Do you need inspiration to decorate for Thanksgiving? Take your holiday decorations to the next level with these simple but elegant Thanksgiving table decor ideas!
You don’t have to have elaborate decorations to set a gorgeous table!
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Learn how to use simple items like feathers and DIY velvet pumpkins to give your table setting an elegant ambiance.
Come along as we set our table and decorate the dining room for Thanksgiving!
How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Table
Choose an Inspiration Piece
I always try to find one item I want to put on my table and build the rest around it!
This year, I discovered our inspiration in an antique booth at Renninger’s Fall In The Field event.
We were thrilled to find four Johnson Brothers salad plates with turkeys and pumpkins!
As soon as I saw them, I knew they would be the highlight of my Thanksgiving table.
I will use the brown, tan, cream, and green colors on the plate in the rest of my decor!
Create An Interesting Centerpiece
My favorite part of decorating a table is creating a centerpiece.
I shopped my house for items in my color scheme and purchased a couple of new things.
Here’s what I came up with!
It’s simple but has elegant vibes!
Incorporate a Seasonal Focal Point
I found this gorgeous turkey at Hobby Lobby for 50% off and grabbed a couple of candlesticks to sit on either side of him!
Place Organics In The Center Of The Table
First, I took stems of neutral tan leaves and spread them across the table on both sides of the turkey!
I purchased brown eucalyptus from Hobby Lobby and laid it over the leaves.
Then, I placed a pick with feathers on the top.
I found the feathers in the clearance section at Michaels in the Spring and saved them to use this Fall!
Next, I grabbed two DIY velvet pumpkins I made a couple of weeks ago and placed them on either side of the turkey.
Finally, to fill in the empty spaces around the turkey, I used more leaves and picks with cream-colored berries.
Set a Foundation With Interesting Placemats
I love to collect placemats and am always looking for interesting ones.
These have a pretty ruffle around the edge and look so good peeking out from under a dinner plate!
If I remember correctly, these came from Home Goods.
Choose Your Placesetting
Typically, when I set an elegant tablescape, I reach for my good China, but not this year.
I decided to pair those fabulous turkey plates with my everyday dinner plates, and I love how they look together!
When it comes to glassware, I have to keep it simple because I only have two sets, and both are very casual.
One of these days, I’ll start collecting vintage glassware!
And last but not least, I chose to use champagne-colored eating utensils.
Layer Your Napkins
I love to layer napkins between plates.
It’s simple but shows off the color of the salad plates!
How To Repeat Elements To Decorate The Dining Room
The table is set, but we’re not done yet!
Now it’s time to decorate the rest of the room using some of the same elements we used on the table!
Let’s start with the fireplace mantel!
Hang A Wreath
Do you remember the Pottery Barn dupe wreath I made in early Fall?
I attached it to a vintage picture frame and placed it on the mantel!
I love how this looks!
Notice I used the same cream berry picks in the wreath and then mixed them with the organics on the mantel.
Add Candles For Ambience
I took four candles, matching the ones on the table, and placed them on the mantel.
Layer Organics on the mantel
I layered similar organic items on the mantel to mimic the table centerpiece.
Decorate a Bar Cart
If you have a bar cart, don’t forget to add some seasonal touches there!
I pulled out the decoupage pumpkins I made last year and sat them on the top shelf.
Then, I took a bundle of the organic items left over from the mantel and table and tied them with ribbon.
Add Seasonal Touches To Your China Cabinet or Hutch
Usually, I display white pumpkins in my China cabinet, but this year, I wanted my brown transferware pieces to be the focal point!
Hopefully, this post has inspired you to set a simple but elegant Thanksgiving table for your guests!
Here’s wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
If you need help getting organized for the big day read this post with ideas to make hosting Thanksgiving dinner easier!
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
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More Holiday Table Setting Inspiration
If you enjoy setting your table for every holiday here are some posts you might like!
Get The Look
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**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
This tablescape is stunning, Donna! I love all the different fall colors you incorporated and how you added all the layers of texture too. It’s so pretty. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for the turkeys you found at Hobby Lobby. They’re a statement piece you use year after year! Big hugs, CoCo
Isn’t that turkey great and he was so inexpensive! They also had two pheasants that were gorgeous and now I wish I would have bought them. They’re sold out at our store now but hopefully they’ll have them again next year! Thanks so much! Hugs, Donna
Donna, I like the simplicity of this table. It is very elegant and perfect for reflecting on gratitude. Love the gold Tom Turkey. I have two smaller ones I want to style, but never have. I like the natural elements around them, so will go in that direction from you inspiration. Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello Sarah! I’m so happy you found some inspiration from our Thanksgiving table! I know your gold turkeys will look fabulous! Have fun putting your table together! Here’s wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
What a beautiful table you have set Donna. I want that turkey! I am so jealous, lol I can never seem to find a good turkey. I did not see this guy at my Hobby Lobby! Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi Wendy! Isn’t he a beauty! The turkeys sold out quick at our store. Thanks and I hope you and yours have a fabulous Thanksgiving!