How To Set The Perfect Thanksgiving Table

Creating a festive Thanksgiving table is one of the highlights of the holiday season. Each year I look forward to designing a beautiful space for our friends and family to gather together to celebrate. With just a few simple steps and thoughtful styling choices, you too can create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and effortlessly put together. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just entertaining your closest family, these tips will help you design a table your guests will love.

Items you need to set the perfect holiday table

Don’t feel like you need to rush out and buy all new everything. First, gather the items you already own and take inventory of what you need. Here is what we recommend for a beautiful holiday table:

• Tablecloth or table runner – if you want to protect your tabletop from scratches and stains, opt for a tablecloth. If you want to add a bit of color and texture and provide a layer between the table and centerpiece, go with a table runner.
• Placemats – continue to add layers with placemats which come in many shapes and sizes and help to add color and texture.
• Chargers – made of metal, wood, or woven materials, chargers help to anchor each place setting and add a touch of formality to a holiday table.
• Dinner plates, salad plates, bowls – use simple white or neutral dishes for a classic look and mix in patterns for an elevated feel.
• Napkins – place a cloth napkin either on top, below or to the left of the plate. Use napkin rings or ribbons to add an elegant touch.
• Silverware – Set clean, polished forks to the left and knives (blade facing inward) and spoons to the right.
• Glassware – water and wine glasses should be placed to the right of the plate above the knife and spoon.
• Votives, candles – finish the scene with soft lighting like candles and votives to create a warm, festive atmosphere. Avoid using scented candles that could compete with the aroma of the food.
• Florals – keep the centerpiece simple and low to allow guests to converse across the table easily. Add a sprig of something seasonal to each place setting.
• Finishing touches – for fancier occasions, consider adding a bread plate and small butter knife opposite the glassware. Pretty place cards or printed menus make a nice personal touch.

The Perfect Place Setting

Use this place setting diagram to help you visualize where to place each item. For a more formal meal, add a bread plate to the right of the salad plate, dessert utensils just above the dinner plate, and an extra wine glass or champagne flute.

How to set the perfect Thanksgiving table

A thoughtful holiday table sets the tone for the entire meal. From layered plates to soft lighting and beautiful textures, a few key elements can turn even the simplest setup into something truly special. Follow these steps to bring it all together with ease.

Prep the table.

Start by clearing and cleaning your table so you’re working with a fresh surface. Lay down your first layer— a tablecloth, runner, or placemats — to instantly add warmth and texture. Arrange the chairs with comfortable spacing so that your guest will have a little elbow room.

Create an inviting place setting.

A beautiful place setting doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with your dinner plate, layer on a salad plate, and add flatware neatly arranged on each side. For more formal affairs like Thanksgiving and Christmas, I like to add a metal, wood or woven charger beneath the dinner plate. Once your dishes are placed, add a linen napkin and simple glassware to create a balanced, inviting setting for each guest.

Design a beautiful centerpiece.

Choose a centerpiece that complements the table rather than overwhelms it. Once again, less is more. Think greenery, a simple arrangement of branches or seasonal florals that adds height without blocking conversation. Keep the palette natural and cohesive for a look that feels simultaneously elegant and effortless.

Light the table.

In addition to a chandelier, soft, warm table lighting is the secret to a cozy, inviting Thanksgiving. Use a mix of taper candles and votives to create an ambient glow across the table.

Add finishing touches.

Small details go a long way – handwritten name cards, a sprig of rosemary tucked into each napkin, or a simple ribbon tied around flatware. These thoughtful extras bring the whole table together and make a nice talking point as guests gather around the table.

Tips for beautiful tablescapes

Creating a beautiful tablescape is all about simple choices that make a big impact. Try these smart styling tricks to instantly elevate the whole look.

Keep it simple. When it comes to tablescapes, elaborate doesn’t always equal beautiful. With the right element, even the most minimal set up can be stunning.

Think outside the box. Get creative with your decor and don’t feel like you have to follow all of the “rules”. Make a tablecloth out of burlap or cut yardage of a favorite fabric. Keep things interesting by mixing vintage china with modern pieces. Mixing old and new makes the table feel sentimental.

Mix and match. Don’t have a perfectly coordinated set of place settings for 12? No problem! Mix in vintage dishes or glassware to make each person’s place setting feel unique. Or use a variety of metals (golds, silver, brass) for silverware and candlesticks to create an elevated, eclectic look.

Invest in cloth napkins. Cloth napkins add softness, texture, and weight, giving your table a more refined, styled look. Take the time to press the linens before setting your table.

Decorate with natural elements. Organic elements like fresh greenery, vines, twigs, leaves and sprigs of herbs make your table feel rich without looking busy. The mix of matte, glossy, soft, and structured creates visual interest. Think soft greens, warm browns, creamy neutrals, muted berries.

Personalize your place settings. Having a place card at each seat makes guests feel welcome. Make a classic paper card or use a gold sharpie to turn an object like a magnolia leaf or mini white pumpkin into a special name card.

Shop the look

Shop the look for a festive Thanksgiving table.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!