The Ultimate Thanksgiving Table Setting & Table Decor Guide

No matter what time of year, it's never too early (or too late) to start planning your Thanksgiving table setting. 

There are 3 ways to do Thanksgiving gatherings, shown in the picture below. This quick, no-nonsense guide is the 3rd way (or right way in our opinion).

If you read to the very end and follow each step, we promise you will be the most prepared you have ever been to set the perfect Thanksgiving table setting, and your guests will say it's the best darn Thanksgiving they've ever had the pleasure of being part of!

Section 1: The Foundation - Table Setting Essentials:

Tablecloth:

First things first: Choose a Thanksgiving tablecloth with warm autumn colours like gold, rust, forest green or burgundy. You want your tablecloth to hang about 12-15 inches on all sides for the right proportions (or just on both ends if it’s a runner).

Charger Plates: 

These frame the main dinner plates and also serve as a nice protective shield for the tablecloth from the inevitable spills. Charger plates make the entire meal feel elevated, and are a foolproof way to make just about any meal like a truly special occasion. You can use any material or colour you like - we absolutely love the look of acacia wood, but copper, gold or charcoal pottery chargers also look great. 

Place Setting Basics:

The correct or 'proper' way to set the table is: Forks on the left side of the main plate, with the knives and spoons on the right side. 

Cutlery for the starter is always placed on the outside, working your way inwards towards the centre for each course. Water and wine glasses are usually kept on the right side, directly above the knives. Check the image out below for reference:

How To Set A Table The Correct Way (Left to Right)

1. Napkin (underneath forks, or to the left, can also be placed on the plate)
2. Salad / Starter fork (leftmost)
3. Dinner fork (next to main plate)
4. Charger plate (optional, underneath main plate)
5. Dinner plate / Main plate (centre, on charger)
6. Dinner knife (right side of plate, blade facing inward)
7. Soup spoon (right of knife)
8. Water glass (above knife)
9. Wine glass (right of water glass)

Bread & Butter / Appetiser Setup:

• Small bread plate above the forks (top left)
• Butter knife horizontally across the bread plate
• Individual butter portions or spreads (Optional)

What Servingware You Will Need (That You Might Not Have Thought of Yet)

Here's a list of what servingware you will likely need in addition to each guest's place settings: 

Family-Style, Buffet, or Fine Dining?

Decide beforehand which style of dining you want to have, plan your servingware, layout and contingencies accordingly... this will make or break how it goes on the day.

Thanksgiving Basic Servingware Necessities:

• Large platters for turkey and ham (or whatever the 'main attraction' dish will be)
• Deep bowls for sides, 1 bowl per side (stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables)
• 1 gravy boat per yard of table, with underplates and ladles.
• Bread baskets with liners
• Serving spoons and forks for each dish

Lazy Susan - Highly underrated, great for any dining style, a lazy Susan encourages conversation, sharing, and reflection - Did someone say 'the entire spirit of Thanksgiving?'

Wooden Bowls For Side Dishes - Using individual bowls for each side dish (rather than piling a few sides together) will encourage sharing and add to the feeling of abundance. Wooden bowls instantly elevate the experience and help your guests to slow down and appreciate the small moments.

Trivets and Coasters - You can never have enough areas to quickly set down hot pots, dishes, or wet cups and glasses to keep your table and tablecloth protected for next year. 

Use Oversized Dishes - Here's an awesome tip: Use oversized serving dishes like large serving boards and generous bowls or charger plates. This simple technique encourages your guests to help themselves to larger portions, to try new foods and adds a rustic and simple feel. Another useful way to make your guests feel relaxed and welcomed.

Notes on Seasonal-Themed Accents - Bright, earthy tones of brass and copper really compliments wood beautifully. These colours also add that touch of luxury and are symbolic of the warm, precious light in autumn. Stick to smaller accent pieces like napkin rings or cutlery when adding brass or copper elements. 

Use Utensil Holders - These are something you might not immediately think of, but will be glad you did when it comes down to it! Help to keep the table uncluttered and give your hungry guests somewhere obvious to put the grease-covered serving utensils that would otherwise end up staining your tablecloth!

Section 2: Adding Seasonal Decorations

Which Colours and Materials to Use for Thanksgiving Table Settings:

Foresight tip:

If you plan on having bowls and boards of food on the table for family-style dining, it’s a good idea to set them out on the table before you start adding decorations and centrepieces.

That way, when you have a bowl full of hot food and a table full of hungry people, you don’t have to rearrange anything before setting it down on the table.

