THANKSGIVING TABLE DECOR IDEAS & HOLIDAY HOSTING TIPS
If you’re on the docket to host Thanksgiving dinner this year, you’ve come to the right place. And even if you’re not hosting, it doesn’t hurt to collect a few Thanksgiving decor tips and appetizer ideas to use later. We spilled all the (green) beans over on 100 Layer Cake and shared our best decorating, table setting, and hosting tips for an unforgettable Thanksgiving gathering.
The tablescape and ambiance are just as important as the Thanksgiving menu. We suggest creating a welcoming atmosphere by decorating with warm colors and cozy Autumnal accents. Our CMO, Royale Ziegler, styled this Thanksgiving feast and chose to play up her neutral home interior with rustic decorations reminiscent of the season.
She chose to display mini basketweave pumpkins, acorns, and garlands in the living room; as well as more traditional Thanksgiving details like this “Give Thanks” mantel decoration and this corn husk turkey. All you really need are a few Fall-inspired accents to warm up your home so it’s guest-ready. After that, it all comes down to the dining table, and what you have on it.
The most stylish tablescapes are always cohesive in tone and have something eye-catching in the center. This romantic cornucopia is the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece, especially when paired with fresh flowers.
Shawn, from Flower Bar Co, designed this stunning floral centerpiece in an array of soft Autumn hues. She completed the display with a couple of bud arrangements on either side so that guests seated further away could enjoy the decor, as well. You can get a similar effect by scattering small accents like pine cones or dried foliage across the center of the table.
Tapered candlesticks were also used to add a touch of elegance. But don’t get it twisted– Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a downright formal affair. In fact, when done correctly, mixing and matching fine accents with more casual elements can look just as stylish.
For example, we layered these brown gingham paper plates under smaller stoneware dishes at each setting. The paperware not only made a great charger substitute but also cut the post-dinner dishes workload in half. (Something we’re very thankful for around the holidays!)
The plates were set atop a harvest wreath placemat in a complimentary color palette. And each place received a Happy Thanksgiving cup a coordinating paper guest towel, and a cutlery set tied with a pine cone napkin ring.
Now that we’ve got the table covered, it’s time to talk turkey (and mashed potatoes!) So, feast your eyes on this brilliant Thanksgiving dinner idea: The Thanksgiving Leftovers Charcuterie Board. This easy appetizer is full of favorites, from sweet potato casserole to cranberry sauce.
Not only is it perfect for smaller gatherings like Friendsgiving, but it’s also a fresh new way to serve and share leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any, that is).
Start with a large board or platter, and arrange all of your favorite Thanksgiving sides and main courses, working from the inside out. We chose to have the classic turkey and stuffing combo front and center. Then we layered the edges with easy “gobble and go” foods like apple slices and butternut squash crackers.
The best part about this dish is that there are no rules, so feel free to stuff it full of anything and everything. You can even get creative and serve it up in some fun Thanksgiving dishware, like this pumpkin cheese ball cloche set. Just be sure to have some napkins and smaller plates nearby for guests to help themselves!
We hope you’ve gathered a few hosting tips and are just as excited as we are for the holidays! We’re so thankful that we can continue to share our party ideas with you each and every year. For more Thanksgiving inspiration, browse the rest of our selection here. Wishing you a hearty and Happy Thanksgiving! Xx
