Simple Thanksgiving Tablescape

ByChris Posted on

Get simple Thanksgiving tablescape ideas with this fall table décor. See how to create a simple table setting, easy centerpiece, and beautiful place settings for the holiday. Start planning now with all our Thanksgiving ideas.

Thanksgiving table setting, side view

Design a beautiful table for Thanksgiving that’s also perfect for a fall dinner party, using gray, gold, and deep rust colors.

Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas

I’m sharing some simple ideas and tips for setting a Thanksgiving table that’s modern and easy to pull together. 

This holiday tablescape is for all the busy hostesses out there who are working hard just to get recipes cooked in time and ready to fill the Thanksgiving table with food.

Thanksgiving tablescape ideas

Simple Table Decoration

It’s easy to design a table when you start with neutral tones like gray, tan, black, or white. Then you can add whatever color you like, to add a pop of interest.

This table starts with gray and gets a pop of color with golden yellow tones. Simple flowers in natural autumn hues make a great Thanksgiving centerpiece and are easy to clear away when it’s time to serve the food.

If you have a beautiful wood table, why cover it with a tablecloth? Natural wood grain can be a beautiful design element and the rich dark finish of the table is a great base for elegant settings.

easy Thanksgiving centerpiece with bud vases
bud vases filled with fall flowers

Easy Centerpiece

If you’re having a small Thanksgiving dinner at home, you can create a lovely fall centerpiece with minimal effort. 

An easy way is to grab a bouquet of flowers and divide it among several small bud vases. This makes a fantastic last minute solution for ANY tablescape. 

Place one to three floral stems in each vase and stagger them down the center of the table. You instantly have a modern minimalist centerpiece arrangement.

Thanksgiving place setting overhead; gray and white plates with yellow napkin

Place Settings

Follow these tips to build a Thanksgiving place setting in layers.

  • Start with a rattan place mat to add natural texture to the table.
  • Next, layer a darker tone dinner plate with a lighter tone salad plate to add contrast. You can pair up with another set of dishes and alternate each seat with a lighter dinner plate and darker salad plate. As a result, you get double the place settings while keeping it all coordinated.
  • Use something creative for a place card. Here, we write names on a whole walnut shell. This imparts a seasonal element of nature.
  • Break up the layers of dishes with a napkin in a complimentary color. Drape it in a free flowing fashion for chic simplicity. 
  • Use colorful vintage glassware and silverware to finish each place setting. This adds charm to modern table décor.
fall table setting

More Place Holder Ideas

I think the walnuts are so charming here, but you can use some of these other suggestions too. Just use a sharpie marker to write directly onto the item, or add a card.

  • A fall leaf you’ve collected from the yard.
  • A pinecone. You can stick a name card in between the woody scales.
  • Tiny pumpkins.
  • A whole pear or apple.
  • DIY caramel apple place card that can double as a take-home party favor.
lucky wishbone favors for Thanksgiving table

I love these Lucky Wishbones. Set out a bowl full of them so everyone can make a wish and pull it apart with another guest. That way, no fighting over the REAL one!

PARTY TIP: Let guests write down one thing they’re thankful for, but make it frivolous! Everyone is thankful for family, health, home, jobs, etc. so this idea makes it more unique.

fall table setting gold and gray colors

More Thanksgiving Table Settings

Get even more inspiration from these Thanksgiving tabletop settings.

So there are my tips and ideas for making a simple Thanksgiving tablescape special and fuss free.

If you like this post, PIN, Share, or sign up for our Newsletter at the top of the page. And don’t forget to follow CAH on Instagram or Facebook. Cheers!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

8 Comments

  1. Where are your goblets from? gorgeous. I just have plain clear goblets that will work, but I’d love to find something like those.
    I’m hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time this year and I’m using your place setting.

  2. Hello!
    Love your blog! How did you make the sign “make a wish” on the wishbone?
    Love the idea!

    Thanks!
    Amy

  3. Okay the wishbones are FANTASTIC!! And you know I love the walnuts place card holders. Brilliant!

  4. very inspiring. I am sure I will take some cues from you this Thanksgiving and style a better table for my family. I love this time of year. Enjoy!

Comments are closed.