Colour Palette and Details:

Colours:

Think: Cosy Fall, Abundance, and Harvest-time.

Examples: Red, Orange, Golden-Yellow, Earthy Browns, Dark Green.

Textures and Patterns

Think: Cosy, seasonal, happy memories, rustic, warm. 

Examples: Tartan, nature-inspired patterns / natural materials, soft & fluffy.

Warm metallics: Add copper or brass elements through napkin rings, serving utensils, or small accent pieces. These metals complement wood beautifully and reflect the golden warmth of autumn light.

Deep jewel tones: Incorporate napkins or small accents in burgundy, forest green, or golden yellow. These rich colours enhance the natural elements while also bringing some more luxury to the scene.

Natural textures: Layer in woven placemats, burlap accents, or rope details. These textures add depth and reinforce the rustic, harvest-time atmosphere.

Quick Tips:

• Mix both matte and glossy finishes to mimic the abundance of the fall.
• Combine rustic natural elements with more refined pieces.
• Use the 60-30-10 colour rule (60% dominant colour, 30% secondary, 10% accent)
• Add your colours to your place-name cards or personal favours.
• Add seasonal touches like acorns, leaves, branches, seasonal vegetables and fruits.

PS: We've got a nice gift that will help you make your Thanksgiving centrepieces and place settings cohesive - more on that at the end. 

Section 3: Thanksgiving Centrepiece Ideas:

First, think of which ‘strategy’ you want to take for your Thanksgiving centrepiece...

What do we mean by 'centrepiece strategy'?

Think about your centrepiece's height, space, theme or style, and your guests' preferences:

For example: Is anyone going to be put off by a tree branch and acorns on the table? Does that person's opinion matter enough for you to change your entire Thanksgiving centrepiece because of it? All important considerations!

Thanksgiving Centrepiece Idea 1: Cornucopia of Autumnal Harvest

Fill a woven basket (if you don't have a cornucopia casually lying around) with mini pumpkins, gourds or seasonal root vegetables. Add some nice autumn leaves, acorns or branches for an added rustic feel and finish it off with some gold ribbon and accent pieces.

Cornucopias are a classic symbol of abundance and represent harvesting the fruits of your labour. The timing (harvest time for many crops) and the symbolism are why it's it's associated with Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving Centrepiece Idea 2: Forest of Candles

This one is the best on a budget or time constraint: Gather as many candles as you can bear to take responsibility over for the evening, pick ones of varying heights for the best look.

Arrange the candles on different-sized wood rounds (tree slices) or a live-edge wood board. Bonus tip: You don't have to light all of the candles, just have a few in the centre lit, and the effect will be there, just at a fraction of the fire hazard...

Thanksgiving Centrepiece Idea 3: Friends & Family Time Capsule / Memento

Curate family photos, souvenirs from vacations, medals, trophies or awards, or maybe particular objects that remind you of each person in your family (or each person at your table).

Arrange your collection in a nice basket or nested in a blanket or scarf. This centrepiece is sure to be a conversation starter, if not a tearjerker.

Thanksgiving Centrepiece Idea 4: Forest Finds & Berries

Gather some bright autumn leaves, berry branches (like holly, and blackthorn) and add some other seasonal harvests. Shop your local farmer's markets for stalks of wheat, wreathes and autumnal bouquets. 

You can find more great Thanksgiving centrepiece inspiration in our Seasonal Tablescapes & Centrepiece Ideas guide. 

Section 4: Thanksgiving Extras - Create the Ultimate Thanksgiving Tablesetting:

Details: 

If you want to really go above and beyond with your Thanksgiving tablescape, add small details that may take a little while to get noticed. This will show just how much effort, attention, and love you put in for those who are most important to you. ;)

Here are some easy but powerful examples: 

1. Add a quote that you think is a good fit for each person to their placename cards. 

2. Write down a core memory you have with each person, or your earliest memory of them.

3. Add a trinket at each place setting to symbolise a hobby or a trait that each person holds dear. 

Lean into your theme, whatever your theme is (traditional, seasonal, cozy, etc) there are plenty of accents and small details you can find for your napkins, table decor... even scents and sounds).

Lighting 

Thanksgiving is all about coming together, sharing great memories, making new ones, having delicious food, and most importantly, being thankful for everything and everyone you have.

Your lighting should reflect this - here's how you do it:

• Use bright, warm lighting in communal areas.
• Use cosy, softer lighting in corners, hallways and nooks.

How does this work?

This simple contrast will make your guests feel introspective and comfortable in the secondary spaces (hallways, etc) while at the same time you fill the main dining area with life and energy.

