Thanksgiving is just around the corner and our stomachs are already growling in anticipation. There is going to be stuffing, mac and cheese, turkey, and, of course, the pie! Although the food may be the star of the show, presentation is just as important.
Whether you’re finding the perfect Thanksgiving tablecloth or putting together an eye-catching Thanksgiving centerpiece, here are 10 fantastic ideas to elevate your Thanksgiving table decor. With these finishing touches, your meal will be both beautiful and delicious.
A Rustic Look
Pumpkins are not just for eating and carving. They also make excellent Thanksgiving table decorations! To achieve a rustic vibe, pair small pumpkins with some gourds and leaves. Fall’s foliage is so beautiful this time of year.
Make a Cornucopia
Fall coincides with the harvest. Historically, people would gather an abundance of crops to prepare for the harsher winter months ahead. A physical display of this bounty is a cornucopia. Select a basket shaped like a ram’s horn and fill it to overflowing with fall crops such as corn, pomegranates, sunflowers, and more. This is the perfect inexpensive Thanksgiving table decoration because you can incorporate any leftover veggies and fruits you have in your house.
More from CafeMom: 5 Tips for the Most Juicy, Flavorful Turkey You’ve Ever Had
The Farmhouse Look
To achieve a farmhouse Thanksgiving theme, start with a plaid or burlap table runner. Layer it over a tablecloth or put it directly on the table. Then arrange dried wheat stalks around the table. Finish off the tablescape with some pumpkins. A good rule of thumb in Thanksgiving decor is you can never have too many gourds!
Fall Leaf Name Cards
A personalized touch makes guests feel extra special. One way to customize your Thanksgiving table decor is by using name cards with fall leaves. Really let your creativity shine. Write names on the leaves themselves, attach leaves to paper name cards, or use leaves to create more extravagant name placards. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Elegant Candle Holders
Candles help set a cozy mood during cool autumn nights. Pair candle holders in shades of gold, copper, or bronze with candles in fall colors such as red, orange, and mustard. Don’t use them on the kids table for obvious safety reasons. Don’t want any open flames? You can use twinkling fairy lights to achieve the same effect.
Mini Pumpkin Place Cards
Another personalized place card idea calls for mini-pumpkins. To create these unique place settings, buy real mini-pumpkins or pick up craft pumpkins at an art supply store. Paint them, write on them with markers, or attach a name tag to the gourd. Guests can take them home at the end of the night as a party favor.
Thankful Tree Centerpiece
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so why not incorporate that into your decor? Before the party, prep a vase with multiple branches to hang titems. Make leaves from construction paper, attach a string, and gather markers or pens. As guests arrive, have them write what they are thankful for on the leaves and add them to the centerpiece. When everyone sits down for the meal, they will have a visual representation of the thankful atmosphere they helped create.
Disco Ball Cornucopia
Not all Thanksgiving table decor has to be traditional! It is fine to think outside the box. For example, fill a cornucopia with tiny disco balls instead of fruits and vegetables. It will glitter and sparkle night long. It’s sure to be a hit as a glamorous centerpiece.
Balloon Centerpiece
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a beloved tradition since 1924. The first giant balloon, a likeness of Felix the Cat, debuted in 1927. Fast forward to 2023, and the parade now features a whopping 49 balloons of all shapes and sizes. To celebrate this iconic holiday event, create your own balloon centerpiece.
It’s easier than you think (though it will take a little hot air). Simply blow up balloons of different sizes, tie them to a balloon string, and cluster them together to mimic the parade. Use tape to secure the arrangement as needed. Add weights if you use helium to inflate them.
Creative Location and Seating
Location can be a decoration all on its own. Why not move the meal outside? Some families even host Thanksgiving in their barns! If your extended family is large, finding enough seating can be tricky — but necessity is the mother of invention. Don’t think of this as a problem but as a chance to come up with a creative solution. Try having guests sit on hay bales covered with cozy blankets, gather mismatched chairs from around the house, or borrow from neighbors. The more, the merrier!
