How To Create A Simple Thanksgiving Table Setting

When we bought this house, one of the things that we were most excited about was having a space big enough to gather with both of our families. I have a passion for hosting, so it only made sense that our home could be a comfortable and welcoming gathering place.

As I’ve hosted our families for many holidays over the years, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that make creating an elegant table setting so simple!

How To Create A Simple Thanksgiving Table Setting

Create A Guest List

This part may seem silly, but you need to know how many place settings you need, if you’ll need any additional seating, etc. Once you have a guest count in mind, it’s smooth sailing!

Set The Stage

Start creating your Thanksgiving table setting by laying down your foundation. The foundation includes your linens, such as tablecloths or runners, centerpieces, and any placemats you’ll be using. It makes it easier to start with these larger anchor pieces and add the smaller ones as you go. It’s important to note that using all of these things is optional. Your table setting should reflect your style, so layer the pieces you see fit and take away as needed.

Add The Dinnerware

Next up, dinnerware! This step is where you’ll start arranging dinnerware onto your chargers or placemats (if you’re using them in your setup). Again, use what suits your family. If you have a lot of small children in your family, you may opt for festive plastic plates. If you have a smaller family to serve, you may have more buffet-style food and want fewer plates on the table. It all comes down to your preference!

I’ve added a dinner plate, salad plate, and a small pumpkin on top for decor. Then, you’ll want to add your silverware. On the left side, place a dinner fork and salad fork; on the right side, place a knife and spoon. At this point, you can add drinkware, but we opted to leave it off the table while empty since we have small children.

The Finishing Touches

The hard part is over! Your finishing touches will vary from family to family and may even vary from year to year. These include things like a butter dish, candles to create ambiance, a cheeseboard, or any smaller finishing decor.

P.S. How To Style Built-In Shelves