15 Best Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas (You Can Easily Recreate!) - Aesther Living (2024)

This post is about 15 best thanksgiving table setting ideas.

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As thanksgiving approaches, plan to make this year’s celebrations extra special with unique table settings for your guests joining you around the table on the day.

Whether you’re looking for a more minimalist approach to your decorating or a sleek modern version – we’ve put together a list of the best thanksgiving table setting ideas that you can easily recreate.

From rustic aesthetics to farmhouse styles and personalized settings to pumpkins and pinecones – let’s dive right in and find inspiration from this list of 15 best thanksgiving table setting ideas!

Simple and minimal decorations work great in smaller spaces – so if your looking to set your smaller table then a more simplistic approach might just be for you!

How to set up a thanksgiving table

  • On a budget – looking to create table settings for less? when it comes to decorating on a budget less can definitely be more. Don’t clutter the table – instead opt for smaller or fewer decorations to accompany your plates and cutlery. Using natural woodland materials found in your yard or local area is a great money-saving tip for your table!
  • With pumpkins – you can use real or artificial pumpkins to add to your table setting – just make sure they are small enough to sit on or beside each plate, if you use them.
  • Making space for food – if you know that you will have lots of dishes and bowls of food on the table for people to help themselves to – then make sure you keep space between each place setting. Often people will rest serving bowls next to their plate when serving – so think ahead!

Table setting styles for thanksgiving

  • Simple
  • Farmhouse
  • Vintage
  • Modern
  • Rustic
  • Elegant

Easily achieve beautiful thanksgiving place settings by recreating any of the 15 thanksgiving table setting ideas showcased in this post.

Let’s take a look at these stunning thanksgiving decorating ideas that will look beautiful on your dining table this year…

Thanksgiving Table Settings

1. Elegant table setting with dried oranges

credit: source

Table mats are the perfect starting point for setting each individual place setting.

Using natural materials such as rattan or woven mats brings a nice warmth to the table.

You can also go for fresh greenery to thread into the napkin ring and pairing it with fragrant dried orange slices.

Finish the look with copper mugs for each person/setting.

2. Simple thanksgiving table set up

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Nothing says thanksgiving quite like this wonderful decorative reminder featured on each plate in this idea.

With the celebration being centered around gratitude – add this super cute wooden laser-cut ‘blessed’ sign to each plate (guests can take them home at the end of the day too!)

We love the use of the orange napkins as they bring the wonderful fall colors to the decor.

3. Rustic farmhouse table setting

credit: source

Rustic farmhouse styling is super popular right now!

Create a simple look in this style with wooden chargers, beige napkins, and mini white pumpkins.

Wooden chargers are a great way to add definition and layering and also blending nicely with a wooden table.

Keep it super simple with mini pumpkins and these rustic napkins decorating the plate.

Related: 11 Gorgeous Christmas Table Centerpiece Ideas (You Need to Recreate)

4. Beautiful thanksgiving table setting with fall decor

credit: source

This thanksgiving table setting idea is so beautiful and could easily act as fall table settings in general.

You’ll want to make sure your start with a charger plate before layering ceramic plates over the top to begin with.

Once you have your foundation you can add in your cloth napkin.

Arrange the floral pieces, dried orange slices and rose gold ribbon to your liking.

5. Minimalist table setting with neutral tones

credit: source

If you’re looking for a minimalist thanksgiving table setting for your guests this year – this is the perfect idea for you.

Keeping it super simple with neutral tones.

We love the use of table mats – such as this rattan one – instead of charger plates.

Related: 20 Beautiful Minimalistic Christmas Décor Ideas

6. Vintage thanksgiving table setting with flowers

credit: source

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Vintage styled table settings are a must for your thanksgiving table!

This idea looks particularly great with china plates that have pretty designs.

Layering with the plates, napkins and leaf dishes looks beautiful without the need for table mats or charger plates.

Don’t forget to add the mini pumpkins to finish the decoration of each place setting.

7. Bohemian thanksgiving table with fall colors

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Let the orange and green fabric do the talking with these table settings.

The autumnal tones look great as a layered boho look for your thanksgiving table.

This bohemian table setting would be perfect for your table this year and also works as a general fall place setting too!

8. Simple DIY thanksgiving table

credit: source

This idea is super cute to DIY!

We love the use of the mini bread loaf serving as part of the decoration for the place setting.

Using an open book under each of the plates instead of a charger or mat looks gorgeous and really adds to the whole look.

No need to fold your napkins in any particular style here – you can loosely position them under the plate to achieve this look.

9. Budget friendly thanksgiving table setting

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Thanksgiving table settings do not need to be expensive but that doesn’t mean they will look cheap either.

Using this simple set up you can easily create a beautiful table setting for each guest without breaking the bank.

Set your table with your crockery, glassware and cutlery and then place the napkin, wooden bowl and pine cone on top.

Less is more with this beautiful and simple idea.

10. Modern table setting with black aesthetic

credit: source

Looking for a way to create modern tables settings for your thanksgiving this year?

Don’t overthink it, and use these three items for each place setting.

White ceramic charger plate to start – with a black plate on the top.

Place a couple of pieces of artificial wheat on the plate – et voila!

11. Easy thanksgiving table setting

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There is so much to do to prep for thanksgiving so make the table settings super easy and your preparations less stressful.

These gorgeous flecked plates are the perfect foundation for your easy table setting.

Bringing in natural textures with the napkin rings is a great addition to your place settings.