It's a nice effective way to draw people back into the main space, rather than wandering in the hallways or hiding in the front room, claiming they have indigestion...

Image via Etsy

Placename Cards

One of the oldest tricks in the book to make your guests feel special, it has the added bonus of letting you decide where everyone sits, and who sits next to who, or not, choice is yours.

Gradtitude Cards/Parting Favours 

Taking a placename card and upgrading it; If you add something you're grateful for each person of (or just grateful for in general) to their placename or in a parting favour bag on the way out, they will always remember your Thanksgiving dinner! (In a good way).

Image via thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

Napkin Treatments

Nicely folded napkins go a long way, and with a little practice, you can do some pretty impressive things with a napkin. 

Bonus Trick:

Think outside the box, like a unique way to do a simple thing. One example of this is these hardwood Wood Donut Clips - which can be used as unique napkin rings, find out more about the Wood Donut Clips here. 

Logistical & Practical Reminders or Considerations

• Consider the flow of foot traffic - Keep pathways clear, and think about how/where you want your guests to move around and gather.
• Think about any children or pets, any safety considerations that might need to be implemented to avoid disasters - like keeping delicious foods out of the reach of four-legged friends!) 🐾
• Pre-emptively decide where you want the dirty dishes and leftovers to go rather than allowing your guests to set them down wherever they see fit. 

Image via modern-glam.com

Final Thanksgiving Table Styling Tips:

Here is your checklist to summarise everything we've covered so far for styling your perfect tablescape: 

1. Get the foundation right - set your table the proper way, leave room for the many bowls and platters of food!
2. Consider what style of dining you want to do (family style, buffet, fine dining) and set up accordingly. 
3. Plan which servingware you'll need.
4. Add seasonal touches, soft materials and natural patterns. 
   
5. Set the mood with lighting, sounds and scents. 
6. Decide on your centrepiece, personalised accents and conversation starters.
7. Think about the flow of foot traffic, where to open up and where to close off.
8. Think about any guest-specific needs (kids, elderly, diet restrictions, pet peeves, personality types, etc).
9. Plan for things to go wrong - see below. 
10. Become a 5-star Thanksgiving host - see final section.

Common Problems You Might Run Into (With Simple Solutions)

Space

If you're in need of extra space on Thanksgiving, that's a good thing - it means you have lots of great people who care about you! But it still doesn't solve where you're going to sit them (and feed them) all.

Plan in advance for how much space you'll need, including seats and spots at the table. You might even need to rearrange furniture or remove something altogether, again - by thinking about it ahead of time you can save yourself a huge headache on the day.

Mixed dinnerware and servingware

First of all, unless the theme is fine dining (and even if it is), the people you're having over for Thanksgiving dinner are those who are closest to you - they will be grateful for the good company and great food, we're sure they will cut you some slack on the dinnerware. 

Having said that if you're trying to impress some in-laws, or maybe you just like to have things matching then here's what you can do to fix the problem of mismatched dinnerware and servingware:

1. Get some new servingware - genius, we know.., but hear this out. Even if you get just 1 to 3 elements that are matching (eg maybe some charger plates, cutlery and some nice bowls) then you can still mix and match the rest of the wares from what you already have and pass it off as eclectic. If this is you, be sure to read to the end to get a nice surprise. 
2. Pick a theme and try to match what you have to the theme. Think: Seasonal colours and patterns.  
3. Hide them until the food comes out - this works well if you have servingware and diningware that are very obviously mismatched.. Simply wait until the food is served (and preferably on the servingware) to reveal it, nobody will even notice it's all mismatched, and you'll be so distracted by wondering whether they like the food to even remember!
   

Thanksgiving Supplies

Make sure you have all the sauces, ingredients and supplies that you need before the day. There's nothing worse than being halfway through a task or preparation and then realising you have to run to the store on a holiday - nobody wants to be that person. 

How To Create a 5-Star Thanksgiving Tablescape:

We truly hope that this guide was valuable for you. Now that you're one step closer to becoming the perfect Thanksgiving tablescaper and host, it's time to step up your game:

As a thank you for reading to the end, you deserve a gift for your Thanksgiving! Here is a gift voucher worth $100 to get your Thanksgiving off to the right start. 

Simply enter the code "THANKFUL" at checkout and you will get $100 off any order over $299 - now that's something to be thankful for! 

• $100 discount is eligible for any order over $299
• Offer expires on November 27th, 2025 at midnight
  
• Enter code THANKFUL at checkout to avail.