Written by Kelsey Walker
Entertaining

Styling a Thanksgiving Tablescape Three Ways

 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, marking the official start of the holiday hosting season. There’s nothing we love more than gathering loved ones to enjoy a delicious meal around a beautifully-set table. But between all of the Pinterest boards and endless social media inspo, it can be a bit overwhelming to create that picture-perfect setting.

So whether you’re hosting family, friends, or just seeking some seasonal tablescape inspiration, we’ve got you covered! Read on to explore three Thanksgiving tablescape looks and a few tips and tricks from our team of stylists, sure to help you build a tablescape as special as the gathering you’re hosting.


Table One: Understated Elegance

THE TABLE SETTING

Begin by grounding your space with pieces that offer texture and charm. Rather than setting the table with dinnerware and linens that match perfectly, mix and match colors, textures, and patterns that tonally compliment each other and add dimension. For this first look, we opted for woven placemats and intricately patterned napkins. We then layered in neutral dinnerware to round out the look.

Tip: Skip the table linens and instead layer placemats and plates for an elegant look that also provides a little extra room for family-style dining.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Now that you’ve laid the foundation, it’s time to dial in on the details! Instead of folding your napkin, add a special touch by tying it with a small, velvet ribbon. For this table, we chose bronze silverware to elevate the look and a monochrome floral arrangement to ground the color story. We finished off the look by adding tall taper candles throughout the center of the table for a warm glow and cozy ambiance.

Tip: Opt for shorter floral arrangements to allow for easy conversation.

shop the look

Atlanta Placemat

$12

Ingrid Napkin

$120

Provence Dinnerware

From $14

Hand Cast Bronze Flatware Set

$180

Tapered Recycled Glassware

From $14

Nadia Wine Glass

$16

Vienna Taper Candle Holder

From $28

Taper Candle

From $4

Table Two: Rustic Charm

THE TABLE SETTING

When setting a table, don’t shy away from a theme! For table two, we opted for a plaid tablecloth to compliment the season. We then tied in the earthy tones of the tablecloth by adding ceramic dinnerware featuring organic textures and colors. Lastly, we layered in handmade napkins and woven napkin rings for a homey look.

Tip: Instead of laying your tablecloth flat over the table, try gathering it in the center of the table for added dimension and visual interest.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Now that the table is set, add in special touches that complete the look. We opted for silver flatware, contributing to the vintage feel and laid-back ambiance this table creates. We went a bit bigger with the floral design, arranging rustic, burgundy stems of one variety in a large vintage vessel. Remember, it’s these small details that make a big difference!

Tip: When placing silverware, ensure the forks are positioned to the left of the plate and knives to the right, with the knife blade facing inwards.

shop the look

Raz Plaid Tablecloth

$340

Matilda Fringe Napkin

$20

Alvin Hyacinth Napkin Ring

$38

Hanna Dinnerware

From $20

Hartmann Deep Bowl

$70

Shelburne Flatware

$95

Etched Floral Drinking Glass

$32

Monroe Martini Glass

$19

Table Three: Autumnal Abundance

THE TABLE SETTING

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your styling! A whimsical take on the traditional holiday, our third tablescape features a black and white gingham tablecloth to set the scene. We then added scalloped dinner plates, embroidered napkins, and delicate glassware for an ethereal touch. Notice that we skipped the placemats for this setting, letting the layered plates and tablecloth balance out the look.

Tip: When choosing tablecloth size, plan for six to eight inches of fabric to drape over the table’s edge.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

It’s harvest season! As an artistic nod to the Thanksgiving theme, we created a centerpiece using seasonal produce. Pears, figs, pomegranates, and apples are all great picks for this look. We then layered in taper candles of various heights and a stunning dried floral arrangement for added elegance.

Tip: Keep a bottle of wine in a copper crock on the table to keep it cool and convenient for guests.

shop the look

Chelsea Tablecloth

$210

Weiss Napkin

$23

Ariel Dinnerware

From $16

Channon Crock

$84

Cosmo Coup

$42

Yatzil Handblown Oaxacan Glassware

From $24

Jaela Flatware

$120

Peri Taper Candle Holder

From $120

Taper Candle

$4

Further Reading

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