Using a neutral toned napkin and add in the mini pumpkin to finish.

12. Simple thanksgiving place setting

credit: Island2Mountain

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We love simple decorating ideas and this one hits the nail on the head.

It take minutes to set up your table with this table setting idea.

The best part is that this is personalized to each guest with the gorgeous napkin tags – such a sweet way to express gratitude for each of your guests!

13. Kids thanksgiving table settings

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We can’t forget the kids thanksgiving table!

It’s probably going to be a bit messy on their table so use a disposable table cloth instead.

Each of your younger guests gets a color-in table mat – perfect for the festivities!

Avoid any breakages with these super cute thanksgiving disposable cups.

14. Small table setting for thanksgiving

credit: source

This stunning table setting idea has to be one of our favorites!

If you’re wanting an elegant place setting for your guests – this is it.

Simply arrange the napkin with the faux flowers or foliage and tie off with red velvet ribbon.

Such a simple thanksgiving table setting idea.

15. Simple thanksgiving table setting with florals

credit: source

Thanksgiving table settings don’t always need to reflect the fall colors outside your window.

Why not try this gorgeous lilac table setting idea this year? add in some flowers and mini pumpkins too.

For a more elegant feel, use real floral arrangements.

Table Setting

Thanksgiving table settings can be so simple and yet look so beautiful. They can be cheap but look elegant as well. Ultimately thanksgiving is a time for sharing with family and friends and being grateful for what you have – so the main focus is never truly on the decorations. However, it is a wonderful welcome and start to your celebrations when the table is set so beautifully. Thoughtful touches like the personalized tags really match the meaning of the occasion and the littler guests will love their own table with coloring fun to entertain them too. However you decide to decorate and create your place settings we hope you’ve found your inspiration from these wonderful ideas.

Share these ideas with friends, or better yet, let us know how you’ve incorporated them into your celebrations!

Happy decorating and Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for more gorgeous decoration ideas? Visit Seasonal

This post is about 15 best thanksgiving table setting ideas.

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15 Best Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas (You Can Easily Recreate!) - Aesther Living (2024)

FAQs

What is the best table setting for Thanksgiving? ›

A traditional Thanksgiving table setting might start with a tablecloth, a table runner, and cloth napkins finished with napkin rings. It may include a centerpiece of flowers, pumpkins, autumn leaves and/or fruit, votive or taper candles, and formal china, silverware, place cards, and wine and water glasses.

How to make a Thanksgiving dinner table? ›

A mixture of gourds and mini pumpkins running down the length of your table makes for a charming, autumnal table display. Flank your pumpkins with navy blue plates, linen napkins, and natural wood-accented silverware for a different take on Thanksgiving tablescapes.

How do many people decorate their Thanksgiving tables nowadays? ›

How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Table for a Crowd
  • If You Can – Move Outside!
  • Start with a Neutral Table Runner.
  • Mix and Match Fall Colored Chargers.
  • Use Fancy Disposable Items.
  • Be Creative with the Napkins and Napkin Rings.
  • Put Plenty of Ambient Lighting on the Table.
  • Don't Forget the Turkeys, Acorns, and Pinecones.
Oct 25, 2023

How do you set an elegant Thanksgiving table? ›

If you have a long rectangular table, create a sprawling centerpiece to fill the space. Fall veggies, fruits, flowers, and foliage are combined to create a twist on a cornucopia. Additional gourds and fruits are spread down the table, making the space feel full and complete.

What is usually on a Thanksgiving table? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

How do you set up a Thanksgiving dinner in a small space? ›

6 Thanksgiving tips for a small space
  1. Get an extendable dining table.
  2. Go for dining benches.
  3. Arrange a cozy seating area.
  4. Create an outdoor extension.
  5. Have a potluck-style dinner.
  6. Declutter your space.
Mar 19, 2024

What to make for Thanksgiving crafts? ›

We share how to make wooden spoon scarecrows, pie soap and confetti-stuffed paper turkeys. Or, use your child's handprint to make owls, turkeys and pumpkin hats. There are even a few food crafts, like turkey lollipops made of chocolate, marshmallows and candy corn.

How can I decorate cheap for Thanksgiving? ›

Easy Thanksgiving Decorating on a Budget. Keep it simple with a few pumpkins to create beautiful fall vignettes in your living areas. I simplified our early Fall fireplace decor by only using a handful of pumpkins with faux fall foliage. (Say that three times fast!)

What is a centerpiece for Thanksgiving? ›

An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches. Our step-by-step instructions, below, make it easy to recreate this oh-so-trendy, rustic look.

How to decorate a small house for Thanksgiving? ›

Instead, create a beautiful place setting with layers, color and texture for each guest. In the center of the table, keep the decor small with items that can easily be moved when it's time to eat–votive candles, small flower arrangements, or even mini pumpkins are always a great option.

How to decorate outside for Thanksgiving? ›

Create an inviting entryway by adorning your front porch with hay bales, colorful pumpkins, and cornstalks. A “Happy Thanksgiving” sign or wreath on the door sets the tone for a warm gathering. You can also place a rustic bench where guests can take off their shoes and enjoy the fall ambience before entering.

What is the seating arrangement for Thanksgiving? ›

According to our etiquette expert, Peggy Post, tradition dictates that when everyone is seated together, the host and hostess sit at either end of the table. Honored guests (moms, dads, and in-laws) are placed to the host's and hostess's right and then left.

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