures!
How gorgeous is your centerpiece! I love it! All of your fall decor looks amazing and cozy! Enjoy a beautiful holiday season! xoxo
Thank you, Stacy! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Beautiful styling and tips, Lora! I absolutely love your vintage style and how you combine your finds for such inspiring ideas. I was drawn to the cornucopia of fruit here as well as the china patterns you’ve used. The amber bottle on the hutch are a perfect seasonal touch! Happy Thanksgiving season, Lora.
Thank you, Rita! It’s so fun to use all the beautiful vintage Thanksgiving items this time of year:)
Such beautiful ideas! I adore the blue place setting. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love all those transferware patterns that depict nostalgic images of time gone by! I know you do too, Laura:)
These are gorgeous. I have some of the same china patterns. Now I can’t decide which to use. You have inspired me. Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s always the hardest decision, Katie…which dishes to use this year:)