Thanksgiving 101: Table Settings
When it comes to a well-rounded event, it’s all about stimulating each of the senses, and for a holiday like Thanksgiving, I think it’s safe to say that flavors and aesthetics are two of the most key elements.
As I’m sure you are all aware by now, I am a shameless tablescape enthusiast. I love how the right table settings, color stories, florals, and detailed small touches can bring a room to life and create a completely different atmosphere than the original venue/space. That being said, it’s important to make sure that the food is the star of the show on the table no matter what and that the decor is complimentary of the feast in front of your guests.
Luckily, when it comes to Thanksgiving specifically, the food is not easy to outshine, so you can have a ton of fun with decor amongst the food. I like to think that Thanksgiving dinner is the blue jeans and white t-shirt of the culinary world: it never goes out of style and goes with everything! I’m talking turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and the works — the classic makings of an all-American Thanksgiving feast are truly something special that can hold their own on a table — but why not have some fun? It’s the holidays after all!
There are so many elements of decor that work perfectly for a Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re looking to go for “classic” or put an elevated twist on holiday decor, there are lots of ways to create a picture-perfect gratitude celebration that your guests will remember for years to come, all while highlighting the meal.
Here are some of my go-to holiday table-setting tips that you can try this Thanksgiving season!
Color Stories
This year, pops of vibrant and saturated colors have been a big trend in styling — so decorating your Thanksgiving tablescape is no exception. Think vibrant cobalt blues or saturated pinks to add that little extra something paired with the neutral aesthetics of a classic, warm Thanksgiving setting.
Not sure you have everything you need to create a cohesive tablescape for Thanksgiving? If you’re in the DMV area, my friends at Table Manners are a go-to source for linens, table runners, napkins, and more.
Floral Arrangements
When it comes to florals, there is no better person to talk to than my friends at Verde flowers. I asked her the million-dollar question, “With food being the focal point of the table, how can you incorporate a beautiful floral arrangement while still letting the food shine?”, and here’s what she had to say.
"Dressing your Thanksgiving table with decor and allowing the food to shine can be tricky. Instead of using a cornucopia of fall flowers, we recommend including a variety of fruit and/or vegetables in various vases accented by various Fall blooms. Including vessels filled with the actual ingredients that are in your stuffing or pie is an amazing way to showcase all the love that went into your meal."
Small Touches
Don’t forget the details! DIY name cards, scented candles at the entrance to your home, or small bites such as cookies or candies are a lovely way to spice up each one of your guests' Thanksgiving dinner experiences.
Savory Appetizers
As for the food, the possibilities are endless. Before you wow your guests with the turkey, it’s always nice to start the feast with a Thanksgiving appetizer that will appease their appetite while you focus on preparing the main event. Martha Stewart has plenty of great appetizers that are delicious and super easy to make. One of my favorites this year is her Ham and Spinach dip — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
Sweet Treats
If you ask me, the holidays aren’t complete without a few festive treats to wrap up the evening! Not only will desserts satisfy the sweet tooths of your guests, they also make for an aesthetically pleasing addition to your table settings. Here are some of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving desserts! Spoiler alert: pumpkin spice is involved.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese
These cookies, courtesy of Gimme Some Oven, are super easy to make and a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Click the link to check out the full recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole Cupcakes
What could be better than a favorite Thanksgiving side dish turned into a cupcake? No frosting is needed for this recipe: it's replaced with mini marshmallows toasted to gooey perfection. Big, messy bites required! Check out Nellie’s Free Range for the full scoop.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake
Two holiday classics combined into one? Perfection. While this one may take a bit more time and dedication than the others, I assure you it’s well worth it! Delish has all the details on this mouth-watering treat here.
With Thanksgiving only one week away, now is the perfect time to decide on what kind of decor you’re going to present to your friends and family and what kind of food to prepare in order to wow your guests and get their mouths watering! Do it for the ‘gram, as the kids say.
Looking for support at your next Holiday event and don’t know where to begin? Call Tracie to book a consultation and let’s talk about how we can elevate your Thanksgiving celebration to new levels!