Decorating the Thanksgiving table is probably my favorite job when I am hosting the holidays for family and friends. Okay, let’s be honest, I always host Thanksgiving dinner but setting the table is one of the tasks I truly enjoy. It definitely ranks higher on my list of fun things to do than, say, peeling 10 pounds of potatoes! My table never looks the same from year to year. Some years it is more traditional with flowers and candles as the centerpiece and some years it has been more rustic with wooden gourds and birch candles on a pewter tray. I usually take inspiration from something that I already have around the house or sometimes I see something when I am shopping that catches my eye and I use that as my starting point. Magazines are a great idea source, too. I’ve put together some ideas here that caught my eye, and hopefully they will inspire you to create something fabulous for your table this year.
Simple Elegant Hurricane Candles
I like this idea because most of us have clear glass candle holders and hurricanes already. If not, they are easy to find and usually inexpensive as well. Find several in assorted sizes and shapes and arrange them on your table, place a candle in each one and surround with nuts. Lay evergreen boughs between and around the candle holders and place a few nuts on top of the greenery. So simple, yet very elegant.
Silver Pumpkin Centerpiece
Not all Thanksgiving decorations have to be orange and gold! I love this idea. Arrange mercury glass, silver, or pewter candlestick holders on a silver or pewter tray. Spray paint small pumpkins or gourds with metallic silver paint and place on top of the candlesticks. To add candles, hollow out the center of each pumpkin to hold each candle or tea light securely. This look is so pretty, especially if you are lucky enough to have an ornate, antique tray already in your possession.
Bountiful Leaves Table Runner
Get this look by using a solid color table runner and laying coordinating ribbons along the center of the runner. You can secure the ribbons by using double stick tape or fabric glue. Place a compote or cake stand in the center and top with mini pumpkins, gourds and pears. Scatter leaves, mini pumpkins and pears down the runner. This one is very colorful and easy to set up.
Amber Glass with Candles
Amber glass is gorgeous and is the perfect color for Thanksgiving table decorations. This idea is super easy. Simply arrange amber glass candle holders down the center of a table runner. Place a silk candle ring or small wreath around the base of the glass and you are done! It doesn’t get any easier than this one!
Thankful Rocks
I adore this table setting idea!! What could be more perfect for your Thanksgiving table than a table full of reasons to be thankful?! This is a great one to get your kids involved with, too. These flat stones can be purchases at any craft or hobby store. Use markers to write things that you are thankful for on the rocks and scatter in the center of the table, either on a tray or on leaves as shown in this picture. Use the rocks to label each guest’s place at the table as well. Why not leave a few rocks blank and ask each guest to make their own ‘thankful rock’ as well?
Have fun with your table decorations this Thanksgiving!! Find one thing you love to use as the inspiration for your starting point and take it from there. Get creative, think outside of the box a little bit and you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Lori is a content writer for Discount Party Supplies. Lori is married with three kids and hosts many family gatherings and parties. In her free time, Lori enjoys taking yoga classes and in her secret life she likes going to heavy metal concerts (but don’t tell the other soccer moms!).
