How To Set A Casual, But Elegant Thanksgiving Table
Use these table setting tips to set a Thanksgiving table that’s just dressy enough for a special occasion and just casual enough to invite your guests to stay awhile.
We don’t do formal around here, but I do like to dress things up a bit for special meals. I hope that my Thanksgiving table this year reflects the perfect combination of casual, laid back, cozy, welcoming style with a little bit of dressy thrown in. Just enough dressy to make you feel like this is a special meal and we’re so glad that you’ve joined us!
No formal, stuffy centerpieces allowed around here! I simply plopped a faux pumpkin into the middle of a wooden pedestal bowl and tucked in real and faux eucalyptus, faux fall berries from the dollar store and guinea feathers. The resulting look is casual because it’s unstructured and filled with texture.
I added a bit of sparkle and dressiness to the table by scattering mercury glass candle votives around both ends of the table. Twig pumpkins calm the dressiness down though and add some of that all important texture.
I love the look of the candles reflecting in the brown glass jugs.
I kept the colors on the table very muted, so as not to compete with the rest of the fall decor in the dining room. I chose to use white, beige, soft greens and zinc as the main colors.
Each place setting is grounded with a dark brown placemat. Did you notice that every place setting is slightly different? Even though I used the same elements at each setting, each one is styled just a little differently.
All six of the settings include the same linen napkin, silverware, eucalyptus, guinea feather and a zinc name tag all tied together with jute twine. I’ve never tried mixing my place settings up before, but I must admit that I love the look!
The ends of my table are curved, which can make using a tablecloth a bit tricky. To solve the problem, I gathered each end of the runner, tied it with twine and tucked in a few sprigs of eucalyptus and couple of guinea feathers.
This might just be my favorite Thanksgiving tablescape ever!
COULD YOU USE A LITTLE HELP GETTING READY FOR THANKSGIVING IN YOUR HOME?
Sharing at THESE great parties.
Arrrgggghhh! Why did I not read this blog post before my dinner party on Sunday night? I do solemnly swear to keep up to date so I don’t miss another good one!
Your table looks very elegant, welcoming and perfect for the event, I love it and I wish you a happy Thanksgiving.xx
You have used some of my favorite fall elements . . . and they are beautiful for a Thanksgiving table! I have been completely enamored with white pumpkins for the past several years, and the feathers bring such a rich tone to the table. Mercury glass is so classic and looks great at any setting. The brown corked jugs are a bit of a surprise — in a good way! They really add warmth to the white dinnerware and you are so right — they reflect the candlelight beautifully! I’m taking some ideas over to my Thanksgiving table this year!
I absolutely love your table this year! It is simply elegant and yes I love the candle reflections in the brown glass jugs, you have just given me the drive to pull out my brown glass !!!
Great tablescape. I especially love the feathers. Who knew Amazon sells feathers!!! Will have to order these as they add such a nice organic touch. I am also excited to find the seeded eucalyptus last night at Trader Joes for $2.99. SCORE! So may wonderful ideas here and everything works with my china pattern. Thank you!
I love your centerpiece! I have many collected brown bottles and love the idea of using them! Thanks for the inspiration! My first comment on a blog ever! Had to let you know I’m inspired by you!
I love your amber bottles!
Love it! So relaxing…..could sit there chatting for a long time after a great meal. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. We are spending some quality time with family. May God bless
Thank you for sharing all your wonderful decorating ideas with us…I always look forward to your emails. Beautiful Thanksgiving table.
Lovely! Happy Thanksgiving!
Beautiful table!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!
Super pretty and fun to look at all your pictures! Happy Thanksgiving to you.
I think your centerpiece is one of my faves that I have seen this season! LOVE the amber bottles… Haven’t seen anyone use anything similar! Just lovely!
Your Thanksgiving table is lovely! I love the casual and very inviting feel of it!
Your Thanksgiving table is perfect! I love the brown glass jugs.
What a beautiful table!
Love it! Suzy, you are so talented! Love reading your posts. So creative !!
I love all the great texture and natural elements. Looks beautiful.
Absolutely gorgeous table decor and placecards