
Photography by Tim Lenz
When it comes to revamping your home with holiday decor, Thanksgiving isn’t always top of mind. Many will go all out to deck the halls in time for Christmas or add a few cobwebs for Halloween, but a Turkey Day aesthetic can be a bit more nebulous. Porcelain pumpkins have been done before, of course, but there are more creative—and personal—ways to bring a bit of holiday flair to the table. It’s worth going all out, too, as Thanksgiving is a great time to impress family and friends with your home and tablescape. If you're not sure where to start, no worries—here, we’ve polled designers on some of their best Thanksgiving decoration ideas.
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1
Layer Old Favorites
When it comes to Thanksgiving decor, interior designer Michael Cox of Foley & Cox relies on some old favorites, including a vintage brown-and-orange bedcover from Jodhpur, India—here repurposed as a tablecloth—and classic Vista Alegre cabbageware. Sometimes what's old really can be made new again, if paired with the right accessories.
2
Raise the Bar
Thanksgiving decor isn’t just limited to tablescapes—curating a seasonal bar can also make a statement, especially when the drinks are flowing. “I like to do one large floral statement and then layer in seasonal items,” says interior designer Devon Liedtke. Cheers to that!
3
Add a Fruit Bowl
Sometimes, what’s in your garden (or your refrigerator) can make the best centerpiece. Interior designer Jennifer Hunter let a mouthwatering pie and bowls of strawberries and blackberries shine at her home in Houston. Not only does it add a pop of color to the table, but it’s less obvious (and more tasty) than flowers and other blooms.
4
Porcelain Pairings
Thanksgiving is the time to set the table with your best plates and bowls to impress guests. “I love to break out fine porcelain pieces handed down to me from my grandmother and mother,” says interior designer Chad Graci. “I cherish each one and love how they feel with my more modern pieces.”
5
Pick Up Some Produce
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen prepping Thanksgiving dinner, so don’t neglect the space when it comes to decor. Interior designer Maureen Ursino recommends adding a few small elements to really capture the autumnal feel. “I love showcasing festive glassware and having seasonal produce,” she says. “I’m always a fan of simple greenery as well.”
6
Opt for Subtle Accents
Not every Thanksgiving merits a total home makeover. Some, like interior designer Anne Hepfer, might prefer a more understated look. “I like to make small yet impactful updates with color,” she says. “There's such luxury in harvest-inspired hues like cranberry and pumpkin, hunter greens, and earthy browns.”
7
Add a Pop of Pomegranate
Autumnal colors run the gamut from orange to brown, often incorporating deep purples and reds as well. Audrey Margarite and Jennifer Potter of Fete Home recommend mixing a pomegranate hue with more neutral accessories and accents, like the brand's scalloped placemats and block print napkins.
8
Bring the Outdoors In
Sometimes nature is the best source of inspiration. At interior designer Beth Webb’s home on Bray Island in South Carolina, the decor includes twigs, feathers, and other odds and ends found in the surrounding woods.
9
Set with Bamboo
Flowers are a go-to centerpiece, and are a real showstopper in this Thanksgiving tablescape styled by interior designer Paloma Contreras. Pair these blossoms with more organic accents, like an artichoke, or bamboo cutlery and plates from Juliska.
10
Go Al Fresco
Thanksgiving dinners are typically held indoors, but if weather allows, the holiday is a great excuse for an out-of-doors gathering. Designer Kim Seybert styled this table with a classically autumnal color palette, incorporating oranges, browns, and plenty of pumpkins to set the scene.
11
Add a Statement Linen
Gorgeous tableware is important, but a colorful napkin or placemat can just as easily set a scene. Jane Scott Hodges of Leontine Linens layers her Thanksgiving table with a mix of personal talismans and textiles from her brand. Throw in a monogrammed set or two for real flair.
12
Go Big with Florals
Blooms are a timeless centerpiece, and there's no better way to reflect the changing of the seasons than adding a few flowers. For Thanksgiving, interior designer Kristen Rivoli adds some pumpkins to the mix as well, capturing the autumnal feel as soon as one takes a seat at the table.
13
Incorporate Purple Tones
Autumn is a great time to play with neutrals, and a saturated purple can make a soft statement among these brown and beige hues. Interior designer Suzanne Tucker added a mix of violet and clear glassware to her Thanksgiving table for a bit of extra pizazz. "I find the mix of jewel tone colors, multiple textures, and light-reflecting materials create a visual and sensual delight," she says. "Perfect for the holiday season."
14
Go for an Avian Theme
The turkey is the star of the show at many a Thanksgiving, so why not incorporate some aesthetic nods to birds elsewhere in the decor? Gary McBournie channeled that theme in his table, which has a '60s hunting lodge vibe reflected in the feathery placemats and plates with pheasant illustrations. Add some green glassware and napkins to complete the outdoorsy look.
