Tips for Creating an Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape

To me, there is nothing more enjoyable during the holiday season than gathering together to celebrate at a beautifully set table. On thanksgiving, so much of everyone’s energy and planning goes toward the meal itself, but I think that setting a beautiful table makes the meal taste that much better! Below, I’ve put together my top 4 tips for designing elevated holiday table settings that everyone will love, and some examples of decor inspiration for easy but elegant Thanksgiving arrangements using warm, creamy colors and natural fall elements. Enjoy!

Fall decor ideas for Thanksgiving using natural elements like pumpkins, pampas grass, corn and autumn leaves.
Creative fall Thanksgiving display using grey pumpkins, corn and autumn leaves, designed by Eddie Zaratsian
Fall decor ideas for Thanksgiving using natural elements like corn and autumn leaves, designed by Eddie Zaratsian

1. Get Creative With Fall Colors

My biggest piece of advice? Think outside of the box! Your Thanksgiving table doesn't necessarily have to include the most traditional autumnal colors. Nudes, beiges, browns and ivory work beautifully, as do pops of color like a deep orange-red, vibrant yellow or even hues of grey. (Want to get really creative? Check out these fall color palettes using a wedding classic, blush!)

2. Add Warmth With Candle Light

Candles are always an elegant way to elevate your tablescape, especially during the holiday season. My favorites for this time of year are 100% beeswax candles. They burn beautifully, are long lasting, and give off a delicately sweet aroma.

3. Layer Your Look

Layering is key to any tablescape, and using tiered shapes keeps the eye entertained. High and low pieces play off one another and can create more space for decorating when table space is at a premium. An easy way to start is with a high/low vase set that has coordinating containers you can group together.

4. Incorporate Simple Natural Details

Small details make a big difference, and napkin treatments are an easy way to up-level your table for the holidays. Incorporating the simplest natural items can really elevates the entire table’s look - place a small decorative pumpkin, a sprig of dried flowers, or a colorful autumn leaf you’ve collected at each place setting for a detail everyone will love.

Want to see how I created the pieces in these photos?

Check out the tutorials in my Floral Design Video Tutorial Library!

Creative fall Thanksgiving display using white pumpkins, acorns, mushrooms and candlelight, designed by Eddie Zaratsian
Fall pumpkin wreath - decor ideas for Thanksgiving using natural elements, designed by Eddie Zaratsian
Creative fall Thanksgiving display using white pumpkins, acorns and mushrooms, designed by Eddie Zaratsian

*This post contains affiliate links for some items which means we may earn a fee if you make a purchase, but rest assured we only recommend items we love wholeheartedly!


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