Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement for details.
Set a beautiful table with these Thanksgiving tablescape ideas. Includes inspiration for place settings, flowers, linens, and more.
As the only girl growing up in a home with three brothers, “setting the table” for supper, more often than not, was my job. My mom trained me well and to this day, I enjoy the simple task of making a table beautiful. Tablescapes don’t have to be grand or expensive to be charming. All that is needed are your favorite dishes, a few accessories, and a lovely centerpiece. This post features my lovely dining room at our house on Sutton Place. We loved this room, and so many memories were made here. This tablescape is one of my all time favorites…ever.
Neutral Colors & Texture
When it comes to Thanksgiving tablescape ideas, the place to start is to choose a “jumping-off” point. It should be one of the main elements of your table setting, and then the rest of the items flow from that. I usually begin with the linens, but this Thanksgiving tablescape began with the placemats…which is a rather odd place to start.
The Placemats
I love these round hyacinth placemats, and they are the perfect combination of a charger and a placemat. Even though they are neutral in color, they add delicious texture…and that’s always a good thing. The neutral theme continues with the table runner, plates, and flatware.
The Napkins
Color was added with the napkins, that are a soft floral pattern in the lovely shades of autumn. I’ve actually used these napkins many times, and decided to use them again. No need to reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to!
The Centerpiece: White Pumpkins in a Dough Bowl
My favorite thing about this tablescape is the centerpiece. It’s so simple, but makes quite a statement. I’ve looked and looked for a dough bowl that would fit my table, and that didn’t cost the moon. Believe it or not, I found this one on Amazon. It’s not authentic, but it looks like it is, and that’s good enough for me.
I placed sprigs of eucalyptus in the bowl, and then nestled in more white pumpkins. I prepared my pumpkins first, so they should easily last until Thanksgiving. The long, narrow shape of the dough bowl accommodates the shape of the pumpkins and again, even though it’s neutral in color, there is great texture.
Mini White Pumpkin Arrangements
One of the best Thanksgiving tablescape ideas ever is to include a favor for your guests. The last little touch I’m including for this table setting is this set of mini pumpkin flower arrangements. You can see a detailed tutorial by clicking {HERE.} I made these little arrangements for our guests only, so the end place settings got a simple white pumpkin. Along with the red pears on the little cake pedestal, the russet mums add a small pop of fall color.
More Plate Arrangement Ideas
- Small pumpkin lidded tureens (you can do the flower arrangements in these, but you might not want to give them away as favors!)
- Faux pumpkins with silk greens and flowers. (Most faux pumpkins are hollow in the middle. You may have to experiment a little with that.)
- Real, faux, or velvet mini pumpkins with a placecard tag.
- Make these printable napkin rings, and add fresh greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHOP THE LOOK
Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table runner • Placemats • Napkins • Plates • Mini Pumpkin Arrangements • Long dough bowl • Flatware • Chandelier • Board and Batten • Fabric on chairs • 8 x 10 Rug (beige/ivory) • Botanical prints • Small Pedestal • Glasses are vintage • Window shades are custom.
THANKSGIVING
PLANNER
Use this Thanksgiving planner to make the holiday easy for you, and so lovely for your family & friends. Includes planning and organization pages, turkey tips, a Thanksgiving prayer, and more.
So many uses for mini white pumpkins. You’ve gotten really creative with yours and it looks wonderful. Those napkins are a perfect added touch.
My mom taught me to set a lovely table also and my dad insisted the silverware was set properly too. Today my daughters often question me about setting the silverware properly and I tell them about my dad.
So pretty! Thank you for the inspiration!
So festive and simple.
Such a lovely table setting…simple yet elegant! I enjoy your blog so much and greatly appreciate that you list your sources. Have a very blessed holiday season. ❤️
Ann , Your table settings are always so pretty . My problem is I always have to undress the table to serve the food , any suggestions? Thanks Susan
It is very easy to overdress
The table for actual eating.
Keeping it simple like Ann has done here makes it relatively simple by just moving the pumpkin to the left.
I agree it always looks gorgeous to tablescape and
Usually a hassle to undress to eat!!
I love your placemats and those pumpkin floral arrangements are so pretty, Ann!
Hugs, Jamie
Ann, I too, grew up with three brothers and no sisters so my mother and I have always been very close as I know you were with your Mom. My mom will be 92 in February and yes, I was always the kitchen helper which I enjoyed. My mother also taught me about setting a pretty table and incorporating a center piece of some sort, often just a few feesh flowers. . I so enjoy and use many of your lovely ideas for centerpieces as well as your other decor ideas and recipes! Thanks for sharing your stories and creativeness!
I adore the individual place settings. Those pumpkins are so sweet!
I love those napkins – the colors are so pretty. And the dough bowl is perfect with the pumpkins and eucalyptus. Your table looks welcoming and effortless — thank you for these ideas!
I love the more simple settings, doesn’t scream Thanksgiving so good for all fall. Going to Amazon I to have been looking for a dough bowl that was sooo expensive.Enjoy your holidays.
Ann,
Love your floral arrangement, especially since you have a bit of Australia in it. The eucalyptus is the Tasmanian Argyle Apple . It is great for in arrangements. Can you tell me if the white berry is one commonly called Snowberry as I don’t think I have seen it here. Did a Google search and that’s what came up.
Always interested in your site. Keep up the good work.
Sandi.
Hi Sandi! Yes they are snowberries but they are also sometimes called ghostberries. My grocery store doesn’t always have them but I’ve seen them in red, green, and white. Thank you!
Love Love Love !!!
What a beautiful table! Just love the colors and the mini white pumpkins.
I also grew up with three brothers and no sisters so I can totally relate Ann!!!
Love the simplicity of your table,the dough bowl is just the right size.I am a fan of the white pumpkins and the floral arrangements are just darling.
I tried to leave a comment but that field registered Error. I also liked the looks of your table setting but was wandering how you clean the placemats. Please let us know so we can place our order. Thanks also for listing the sites where we can locate similar items.
Hi Christy!
I’m hoping the placemats don’t get spilled on, but I’m sure they will. I plan to just wash them with a damp rag with a little dish soap. I have washed wicker many times. I’ve even completely dunked some of my baskets. I hope this helps! Thank you so much…Ann
Ann,
Your Fall table is beautiful. Although French country is my very favorite style, all the “French” girls are using pinks, blushes, and lavenders this year. This reads Spring to me. Your table says Fall and quite beautifully.
Thank you so much Joan…what a nice thing to say!
Very beautiful and yet simple enough! I was wondering how to clean the placemats if food is dropped on them.
Absolutely lovely, Ann! Nice to see a tablescape that doesn’t cost a fortune and has ideas that can be used by anyone.
Hi Mary! I’m hoping the placemats don’t get spilled on, but I’m sure they will. I plan to just wash them with a damp rag with a little dish soap. I have washed wicker many times. I’ve even completely dunked some of my baskets. I hope this helps!
Love the idea of a mini pumpkin arrangement on each place setting Ann…beautiful! Thanks for mentioning me and enjoy your day!
Very pretty and yet very home. Gentle colors.