10 Inspiring Tablescapes (and Tips) for Thanksgiving

There are only a few days until we stuff ourselves full of turkey (or tofurkey), PacMan our way through pumpkin pies, and spend the rest of the evening rolling about like Violet Beauregard. But before all of the fun and feasting begins, you need to prepare and set the table! Luckily, we’ve curated the most inspiring Thanksgiving tablescapes we could find from Instagram, Pinterest and our favorite design blogs. Use these photos as inspiration, and read our Thanksgiving hosting tips from our founder Kathy Kuo to make sure you impress your guests this holiday season.

---

Tablescape Tip #1 

In the debate of tablecloth vs no tablecloth… always go with a tablecloth. While there are several inspiring shots of tablescapes on plain reclaimed wood tables (including a few in this article), this setup is unrealistic for most families and should be reserved for outdoor dining or pretty magazines only. Not only will a tablecloth and runner make cleanup so much easier, but dressing your table with cloth also adds an elegant veil to the festivities. Cloth napkins are another Thanksgiving staple. They elevate the dinner experience and can be thrown into the wash at the end of the night for easy cleanup! Find some of our favorite table linens below and on the site here.

---

---

Tablescape Tip #2

Choose a beautiful centerpiece… that’s not too high! We all know that a centerpiece makes a table, but too often they end up being gargantuan, ostentatious pieces that impede conversation. No one should have to be a trained contortionist to get a say in. Check out some of our stunning centerpieces below:

---

---

Tablescape Tip #3

We love a layered look, so we’re head over heels with this about table setting we saw in HouseBeautiful. One plate is not enough for Thanksgiving dinner. Make sure you layer in a placemat, tablecloth, charger, florals and more… Thanksgiving is about sharing, so the more decor the merrier! Shop our dinnerware and flatware here. 

---

---

Tablescape Tip #4

Set the table the right way. Let’s be honest, most days we don’t have time for proper etiquette or a decked out table. We get it. But when you’re putting so much effort into the food and festivities, you should want to display your food proudly. Plus, a well dressed table will certainly impress your guests. Aren’t sure what you need? Check out our guide on how to set the dinner table below:

---

Tablescape Tip #5

Consider an evergreen color scheme. We’re loving green, white, and gold right now. Not only will it be a trend this holiday season, but it’s neutrality makes it a palette that can last all through the spring.

---

---

Tablescape Tip #6

Are you planning a more woodsy, down-to-earth (quite literally) Thanksgiving feast? This year, we love the rustic holiday look. If you are going rustic, the traditional rusty red and orange colors are a great option, and don’t forget to set the table with candle lanterns to set the mood.

---

---

Tablescape Tip #7

Personalize your place settings. As a result, your small personal touch can mean so much more than that to your guests. Each person in attendance will know that you thought about them being there (and not to mention, they look adorable).

---

---

Tablescape Tip #8

Have a bar cart, and let your guests pour their own drink! You want to be a good host, but it can be exhausting, and you deserve to enjoy the party as well. Serving your dinner buffet style and having a bar cart for drinks takes a lot of pressure off of you (and you don’t have to worry about who wants what portion size). Make sure to brush up on our bar cart essentials!

---

---

Need more inspo? Checkout more Thanksgiving looks we love below and on our Pinterest board. Let us know your favorite (or other tablescapes you love) in the comments section!