How to Create an Elegant Thanksgiving Table Setting
I realized most of us have skipped Thanksgiving and gone straight to Christmas this year. But for the few of us that actually want to decorate for fall and Thanksgiving this year I’ve got a special post for you today. A simple guide for how to create a Thanksgiving table setting. This guide can actually be used for any occasion and I’ll explain how in step 8. Keep reading to find out more:
Creating a table setting requires a few items with other items being completely optional.
Required:
- dinner plate
- silverware
- glassware (at least one)
- napkins
Optional:
- additional silverware (example: salad & dessert forks)
- wine glasses
- table cloth
- salad plate
- charger or placemats
- table accessories (garlands, table runner, candles, candlesticks, table decor)
Now since we are creating an elegant table setting, I recommend having all of the items on the required and optional lists at the ready. I will share where all of my items are from the end of this post. Now let’s get to decorating!
Step 1: Set the scene
Decide if you’re going to use a table cloth, chargers (just a fancy word for extra-large plates you don’t eat on), a runner or placemats, and set these items down first. It is difficult to add these items later. Sometimes I combine both placemats and a tablecloth as seen in my 2018 Thanksgiving tablescape. Nothing wrong with that. Just make sure that if you are going to use a table cloth or cloth anything on the table that it is steamed or ironed! Wrinkles in either one look lazy and unkept.
Step 2: Dinner Plate
White plates are a staple as the rest of the table can be dressed up with different colors and patterns.
Step 3: Salad Plate
This is where I get a pop of color and pattern. These plates were purchased from a second-hand store for $1 apiece. (Check out my guide on the best vintage shops in San Pedro.)
If you have a dish that requires a bowl I suggest you add it to the table.
Step 4: Napkins
I prefer cloth napkins to paper napkins. It is all personal preference. If I were hosting children, I would of course be giving them paper napkins. There are so many different ways to style napkins. I like this look of just folding the napkin into a square and pulling it through a napkin ring. A napkin ring is a lovely little accessory for the table for an extra special touch.
Step 5: Silverware
Now in this step, you have lots of options. You can begin with the important essentials dinner fork, knife, and spoon. Or you can add salad forks, dessert spoons, steak or bread knives (depending on the courses.) Remember that forks always go on the left and knife than spoon on the right. To remember this, just think you want the spoon and knife in your dominant right hand as that’s where things could get messy.
Step 6: Drinkware
I always like to put a wine glass and a beverage or cocktail glass at every place setting. Some guests may come to the table with their own drink already in tow and that’s okay. I myself like to have multiple beverage options at dinner and want my guests to have the same if they so, please. I bought the cocktail glasses from West Elm a few years ago, I believe they still have them. And the wine glasses are from an Irish brand called Cashs. I found this set at the Salvation Army!
Step 7: Decorate
This is the step that can completely change your table from season to season. All you have to do is change the decor. For fall I like to use a leaf garland that I bought from Michaels and mini pumpkins in the center of the table. For Christmas last year I used extra bulbs as decor in the middle of the table. For my last Thanksgiving table setting, I had a plaid runner with pine cones strewn around the table.
There you have it, how to create an elegant Thanksgiving tablescape in just a few easy steps. If you have questions about anything of course please feel free to reach out. You can always follow me on Instagram @Laura_Lily. as well as my account dedicated to all things home decor @LauraLilyHome.
Step 8: Name Cards
Name cards are a little something extra you can do for your guests or if you have people you are trying to avoid sitting next to each other. I created these by cutting a leaf off a garland and writing on it with paintpen or permanent marker.
There you have it. An easy to follow guide for how to create an elegant table setting for Thanksgiving.
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