Beautiful Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving and Fall Table Setting Ideas

Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year?  Whether you’re planning a casual family gathering, an intimate dinner, or a full-on feast, today I’m sharing a collection of beautiful and inspiring fall and Thanksgiving table decor ideas for 2024, with table setting inspiration, tablescapes, centerpiece ideas, and more to help you create a festive and memorable autumn celebration. 

Entertaining can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, so I like to plan and decorate my Thanksgiving dinner table the day before, or even a few days before Thanksgiving Day.  

This makes Thanksgiving a lot less stressful, allowing me to relax and enjoy myself.  For more hosting tips and ideas, you might be interested in my post on how to host a casual dinner party.

How to Set a Thanksgiving Table

If you’d like to know how to set a Thanksgiving table, here’s a helpful graphic showing where to place your utensils, glasses, plates, and napkin.

via Serena & Lily

Once you have the table set and are ready to decorate your Thanksgiving table, go foraging around your house and yard, gathering candles and candlesticks, fresh or faux branches, greenery, small pumpkins, pinecones, and vegetables and fruits (artichokes, apples, pears, and oranges are especially beautiful on a fall table).

Let these beautiful Thanksgiving table ideas inspire you, then get creative and have fun! 

Thanksgiving is a celebration after all, and celebrations are meant to be enjoyed by everyone — even the hostess!

Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescapes, Centerpieces, and Table Setting Ideas

Many of the table settings and tablescapes I’m sharing below would be perfect for a Christmas themed table as well (minus the pumpkins), which means you might be able to keep the same table decor in place all the way through the holiday season! 

If you’d like more ideas for holiday tables, you might also enjoy my post, Beautiful Christmas Tablescapes and Table Setting Ideas.

1.  Incorporate traditional fall colors

Bring an autumn color scheme to the table via fall leaves, pumpkins, and the warm glow of candles.  Gold flatware is the perfect addition to a fall table.

I absolutely love the gold, green and white color palette in the beautiful Thanksgiving table idea below, from the immensely talented Home with Holly J.

2.  Highlight nature’s bounty

A long garland decorated with pine cones and faux berries creates the perfect runner and centerpiece for this stunning Thanksgiving table from Inspired by Charm, via The Pioneer Woman.

3.  Make flowers the star of the show

Using a fall themed floral centerpiece is one of the easiest, and most striking, ways to decorate a Thanksgiving table. 

This lovely fall table is simple yet striking, with its beautiful floral centerpiece in warm autumn colors.  From Studio McGee.

Here’s a closer view.  I love the chain link napkins rings!  

Studio McGee

4.  Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh green pears and greenery, mixed with shimmering candle light, create a simple yet stunning fall table idea. From Dear Lillie.

Fresh artichokes, pomegranates, and kumquats bring a colorful and seasonal look to this beautiful holiday tablescape from Taryn Whiteaker.

5.  Add a touch of warmth to your Thanksgiving table

Focusing on the traditional warm colors of the season is a beautiful way to create a memorable Thanksgiving table.  From Maison de Pax.

6.  Bring in the beauty of blue

I know many of you are fellow blue lovers, so I wanted to share this elegant Thanksgiving themed table incorporating blue and white chinoiserie vases along with soft green and blush tones.  So lovely! From Randi Garrett Design.

7. Start with a monochromatic color palette

I love this elegant all-white fall and Thanksgiving centerpiece from Loi at Tone on Tone Design.  After seeing this creative Thanksgiving table idea a few years ago, I immediately went on the hunt for antlers and tried to recreate the look in my own Thanksgiving tablescape!

8.  Add a touch of shine

Shimmering pumpkins add a glamorous touch to this beautiful fall table.

I love this simple Thanksgiving table idea, decorated with heirloom pumpkins, fresh greenery, and copper accents.  From Rooms for Rent.

9.  Try a winding table centerpiece

This lovely fall table idea is one of my favorites.  Beautiful fall leaves, twigs, moss, fruits and vegetables create a stunning long centerpiece.  From Once Wed.

10.  Add the magic of candlelight

At first glance, this beautiful fall tablescape looks anything but simple, but many elements here could easily be incorporated into a Thanksgiving table of any size. 

Golden candlesticks, fresh fruit and flowers, and beautiful blue-green accents create a stunning scene in this beautiful fall table decor idea. If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm location, why not host Thanksgiving outdoors? From Lambert Floral Studio.  

11.  Keep your table decor natural

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving table decor that will take you straight through Christmas, this beautiful fall table idea will do just that.

I love the rustic wood chargers paired with classy silver candlesticks and beautiful evergreen garlands.  From Pinterest (please advise if you know the source).

12.  Make your appetizers the star of the table

Charm your guests and adorn your table with one of these amazing turkey-themed Thanksgiving appetizer trays.  First, here’s an adorable turkey veggie tray and recipe from Lil Luna:

And second, here’s a fabulous Thanksgiving meat and cheese platter and charcuterie board featuring a pear-bodied turkey, from Home is Where the Boat Is.

13.  Focus on a fresh flower centerpiece

You can never go wrong with a centerpiece made with beautiful fresh flowers and greenery, paired with rustic wood boards.  I love the simple place setting idea as well.  From the Glitter Guide.

