A well-planned Thanksgiving menu is top-of-mind for holiday hosts. Traditional, family recipes populate courses from aperitifs and appetizers to pies and puddings. To showcase all the drool-worthy dishes set out to enjoy, why not spice up the day with an artfully arranged tablescape? After the all-important flavors, your table arrangement is runner up at bringing on the holiday charm.  

Everyone loves and expects to see autumn favorites like colorful gourds, tiny pumpkins, and dried ears of corn. Don’t set these aside, but consider personal touches that will add flair and elegance to your holiday setting. 

First and foremost, pour yourself a warm cup of liquid momentum and jot down a list of elements that speak to you. It’s your home, your table, and your style that will interest guests most.

Something Old, Something New

Is this your day to bring out your best china used year after year? While reusing your timeless pieces, make room for linen and napkin pairings that add a surprising touch of color to the table. Start with a cohesive color palette that works off your precious plateware. Pops of color look best with an otherwise neutral scene. You might bring in one or two bright jewel tones; think bold reds, bright golds, and vibrant greens. 

Then dress things up with a bit of nature. Olive sprigs, red winter berries, acorns, and pinecones are just a few natural touches that bring visual intrigue to a setting. The same can be said for uniquely shaped gourds, vivid pomegranates, and textural artichokes. 

If you have kids, this is a great time to get their help. Go out to the backyard and scavenge for beautiful elements together. Of course, leaves in all shapes and hues are fun to collect. You can even paint them with clear nail polish or dip them in wax to hold their color. 

If you have small helpers who love to set the table, ask them to place an apple or pear on each napkin. It’s another sweet way to bring the outside world in.  

To balance that bit of wildness, always work in something delicate, like gold-rimmed glasses or candle holders. A touch of luxury can help give the look a spark of magic. 

The Centerpiece Rule

I like to go all out with multiple centerpieces, varying themes by table if your party is particularly large. Antique vases can create warmth and hominess without overwhelming the main course. Try starting with your tallest, largest bouquet in the center. Then set more demure arrangements about a foot away on each side. For ease of conversation, never allow your creations to grow more than the height of your elbow to fingertip. You want your guests to be able to see each other and chat without decor getting in the way.  

Fresh or faux is completely your preference. Some prefer the cleanliness and simplicity of faux florals, while others cherish real blooms for their aromatic nature. One trick is to hang dried flowers when they’re in season and then put them to use at the holidays. Many local shops, farm stands, and florists carry dried flora if you want to get your hands on some. 

Zinnias, asters, goldenrods, calendula, anise hyssop, amaranth, hydrangea, and statice are all late bloomers that hold their textures beautifully and are seasonally tasteful whether faux, homegrown or purchased. If you’re dining elsewhere, don’t forget to send or bring a bright bouquet to your host as a thank you. 

Holiday Cheer Starts Here

Let your style shine as one-of-a-kind. Be it laid-back and lived-in with pantry finds or witty and whimsical with mismatched colorful settings. Maybe it’s more luxe farmhouse with grandma’s vintage green and white landscape platters or the ultimate example of formal entertaining with chic, handwritten place cards. 

Making your table fun and festive sets the mood, starts conversations, and helps guests feel welcome. Your tablescape is literally the center of your party, so don’t hesitate to make it your happy place.