I don’t really remember going to a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner party where there were elaborately decorated tablescapes, with a cornucopia of fruit or bread or mini pumpkins, or a long centerpiece full of pumpkins in varying sizes, or personalized nameplates in the shape of fall leaves.
Source: Bella Gray Designs 
Source: Simply Clarke 
Source: Home is Where the Boat is
The tables I’ve eaten at were too full of plates full of ham and turkey and dressing, and bowls filled with sweet potato casserole, green beans, and all the other typical Thanksgiving day fixings.
The past few Thanksgivings, my husband and I have spent either out of town or eating at our local Shoney’s buffet. This year, we will celebrate Thanksgiving at the RT Lodge in Maryville, Tenn.
We’ve never been to the RT Lodge, and I’m so ready for this mini vacation. They are serving Thanksgiving dinner to their guests, and I’m excited to see not only what they serve but how they decorate the tables. {I’m going to say that it will be far fancier than last year’s dinner at Shoney’s.}
I enjoy decorating for the holidays, but since it’s just me and my husband at home, I never get out the fine china or decorative dinner plates. {We don’t do a lot of entertaining at our house.} Also, we don’t have a traditional dinner table. We swapped it out for a rustic bar table several years ago, and it technically only seats two people.
Source: Pinterest 
Source: Etsy – Bloom Designs Online
But my lack of a traditional table doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about styling a beautiful tablescape for Thanksgiving. With Thanksgiving just a week away, I wanted to share some Thanksgiving tablescapes in hopes that it might inspire you to add a little flair to your dinner table this year.
Neutral Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Neutral tablescapes can be just as beautiful as colorful tablescapes. Here are a few of my favorite neutral Thanksgiving tablescapes. And I love just a few pops of color on a neutral setting.
Keep children’s tables simple and fun, like the one shown below. For children, having a neutral, minimalistic tablescape may keep them from knocking over the decorations. Keep them occupied with a placemat that they can color.
Colorful Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Pops of color here and there on your tablescape will draw your guest’s eyes to something other than the delicious food. Here are a few of my favorite colorful Thanksgiving tablescapes.
Helpful Tips for Creating A Beautiful Tablescape
Take it from Joanna Gaines… having a beautifully set table will help to welcome the season of entertaining. Joanna suggests layering contrasting looks for an interesting overall aesthetic {i.e., mixing modern plates with antique flatware and vintage-inspired glassware}.
To create a tablescape like Joanna, try these tips:
- Start with a linen table runner {or butcher paper for quick and easy clean-up}.
- Pair with candlesticks in varying heights.
- Run garland {like the faux olive garland seen below} through the candlesticks.
- Use some fresh greenery.
- Keep centerpieces low so your guests can easily see everyone.
There are two things that I think truly welcome the season of entertaining: good food and a set dining table. I really believe the table should be a reflection of the celebration, and I love dressing up my Thanksgiving table with pieces both old and new. I typically like to start with a minimal table and incorporate a lot of texture on top—usually in the form of a runner, napkins and the centerpiece.
Joanna Gaines, Magnolia
Thanksgiving tablescapes can be stunning in either muted neutral tones or colorful jewel tones. And whether your tablescape is elaborate or simple {minimal}, your family and friends will appreciate the effort you put into making sure that this year’s Thanksgiving get-together will be full of love, delicious dishes, and wonderful memories.
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
{Feature Image borrowed from Happily Ever After Etc.}