15
Accessorize Your Entrance
A well-appointed front door will give your guests plenty of holiday cheer before they even step inside. Interior designer Alison Giese decked out her stoop with pumpkins of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Since this decorating idea isn’t Thanksgiving-specific, you can enjoy this arrangement all season long.
16
Make Use of Your Mantel
Once the temperature drops, your fireplace will be the most-frequented spot in the entire house. If you want to make your time by the fire extra special, dress up your mantel. Designer Charlotte Moss added a lush garland made with various greens, pine cones, and vibrant oranges. Two gilded candlestick holders punctuate the setup, blurring the line between her seasonal additions and year-round decor.
17
Pumpkin Place Setting
To impress your guests the moment they sit down for dinner, add a decadent treat to each place setting. Here, Charlotte Moss topped each plate with a confectionary pumpkin. Not only will this idea complete your tablescape, it also allows your guests to bring a little Thanksgiving magic home with them.
18
Play Up the Pillows
Want to take the style beyond your dining room table? Pepper a few festive throw pillows throughout your home. “The cut-velvet stripe in off-white and maize yellow mixed with a tape trim adorned with pumpkin-toned feathers screams Thanksgiving to me,” says designer Isabel Ladd. “Sprinkle these around, and add in a gorgeous orange, rust, or brown throw blanket for a cozy and festive look that your family and guests are sure to enjoy.”
19
Combine Contrasting Colors
While red, orange, and yellow tones are synonymous with fall, they can easily veer into ubiquitous territory. If you want to add an unexpected twist to your Thanksgiving setup, juxtapose the warm color palette with cool undertones. John Robshaw used slate accents to give this place setting a modern flair.
20
Keep It Cool
If you want to give the warm tones a rest, take a cue from Lucy Cuneo. The lifestyle blogger used Amanda Lindroth’s collection to offer a breath of fresh air into the traditional Thanksgiving setup. Blooming orange buds round out the look, giving this table a seasonal touch.
21
Homey Happy Hour
For a happy hour that appeals to all the senses, take a cue from Society Social. The design company dressed up a gilded bar cart with a batch of fresh fall leaves, a cozy candle, and a copper colander filled with apples. “Pumpkins are the obvious choice, but I use apples as decor,” founder Roxy Te shares. “I always enjoy having apples on display in our entryway or kitchen.”
22
Understated Elegance
As this setup from Molly Hatch proves, you can create a beautiful Thanksgiving feast without a tablecloth. Here, a wooden dining table is offset by a variety of warm-hued plates, napkins, flatware, and accessories. The result? A tablescape that’s understated yet inviting.
23
Symmetrical Style
When in doubt, style with symmetry. Deborah Shearer of Table +Dine creates an immaculate tablescape with mirror bouquets, place settings, pumpkin-shaped cocottes, and scattered pears. Simply put, it’s a Thanksgiving table that looks good from every vantage point.
24
Rustic Roots
Looking for an unconventional centerpiece? Designer Neelam Gurm traded in the typical bouquet of flowers for batches of wheat. With textured glasses, moody place settings, and pitchers as vases, this setup masters the modern farmhouse look.
25
Mix Candlesticks
Looking for an easy way to incorporate a dose of style into your holiday table? Pair white candles with striking, sculptural holders, as designer Cara Woodhouse has done in this dining room. “The best way to add drama to a traditional holiday table is to layer in candles at different heights and sizes that create depth and interest in an otherwise mundane design,” she says. “The ambience that beautifully placed candles can add to a tablesetting is the difference between an unmemorable meal and an unforgettable gathering.”
26
Warm Lighting
For Danielle Rollins, a combination of fresh flowers and warm lighting are key for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner table. “Entertaining should start the moment your guests walk through the door,” Rollins says. “Small details such as fresh flowers and warm lighting are always inviting.”
27
Fresh Greenery
For Thanksgiving, interior stylist and photographer Alyssa Rosenheck surrounds candles with lush greenery, including fern leaves, seeded eucalyptus, Asian bayberry, jade palm, and Silver Dollar eucalyptus.
28
Candles as Centerpieces
Short on time? An array of golden candlesticks on your Thanksgiving table can light up the entire room in minutes. Gift each guest with a small flower arrangement on their plates to celebrate the season of giving before anyone even picks up a fork. Get full instructions for this project from Camille Styles.
29
Unexpected Touches
Pair something completely unexpected—like a faux-fur table runner—with classic patterned china for a look that combines the best of both worlds, like designer Jen Going did for this Thanksgiving table.
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