It’s that time of the year when we start planning for your big Thanksgiving Day dinner (or lunch).  If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving meal for your friends and family, you’re probably searching for some fantastic ways to present your table and food to your guests.  Why not up the ante on your tablescape this year!

I have searched the web, Pinterest and Instagram to curate some inspiring Thanksgiving tablescapes to help you with the task of creating an amazingly beautiful and festive tablescape. 

I hope these inspiring photos (along with some tips) will assist you with tablescape theme and help you create a Thanksgiving table that is sure to please even the most discerning guest.

Tip #1 – Determine the Location of Your Gathering

Do you have the option for an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner?  If so, you may want to go with an outdoor tablescape like Maison de Pax.  Her dining table is simple, yet so stunning for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner. 

If you live in a colder climate, you’ll probably choose an indoor location for your gathering or a combination of indoor and outdoor depending on your start time.  For example, you could serve appetizers on a deck or patio with heat lamps, and then move indoors for your actual dinner.  If you prefer coolers evenings, you could always opt for dessert and coffee (or hot apple cider) outdoors.

Tip #2: Expand Your Dining Table

If you plan to have a large gathering, make sure you extend your dining room table (if possible).  If you’re unable to expand your dining table, identify additional seating for guests.  Try using another table in your home (perhaps your eat-in kitchen table) or smaller tables that you can join together.  If possible, ensure that all guests can at least eat in the same room.

The DIY Mommy has a table setting for 12 people with this long wooden table. She can also use her sideboard (or buffet) to serve food so there’s room on the table for the guests. To comfortably seat 10-12 people, your table size should be around 10 feet long.

Tip #3:  Choose Your Décor Style or Theme

If you prefer a modern farmhouse look, check out City Farmhouse’s simple, yet fun tablescape.  The use of all white place setting, really give this tablescape a clean look.  A simple plant used as a centerpiece really says farmhouse along with the brass candlesticks.

If you prefer a more rustic farmhouse look, I implore you to head on over to Holly Madison Interiors and check out her more traditional tablescape.   The use of fall leaves, wood elements and fabric textures really give this space a warm, earthy feel.  The large pumpkin as a centerpiece really makes a statement and allows for the conversation and food to flow easily.

If you want to use food to create a table fit for a king, look no further than Design Indulgences’ amazing pumpkin and cabbage inspired tablescape.  She so artfully mixed in assorted greenery to give the centerpiece more depth and texture.  I love the deep muted tones of the green and purple in the cabbage.  It’s not your traditional Thanksgiving tablescape; however it is sure to make a statement with your family and guests.

Tip #4: Festive Centerpiece

Determine what type of centerpiece you would like to display.  I recommend you first start off with a tablecloth or runner.  Once you have determined which covering you want to go with, determine if you want fresh flowers, pumpkins, candles, lanterns or other festive items at the center of your table.  Whatever you choose, make sure the centerpiece does not block your guests’ ability to converse with the person directly across from you.  So, stick with items that are low enough to facilitate stimulating conversation and allow you to serve food. lorals and

Check out the fresh florals and lanterns used by Sanctuary Home Décor for her rustic outdoor Thanksgiving tablescape.  The candles create such an intimate and warm setting for a late evening dinner.

Or if you like a mix of colorful florals and food, check out 1111 Light Lane’s perfect tablescape.  She chose a table runner to highlight the fantastic florals and fruit perfectly.  The color really stand out against her very neutral, light table.  This tablescape is sure to impress your guests.

Tip #5:  Go For the Layered Look

Depending of which style you choose, adding layers such as a placemats, wooden boards, chargers or varying plate sizes, can really create a polished look for your tablescape.  For example, Rooms for Rent used a couple of plates and a charger to create a very elegant place setting.  This type of layering is excellent for a more formal dinner with many courses.

On the other hand, Dear Lillie Studio layered her table with a wide runner, two plates, a wooden cutting board, a tea towel and a ramekin.  This place setting creates so much visual interest!  You could always hide a little surprise inside the ramekin for your guests!

A great way to layer your place setting is to use an accent plate in a different color. This adds dimension to your tablescape and creates a more sophisticated look. Fashionable Hostess does an amazing job creating such a beautifully styled, monochromatic look for her table.

Tip #6:  Personalize Your Table

How doesn’t like a personalize table?  Your guests will be impressed when they arrive to see a table that clearly welcomes them to your table.  The two inspiring tablescapes below nailed the personalized look.

The Turquoise Home uses a wreath with a number to personalize her eclectic, casual table.  When guests arrive, you allow them to choose a seat number.  You could also find wine rings with numbers for your guests to coordinate with their sitting location.  This tablescape would be perfect for a Friendsgiving dinner.  If you decide to give out gifts to your guests, gift tags with the seat number would be the perfect pairing with the seats and wine rings.

For a mix of a layered look along with a personalize touch, check out The Sunny Side Up’s Thanksgiving tablescape.  This has to be one of my favorite casual looks for Thanksgiving.  If you like to keep you table setting out throughout the year, this one allows you to add a few touches such as the pumpkins and the personalized name plates.  For the personalization, you can use place cards with a holder, engraved copper cups or personalized cloth napkins to name a few.

Good luck with your gathering!  I hope that you have been inspired by the tablescapes I have curated as well as the tips on how you can create the perfect tablescape for your Thanksgiving dinner!