Tablescape Inspiration to Spruce up Your Thanksgiving
For those who are still taken aback by how crazy this year has been, I’m about to remind you once more how fast time flies: It’s NOVEMBER! Aka Thanksgiving month. Aka that short window of time where we decorate the house for Turkey Day while impatiently waiting on Thanksgiving to be over so we can start decorating for Christmas. ;)
Thanksgiving is a pretty big deal in the Novak household. The whole holiday season is actually. I always love the wholesome feeling you get from breaking bread with friends and family. The holidays are such an essential part of establishing traditions, and with two little ones at home, I like to take extra care in setting the mood and decorating the house for the holidays. Reese and Penny get so giddy and excited about the whole process.
My favorite way to celebrate is hosting with a special tablescape. I like to have my table somewhat decorated throughout the month, so when the time comes to set it, it’s already halfway done. So without further ado, here are some tablescape tips for a warm yet simple Thanksgiving table.
P.S. What you’re about to see is a little sneak peek into my newly designed dining room. Stay tuned for a full reveal in the next few weeks!
Tip 1: Show off your sculptural cutting board
photo by kuoh photography interiors
Raise your hand if you too have a serious obsession with unique and artisan-crafted cutting boards. I can’t help it! I have been gifted a few over the years, purchased some myself, and now I have quite a collection, so might as well use them.
They always bring me so much joy, not only to use but also to display. Naturally, for your Thanksgiving table, nothing sets the mood for an elegant and warm gathering like a beautifully arranged serving board. I usually pair it with flowers and candles.
Bonus: You can use it throughout the month, and whenever it’s empty, it’s still a nice piece of decor for your table. Also, for that one person in your life that you still don’t know what to get for Christmas, gift them with a sculptural cutting board. Trust me, they’ll love it!
Tip 2: Dress your table to impress
photo by kuoh photography interiors
It’s so fascinating how a beautifully set table can turn any meal into a special occasion, and what diner is more special than Thanksgiving?
When hosting friends and family, you obviously want everything to look amazing, however, your thanksgiving table will always be the center of attention. You can pick a theme that you want to draw inspiration from, mix colors and textures. It’s all about elevating your table setting while keeping it warm and welcoming.
I personally like to place settings with lots of textures and florals. And no, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get a special arrangement from your florist. You can simply pick them from your yard.
Add in your favorite plates, silverware, and glassware, et voilà!
Tip 3: Branch it out
photo by kuoh photography interiors
Setting up your Thanksgiving table is also about filling the space around you. Think about your centerpiece or floor vases in the corners of your dining room.
We all know how I feel about indoor greenery. They not only give dimension to your space, but they also feel earthy. Think about it, we are in November. It’s fall. We’re celebrating Thanksgiving. What better way to set the mood than placing a few large branches here in there?
My personal preference is pussy willows, as they dry nicely and can last you a whole season. You can also pick any large branches from a tree in your yard. They will give your dining space the same fall harvest look.
Tip 4: Bud vases are a must
photo by kuoh photography interiors
If I had to describe setting up your tablescape for Thanksgiving from a design standpoint, I would say that it’s all about bringing the outside into your home. With the fall season upon us, there are so many beautiful flowers, branches, and even vegetables (did someone say pumpkin?) that will transform the whole mood of your space and give it a harvest feel. So why give it too much thought when you can just bring your outside into your home... literally!
One of my favorite ways to spruce up my decor is using these bud vases. I fill them up with a few branches and colorful flowers I picked from my yard and sprinkle them throughout the table. They also work beautifully combined with candles.
Tip 5: Ready up your serving tray
photo by kuoh photography interiors
Generally speaking, serving trays are an incredibly versatile home decor element. No matter the occasion or the time of year, they are absolute staples to have in your home, especially in your dining space.
Nothing exudes a welcome invitation like a tray with drinks and glasses for them to help themselves. When guests start arriving for Thanksgiving dinner, you know the first thing they will be looking for is to get a drink of some sort, and for that, you must be prepared! (Me Too…)
Tip 6: You can never have too many candles
photo by kuoh photography interiors
I have two words for you: fruits and candles.
Your dining table is always the focal point of your space, especially during the holidays. Incorporating functional, natural, and stylish pieces in your tablescape decor brings a certain freshness and sophistication.
So, go crazy with it! Add as many candles as you wish, and don’t forget about nature's bounty. It offers the best decor.
And that concludes my top 6 tips to spruce up your Thanksgiving tablescape. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Thanksgiving decor Pinterest boards. They are filled with tips, tricks, and unique items that will make all your Turkey Day dreams come true!
As the month of November is coming to an end, and you probably won’t hear from me until December, I would like to take a moment to express how grateful I feel to have you in my life. This blog has been a labor of love from day one. The thought that I can be part of your life in any capacity, even by sharing my passion for interior design, brings me so much joy. For that, I thank you dearly.
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving with your friends and families, near or far. :)
Xoxo,
Susie