How to Set a Thanksgiving Table

 Thanksgiving, Entertaining, Holidays, How-To
on November 13, 2014

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, chances are your tablescape plans need tending to. In the following tips and inspirations, find the right balance between formal and homey according to your crowd and taste.

The Place Setting

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Illustrated by Katie Eberts

Let’s start with the flat- and glassware. This informal place setting will fulfill most families’ needs and won’t require classes in etiquette. You can naturally swap elements for more appropriate pieces depending on what you’re cooking. For instance, you can place a salad plate off to the left and a coffee cup and saucer to the right according to the informal place setting by Emily Post. If you are going for a buffet setup, ditch the plates and place the napkin in the middle.

 

The Napkins

If you opt not to display your plates at the table or want a different look, place festive napkins between your flatware. Here are just a few ways to dress them up with fall-ish napkin rings and creative folds.

Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Fold

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Smarty Had a Party

 

Rosemary Napkin Rings and Name Tags

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Spoon Fork Bacon

 

Recycled Thanksgiving Napkin Rings

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Alpha Mom

 

Turkey Napkin Fold

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Martha Stewart

 

Gum Drop Napkin Rings

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Oh Happy Day

 

The Centerpiece

Ahh—the final, and most important, piece of the Thanksgiving table puzzle. If you are serving your food family-style, there won’t be much need for decor since the dishes will star, but if you are going the buffet route, you’ll want something pretty to fill the center void. We suggest choosing a design that keeps things below neck-level so your guests can gather, share, give thanks and, most importantly, see the person across the table.

Persimmons Centerpiece

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Santa Barbara Chic

 

Pumpkin Centerpiece

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Interiors by Studio

 

Greenery and Candles

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

The Effortless Chic

 

Pumpkins and Garland

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table | Relish.com

Your Home Based Mom