14.  Incorporate a thoughtful gift for your guests

Although this tablescape could be for any occasion, I wanted to share it with you as a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving table idea because I love the idea of giving your guests a gift — here in the form of homemade pickles. 

I also love how the greenery winds its way through the white candles.  So simple, but so elegant!  From Alt Summit.

15.  Make it modern

There’s so much to love about this beautiful fall table setting idea, from the eucalyptus, to the natural table runner, to the grey linen napkins, to the simple fig and sprig decoration placed on each plate. 

Perfection!  From Sarah Sherman Samuel. 

16.  Highlight different fall textures

I love the idea of using cutting boards and personalized gifts at each place setting. 

Add some fresh greenery, flowers and a few candles as a centerpiece, and you’ve created a gorgeous Thanksgiving table!  From Lauren Saylor of a Fabulous Fete, via Minted.

17.  Get creative with your table decor

Gather–that’s what it’s all about.  A few fresh flowers, a sprig of rosemary, and a feather gathered in twine create a sweet and welcoming Thanksgiving table setting. 

I love the creative idea of using dish towels as napkins.  From Finding Home Farms. 

18.  Create a natural table runner

Fresh eucalyptus, berries and little white pumpkins create a striking, yet simple Thanksgiving centerpiece that can grace your table all month — from Julie Blanner.  Here’s my post on decorating with little white pumpkins.

19.  Keep your Thanksgiving tablescape simple

I love the simplicity of this beautiful Thanksgiving place setting idea from Driven By Décor.

The napkins, tied up with a sweet bouquet, create such a lovely touch!  You can find woven place mats like these at Pottery Barn.

20.  Charm Thanksgiving guests with a flower-filled pumpkin centerpiece

A flower-filled pumpkin, featuring beautiful shades of sage and coral, creates a stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece.  From Maison de Pax.

21.  Keep your table evergreen

Fresh evergreen boughs, candles, pinecones, and vibrant oranges create a colorful and rustic Thanksgiving table centerpiece.  From Yummy Mummy Kitchen. 

22.  Add a thoughtful touch

A loaf of fresh bread at each place setting is a beautiful and thoughtful way to welcome your guests. 

I love the idea of using open books as place mats, too!  From Ella Claire and Co.

23.  Welcome your guests to the table with scented rosemary sprigs

I love these rosemary-embellished place cards — such a beautiful (and amazing-smelling) way to welcome your guests!

This idea would be perfect for a Christmas table, too.  

24.  Embrace a colorful Thanksgiving theme

White pumpkins, filled with creamy tapers and faux flowers, create a lovely fall table decoration.  From Better Homes & Gardens.

25.  Make every Thanksgiving guest feel welcome

I love this Thanksgiving table idea from Lemon Thistle.  We actually recreated this look a few years ago when we celebrated Thanksgiving at our daughter’s house, and it was a bit hit!  It’s such a great way to make every guest feel special.

26.  Create a timeless Thanksgiving or Christmas tablescape

Glittering candles and greenery:  what could be easier or more lovely for a Thanksgiving tablescape?  From Manor Designs. 

Here’s another view of this fabulous holiday table idea from Manor Designs. 

 

27. A simple yet elegant Thanksgiving table idea

This simple place setting idea incorporating white napkins, twine, and dried eucalyptus sprigs, would work well for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  From Alice and Lois.

28.  A Thanksgiving centerpiece inspired by nature

Festive fall branches, foliage, and tiny white pumpkins create a stunning Friendsgiving centerpiece inspired by nature.  From Manor Designs. 

 

29.  Celebrate autumn’s bounty

I love the addition of vegetables in this gorgeous centerpiece–they’re a beautiful symbol of fall’s bounty! 

From Pinterest — please advise if you know the source.

30.  Charm your guests with simple fall elegance

Encourage your guests to pause and enjoy the bounty of the season with this beautiful fall dining room table and Thanksgiving centerpiece idea featuring pears and glowing candlesticks, created by Lauren at Bless’er House.

I hope you enjoyed this post and found some helpful Thanksgiving table ideas.  Of course, all that really matters is getting together with family and friends to enjoy a meal and give thanks.

Wishing you a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving 2024!  xo Jane

Thanksgiving table decor ideas:

For more entertaining, holiday, table decor, and fall decorating ideas, you might be interested in these posts, too:

30 Beautiful Christmas Table Setting and Centerpiece Ideas
Modern Christmas Decorating Ideas
Beautiful Christmas Wreaths and Garlands You’ll Love
Fall Home Decor Trends & Design Styles You Will Love
The New Studio McGee Target Collection
Natural Fall Wreath Ideas
Simple Fall Decorating Ideas Using White Pumpkins
Beautiful Fall Front Porch Ideas
Modern Fall Decorating Ideas (without a lot of fuss)
Modern Dining Room Ideas for Beautiful Gatherings
Beautiful Breakfast Nook Ideas for Stylish Kitchen Dining
Kitchen Counter Stool and Barstool Ideas
Dreamy Guest Bedroom Ideas