Set a Beautiful and Simple Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Are you hosting this year? Or do you want to create a beautiful but simple Thanksgiving table for your family? Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be ready to set a beautiful and simple Thanksgiving table!

1) Gather elements

Shop your home and set out possibilities that you can use. I set out my everyday dishes, my grandma’s silverware, this wood bowl and salad tongs that I just found at Target, and this table runner and gorgeous napkins that I bought earlier this fall, also from Target. This gave me a foundation to set the look and begin to set a beautiful Thanksgiving table.

2) Plan the serving pieces

Make a list of what you will be serving for your meal. Get a serving dish out that is suitable for each thing you are serving, and label it with a sticky note. Don’t forget any utensils you might need to serve with! This is a trick that I learned from a friend of mine who is an event planner and an incredible hostess! Do this well ahead of time, in case you need to grab a casserole dish or salad tongs. Do all of your serving pieces go with the look you want to create on your table? If not, you might want to tweak your tablescape or purchase an inexpensive piece or two that will lend to the look, and that you can use in the future.

3) Setting the Table

Begin with the first layer

Lay out your table runner, chargers or placemats, and napkins. Napkins can be configured in a variety of ways-they can be folder to the side of the plate under the silverware, fanned on top of the plate, fanned to the site, the possibilities are endless! Play with the different looks and decide what you like best. I wanted a simple and clean look for my table, and I really like the look of these napkins laid out vertically.

Move on to the dishes

Start with the dinner plates, set them on each charger or placemat. If you will be using salad or appetizer plates, place them on top of the dinner plate.

The plates alone were looking a little plain to me, and I wanted to incorporate the warm wood tone, so I added these thrifted salad bowls.

Accessorize and embellish

Now it’s on to the fun part! Add a centerpiece and/or candles. If you noticed, I took away the vase of stems that I originally had on the table. They were too big and interfered with the view across the table. Your centerpiece should never be obstructing the view of people sitting across the table. Candles are always the perfect touch to any table-be sure you light them because nothing beats the ambiance of candlelight!

Do you see how much life just this eucalyptus garland and little succulents add to the table? Of course, if you’re setting a table that you will actually be eating at, you will want to be practical! But just a little greenery always adds so much to a table! You could have little potted succulents or pumpkins that are a gift to your guests. I will often add a little something to a table that gives it an extra pop, but is a takeaway for guests.

Set the food out

Whether you serve buffet style, or set the food on the table, have it served in pretty dishes. A pie or dessert is always a beautiful finishing touch to any table! Especially when served in this gorgeous cake stand!

That’s all there is to set a beautiful and simple Thanksgiving table!

Come visit me for more DIY and decor inspiration! Faith and Farmhouse -