Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape with Blue & White

Elegant table setting

Blue and white place settings sit on a neutral base, while the flower centerpiece is designed with autumn colors like orange, gold, and deep rust tones.

The combination is beautiful and timeless.

Mix & match place settings

When it comes to holiday tables do you like to do the same thing every year or do you like to change it up? As for me, I never like to do the same thing twice so I mix and match what I have to make it look completely different. 

I continually add new sets of dishes to my collection, but I never buy more than 6 or 8 place settings. I want to show you how you can get more mileage from your everyday set by combining dinnerware pieces.

You can work this method with as little as four place settings. Here’s how it works.

• Start with your everyday white dishes. You probably have all the pieces – dinner plate, salad plate, soup or cereal bowl. And you may have enough for 4, 6, or 8 guests. Great! You’re off to a good start.
• When you want to add some color or design to your table all you need to do is purchase a set of dishes that’s half of what you need. Meaning if you’re hosting 8 people you would only need to buy enough for 4 people.
• The trick is to mix and match the layers of each place setting, alternating the colors. 
• To show how this works I bought this 16-piece dinnerware set in blue. It’s enough for 4 guests. The color is so pretty and the shape of the bowls and mugs matches my white set perfectly. By alternating the blue plates and bowls with the white plates and bowls, I now have 8 place settings instead of 4! AND your table is still perfectly coordinated!
• This tip works great for patterned sets too. Mix a solid set with a patterned set and you’ll have a fantastic looking table.
• You’ll notice I did the same with drink glasses and napkins. Half the places are set with my tan stems while the other half is set with my favorite vintage blue ones.

Thanksgiving place settings

Now that you’ve got those basic white dishes all dressed up with a new color or pattern, let’s talk about some of the other details.

Since the holiday is usually filled with family members of all ages, I made vintage inspired place cards that reflect that generational span. Follow my simple diy to make your own. You could also use real family photos to give them a more personal touch.

Add another fun family element to the table with these conversation ribbons. They will bring you so much joy as they recall family memories. 

Centerpiece

I’m completely proud of myself for creating this floral centerpiece. I’ve been studying and dissecting the trend of overflowing floral arrangements that are so prevalent now, and I think I accomplished the look here.

I spent less than $25 on flowers & filler, used floral foam and a low vase, and went to work. I love how it turned out!

• Create a fall centerpiece for Thanksgiving using a few shortcuts from my secrets to flower arranging. 
• The base for the table is a burlap runner with ruffled trim. The burlap adds a rustic feel while the ruffles add tailoring and dress it up.
• To extend the centerpiece outward, lay small colorful branches along the table. Cut them from the yard and tuck in some organic antlers or pine cones. 
• Adding a few candles is another good alternative to the antlers and pine cones.

More Thanksgiving tablescape ideas

• Here’s another easy idea from my Friendsgiving tablescape.
• Beautiful simple Thanksgiving table ideas that you will certainly want to incorporate for your family gathering.
• Set a neutral Thanksgiving tablescape that’s got lots of texture and detail to ‘wow’ your guests.
• This traditional Thanksgiving table decor has colorful flowers, pumpkins, and more!
• For a completely different and semi-formal look check out this formal table for holiday entertaining. 
• And don’t forget to set up a fun Thanksgiving kids table. You may even want to switch tables!

Chris’ party tips

I hope these tips help you in setting your own Thanksgiving table this year. Keep these party tips in mind.

1. You’ll be serving more people than usual for the holidays, so you’ll need more dishes.
2. It is 100% okay to mix and match colors or patterns when you’re hosting a crowd.
3. You can set a simple elegant tablescape without spending a fortune.
4. And by investing in a single set of dinnerware you can double your place settings.
5. Choose a color or pattern that speaks to you, or that goes with the decor you already have. I think you’ll love the look!