How To Set The Perfect Thanksgiving Table, According To Home Experts (2024)

Table runners are usually a traditional feature on a Thanksgiving table, but this year, why not style it differently?

“Ditch the traditional table runner styled vertically down the center of your table and double up on color and texture by styling horizontally,” says Jenny Reimold, HomeGoods style expert. She says for a table that seats up to seven, to use two to three table runners. Table runners come in modern designs and added elements like tassels that can dazzle any table setting.

Jessica Harris, designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces, recommends dressing up your dining room chairs too.

“Add a bow to them or hang a fall wreath. It is a common misconception that wreaths are only for your door. Try hanging them elsewhere like on the back of a chair this Thanksgiving,” Harris said.

Bring a little gold and silver to add sparkle to your holiday table. “Metallics are super on trend right now and something I love to use especially around the holidays because it works for any style, from traditional to bohemian coastal,” Reimold told Forbes Home.

She uses gold decorative accents and tableware throughout her Thanksgiving tablescape, including matte gold flatware, white ceramic plates with a gold rim, “thankful” gold napkin rings and festive gold candlesticks and turkeys.

Incorporating cherished objects and personal mementos onto your tablescape can make it extra special.

“I create tablescapes that mix vintage finds, family heirlooms, and discoveries from my travels with newer pieces from the AERIN brand,” Lauder explained. “A table that is perfectly imperfect is the most special.”

She said every time she sets the table, “it represents the occasion, as well as my heritage, my memories, and my personality.”

Consider adding texture to your tablescape with placemats. You can use organically textured or woven options that add an earthy, warm touch to the table.

“I chose woven jute placemats that are a durable option for a Thanksgiving feast and coordinated with the rug in the space,” Reimold told Forbes Home.

Lauder says she loves to mix and match different colors, patterns, and textures. “I think that a layered approach makes setting the table fun and creates a memorable experience for guests,” said Lauder.

Little touches here and there add a nice element to the occasion. Fresh flowers and candles can set the mood, and Lauder said “every little detail matters when creating the magic of the most special dinners.”

She said one tradition her grandmother Estée used to love to do for her guests was to leave a little gift at each place setting. “This is something that I have now learned to do, as it makes guests truly feel welcomed and cared for,” said Lauder.

Reimold recommends incorporating colorful casserole dishes and festive serving ware to cook and display your Thanksgiving meal.

“By adding a few harvest-inspired ceramic serving sets from HomeGoods, such as a unique pumpkin-shaped deep dish, I was able to finish off the table with a few wow-worthy pops of color,” said Reimold.

Providing the right atmosphere with lighting can create a picture-perfect experience and heartfelt memories for all in attendance.

“Lighting is so important in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, which is an element that can be overlooked,” Lauder explained. “It’s always nice to dim the lights and use candles to set the mood.”

Harris recommends using different candlesticks and candle centerpieces over a rustic wood dining set.

“Incorporate pops of height or texture in an unexpected place or two. Differences in size, color and texture are encouraged—group them together to make a tablescape that is sure to impress guests,” said Harris.

She says to intermix pillar, taper, votives and even tealights and to use glass candleholders. “They look like art and are a great conversational piece with a vintage, modern collected feel,” says Harris.

Many Thanksgiving tables are known for their elaborate centerpieces, but you can get creative by using items at home or inexpensive pieces to create beautiful centerpieces to wow your guests.

You can repurpose lanterns to create custom vases for a creative centerpiece. “I took large rattan lanterns that I found at HomeGoods for only $20 then filled them with a mix of faux florals and fresh florals from my local florist,” said Reimold.

Another option is placing flowers from your garden into a hollowed-out pumpkin.

“Get two or three small pumpkins or squash and cut off the top. Using a melon baller, hollow out a few inches and place a tea light in the opening,” said Harris. “This is a beautiful handmade way to create a festive space and make your guests feel at home.”

Or hollow out several apples and place tea lights inside to make them into votive candles.