40 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas That'll Wow the Whole Family (2024)

FAQs

What is the best table setting for Thanksgiving? ›

Natural Pumpkins and Gourds Tablesetting

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.

Be sure to layer your Thanksgiving tabletop with linens that suit your style and needs. A simple, neutral-colored tablecloth is a great start. From there you can layer on a table runner, placemats, centerpieces and more. (Discover more of our Thanksgiving table ideas.)

What are you most thankful for this year? (You knew it was coming.) If you could redo yesterday, what would you do? If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be? If you could be famous for something, what would it be?

Some tips to keep in mind

To start, make sure at least one host is at each table, and that they are seated somewhere with easy access to the kitchen so that getting up for drink refills or to serve up pie doesn't have you squeezing past everyone's chairs.

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.

Borrow decor from your friends and neighbors.

Swapping decor is a great way to get a fresh look for the holidays without spending any money. If you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner and guests offer to bring something, instead of food ask for a decoration such as fresh flowers or a few pumpkins.

The cornucopia that is an important fixture on many Thanksgiving dinner tables is a wicker basket that is shaped like a horn. It is filled with fruits of the harvest. As a symbol of prosperity, it is commonly called the “horn of plenty.

So if you're looking for a large rectangular table to seat 20, you can start by putting 2 folks on the ends of the table, then count 2 people each 2′ to seat the remaining 18 — or a total table length of 18′ (216″).

How to seat 14 at one table? ›

If you use a 60″ table in the middle, you can add four serpentines, each with a 5-foot inner radius, to create a table for at least 16 people. Don't need that many seats? A 48″ round folding table paired with four 8-foot serpentines (4-foot inner radius) creates seating for 14.

Make your small space look bigger by adding a second table and placing your dining room on a diagonal to create more room at the ends and sides. And creating a diagonal layout will allow more room to maneuver around the Thanksgiving table for second helpings!

Keep your Thanksgiving centerpiece simple so you're free to focus on the food! Fill a low concrete bowl with mini white pumpkins, pinecones, stones, and white berry sprigs. Add in cranberries or small clementines for an additional layer of color.