20 Ideas for Festive Thanksgiving Table Decorations (2024)

If you think about it, Thanksgiving's appeal has a lot to do with sameness. You know with certainty that your brothers will bicker, Grandma's stuffing will disappear in seconds, and Dad will be the first one to nod off once the tryptophan hits. For better or worse, the holiday is essentially one long string of these constants. However, we'd argue that there's one aspect of Thanksgiving that should be different every year: the table decorations. A big special occasion like this one deserves a fresh tablecloth or new candlesticks. No need to go nuts—switch up one thing and everything around it will feel more exciting by association. What should that one thing be? There are festive setting ideas galore! Read on to find 20 easy ways to upgrade your Thanksgiving table decorations this year.

1. Creative Candlelight

Since candlelight makes everyone look good—and makes it harder to see if you've burned the sweet potatoes—now is the time for all sorts of candelabras or fun-shaped candles. We recommend getting creative with a mix of candle heights or a wild showstopper. Just remember: No scented candles.

2. Cute Cutlery

What better way to dig into the meal than with some great-looking utensils? If you've already got your great-grandmother's silverware to work with, add a few new soup spoons with copper or tortoise accents to change it up.

3. Multiple Condiment Dishes

Even if you didn't make the cranberry sauce or hummus from scratch, don't let those labels ruin the scene—get some assorted little bowls. We love an excuse for more ceramic beauties when setting out dips for pre-dinner appetizers.

4. Decorative Trays

Speaking of snacking: Hors d'oeuvres go here. Arrange your olives, crackers, and crudités on a pretty tray. It'll make you look like the hostess with the mostest and make passing food around much easier.

5. Funky Trivets

All those side dishes are best served hot, so don't ruin your table or burn your tablecloth—get a trivet or a few. Trivets are so simple, and even if they aren't holding the green bean casserole, they'll add some shape and dimension to the Thanksgiving table decor.

6. Distinctive Drink Vessels

A water pitcher helps everyone avoid the dreaded red wine hangover. It's also a nice way to serve any additional beverages like iced tea or cider. Choose your favorite material to complement the tablescape: Ceramic or glass or copper will shine.

7. Chic Cheese Boards

Every party needs a cheese plate. Not only does an assortment of cheeses and fruit distract your guests from a late dinner, it's also a nice way to get creative with food presentation. Cheese plates come in so many shapes, styles, and designs, you're sure to find one that suits the holiday as well as future dinner parties.

8. Cheeky Cheese Knives

See above! Sometimes you don't realize how great a specific tool like a cheese knife can be until you try it. Plus, they tend to be inventive, with kitschy handles galore. Of course, you can stick with something subtle and sleek if you're more into a traditional setting.

9. Delightful Dessert Stands

You slaved over that pumpkin pie for hours. You baked a thousand cookies. Make sure they shine on a fabulous pedestal! When not in use for Thanksgiving treats, they work well as a fruit display or place for your weekly loaf of bread.

10. Assorted Table Textiles

A good way to say, "Hey, this is a special occasion!" is with a nice piece of fabric on the table. Dress up your dinnertime with a linen table runner, a big floral tablecloth, or whatever suits your mood. Just think how much easier cleanup will be…

11. Varied Vases

Fun fact: Low vases don't block conversation. Also, if you don't want to invest in a big bouquet, get a bunch of little bud vases and add a single floral stem for an equally lovely but similarly nonintrusive look.

12. Beautiful Bowls

These are eye-catching year-round, but they lend themselves especially well to the big Thanksgiving meal. Pass the stuffing in the terrazzo-patterned bowl! Pass the cranberry sauce in the melamine cutie! Pass the salad in the wooden wonder!

13. Conversational Coasters

There's nothing worse then finding a bunch of water rings on your coffee and side tables after the guests have gone home. Make sure you stock up on a coaster set or a few. No water rings allowed.

14. Savvy Serving Spoons

Serving one fresh green thing (a.k.a. salad) would probably be a good idea. Entice your brother to have some salad by handing him the very cool set of serving spoons. Grab a few for dishing up gravy, pie, and everything in between, too.

15. Pretty Platters

A pretty plate ups the chances that the Brussels sprouts will get eaten this year. If you've got a large crowd coming to your dinner, make sure you have some big platters to accommodate. Like the trays, they'll come in handy for future gatherings.

16. Punchy Place Card Holders

So no one fights over who gets to sit next to Mom. You can't control a lot during big family gatherings, but you can control who sits next to whom. It's also just a good idea to organize the seating to make sure you've gathered enough chairs.

17. Beautiful Napkins

Say thanks to Mother Nature and set the table with reusable cloth napkins. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but a lovely piece of linen will look so much better than a folded-up paper towel.

18. Nice Napkin Rings

If there's ever a time for napkin rings, it's Thanksgiving. Maybe it seems extraneous, but sometimes little things like this can bring you a lot of joy.

19. Interesting Salt and Pepper Servers

Seasoning your mashed potatoes is way more fun with a fancy salt grater. And if you need to steer the conversation away from the next election—onto some lighter topics—how about some silly, conversational shaker sets?

20. Fine Florals

How pretty would a eucalyptus centerpiece be? Or how about some dried flowers? Pick a favorite color, go to your florist, go for the faux, but whatever you do, make it fun!