Gather 'Round: Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Well, the holidays approacheth, and with them come the opportunity for some fun and frenzied decorating. For me, the Thanksgiving table is a chance to atone for the last nine months of dining in front of the TV; after all, who wants to eat turkey and gravy from a take-out container? And correct me if I'm wrong, but glimmering silverware and fancy centerpieces make stuffing taste even better!

Love, love, love the color palette here. Shades of dusky salmon and antique gold feel polished, romantic, and warm. You certainly don't have to limit this look only to Thanksgiving--frankly it would be gorgeous any day of the year!

An unexpected combination of lavender and grey gets its inspiration from a basket of cabbage roses and soft, silky foliage. The result is a splendid contrast between the sophisticated hues and the wild textures of the floral arrangement. Plus don't you like how they've not used a tablecloth? Why would you when you have a rustic table this gorgeous?!

No flowers, no expensive tableware, just autumn simplicity at its best. Choosing a monochromatic scheme like this makes setting the table a no-brainer, and you don't have to stick with white--midnight blue, charcoal grey, or mocha brown would look wonderful too. Plus the internet is rife with amazingly inexpensive pillar candles, making this a great budget friendly option.

A charming and homey alternative to a more formal setting. This one would be terrific for kids to help with--on Wednesday night while you're prepping the pie fillings ('cause we're all that organized, right?!) assign the little ones the task of making these leaf printed linens. You can keep them out of your hair and have a new family heirloom!

Definitely an example of go big or go home! Believe it or not, you can find tons of silver pieces like this at thrift shops. They don't have to match, but they do have to shine, shine, shine! So head to Goodwill with a forgiving eye, stock up on other peoples' old silver serving dishes, then return home to polish your little heart out. Spectacular!

I'll be ordering my organic turkey soon--so what about the organic sensibility of this stunning arrangement? Wrap a collection of tall bottles in string or brown twine to give them a unified look, then fill them with ferns and dried branches. Twig place cards finish off a look that will have your dinner guests declaring you the next Martha!

I've saved my favorite for last! Stylish shades of black, white and brown come together in a Thanksgiving table that's for the birds---in a good way! Requirements: a quick trip to the craft store for some feathers, a few tiny white gourds, and a faux bois log vase that's sure to see plenty of use even after the holidays. I think we have a winner!

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6. Martha Stewart Living 4. Maura McEvoy 7. Real Simple 8. Domino, November 2009

Comments

[Jaime]

Love the lavender palette one and the row of pillar candles- so classic! Really a great idea for any dining decor :0

[Brandi]

These are all so lovely, though I think the setting from Real Simple is my favorite. I really like homey, simple setting where the focus is more on the food and laughter than anything else.

[robin pulsifer]

ooh, i'm loving that grey and lavender table set up. so inviting! looking forward to pies and squashes and (fake) turkey (vegetarian) but looking forward all the same! great round-up of table-scapes :)

[Kristin @ Contented Me]

Ooh, I am digging that monochromatic palette with the row of pillar candles. So so pretty and simple. I wonder what that wall color is?? I really love that -- and the wreath!

[my favorite and my best]

hard to choose a fave, that black and silver still life look is gorgeous, allbeit a bit ridick in my house. i am going to go with the first one. the gold turkeys are kick ass.

[maria]

Ooooh anne the last is my favorite, I may need to do that, great ideas!

[Michelle]

What a beautiful post! I love all the silver, in fact, a post you made a kajillion years ago had a silver candelabra in it, and I went on an ebay search for one like it, I still am on an ebay search for one! Plus, I am gonna buy all those candles!

[Susan]

the fourth one is my fav :))
have a lovely week, darling!
xoxo

[Cyd]

Loving the shades of purple and the long row of pillar candles - both are so pretty and chic and very festive without being pilgrims and Indians.

[{this is glamorous}]

such wonderful table-top inspiration! especially the second, third, and of course, fourth, which i completely adore and used as well in a recent autumn post:

http://citified.blogspot.com/2009/11/colour-inspiration-gray-yellow.html

hope you had a lovely weekend + happy, happy monday!
xo

[ashley maureen]

aren't these wonderful. i tend to love every one. whether they are warm and bountiful, or inviting but simplistic, they all celebrate the season.

[Chelsea]

love the simple one with the candles. so pretty!!

[Jessica]

The last one is my favorite too. I love Thanksgiving. A big meal, friends & family, and no pressure to buy gifts!

[Rachel (heart of light)]

Ooohhh! I love that long line of thick candles. So simple and lovely (but potentially a fire hazard when trying to pass the mashed potatoes?). Setting the Thanksgiving table is one of my favorite things to do.

[suann / simplesong]

great tablescapes! love all the candles lined up...so simple but makes such a statement. can't believe thanksgiving is just around the corner!

[Down and Out Chic]

that purple table is definitely my favorite, so pretty! i'd love to chow down in any of these spaces.