As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to think about how to create a warm and inviting table for your holiday gathering. This year, I’ve pulled together a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape that blends tradition with modern elegance. With the right touches, you can set a table that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
How to Set a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
Step 1: Start with a Natural Foundation
For this Thanksgiving table, I began by laying down a natural-colored linen tablecloth, which brings a sense of understated elegance to the overall tablescape.
To add depth and texture, I placed a green and natural damask-patterned runner down the center of the table. The natural tones provide the perfect canvas to build on for your Thanksgiving table decor.
Step 2: Create Stunning Place Settings
For the place settings, I wanted to embrace earthy tones and textures, so I started with a dark brown woven placemat. On top of that, I layered a wooden charger, which adds warmth and ties into the natural elements on the table.
The star of the setting is the Pottery Barn Bedford Turkey plate collection, featuring both a dinner plate and a salad plate. These plates, adorned with sunflowers and vines, have a modern and organic twist, perfect for those looking for an update to the traditional turkey plate design.
As I’ve never used turkey plates to set my Thanksgiving table before, this collaboration with Pottery Barn, featuring their new Bedford Harvest Turkey Stoneware Salad Plate, was a fantastic opportunity to try something new.
The turkey plates’ mix of soft sunflowers and intricate vines brings an elegant yet organic feel to the table—much more contemporary than many of the more traditional turkey plates.
To finish off the place setting, I placed a mustard-colored napkin with an embroidered pattern on top of the plates. The napkin is tied with a velvet copper ribbon, which adds a touch of luxury and complements the rich autumn tones of the table.
Step 3: Design a Show-Stopping Centerpiece
No Thanksgiving tablescape is complete without a beautiful centerpiece.
For this design, I created a lush floral arrangement using antique hydrangeas, pink and orange roses, all arranged in a bronze vase. The mix of warm tones and metallic accents adds depth and richness to the table.
To add a bit of fall harvest charm, I scattered a few pomegranates around the floral arrangement. The deep red tones of the fruit pop against the neutral linens and complement the soft hues of the flowers. This simple addition gives the table a fresh, seasonal feel and ties into the Thanksgiving theme.
For another Thanksgiving Centerpiece, check out my Limelight Hydrangea Centerpiece!
Step 4: Light the Table with Warm Glow
Candles are essential for setting the mood at any dinner, especially for Thanksgiving. I used tall orange candlesticks to bring height and drama to the table, while gold votive holders scattered around the centerpiece add a warm, glowing ambiance.
The combination of soft candlelight and metallic accents gives the table a cozy yet elegant feel, perfect for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Table Decor That’s Both Modern and Traditional
This Thanksgiving tablescape perfectly blends modern and traditional elements, creating a table that feels both warm and timeless.
By starting with a neutral foundation, layering in natural textures and tones, and adding unique pieces like the Pottery Barn Bedford Turkey plates, you can create a stunning Thanksgiving table that feels like a true reflection of the holiday season.
With thoughtful Thanksgiving table decor, from a beautiful floral centerpiece to the perfect place settings, your table will be ready to host a memorable meal filled with family, friends, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Find quite a few other Thanksgiving Tablescapes hereincluding a lovelyHarvest Themed Table.