• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Boutique of the Week
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Happy Happy Nester

Weekly Inspiration for Your Nest

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Amazon Store
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
    • Snacks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen Favorites
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Saturday Chitchat
  • Boutique of the Week
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

See What’s Trending…

Cakes

Cookies

Dinners

Wreaths

Drinks

Home › Decor › Decorate a Dining Room Table for Thanksgiving

Decorate a Dining Room Table for Thanksgiving

Decor Decorate Holiday
By Janine Waite · Published on Oct 6, 2021
Affiliate Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links.

Today, I am delighted to show you some helpful tips and tricks on how to Decorate a Dining Room Table for Thanksgiving. These tips will help you create a warm and welcoming table setting.

decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving
Photo: My Photography

Every year, I have always found myself choosing light-colored flowers and simple statements to create a table, until now. I branched out, and I went with dark blooming flowers, stems of greenery, and pops of gold.

If you are here for the first time, welcome!

This week includes a Thanksgiving 3-Day Series with my dear friends. Here is the week’s line-up:

Monday – Thanksgiving DIY

Tuesday – Thanksgiving Recipe

Wednesday – Thanksgiving Table Reveal.

You will see my friend’s projects in the photos and links below.

In the meantime, if you are looking for Thanksgiving inspiration, then here are a few other posts that may interest you.

  • Elegant Thanksgiving Table with Pink Pumpkins
  • Thanksgiving Entertaining Essentials Serveware
  • Create an Inexpensive Thanksgiving Table

Over the weekend, I took a trip to my favorite city, San Francisco. And as I was heading to the flower market, I thought about my Thanksgiving table.

Inspiration

At first, I thought, let’s play it safe and create a simple setting, but the other part of me said no way! I was at war with my mind and my heart. I soon concluded that I would walk into the flower market without an idea and choose whatever flowers catch my eye and make something out of it.

If you can believe it or not, my plan worked.

But for now, let’s dive into the details of what specific items I used to decorate a dining room table for Thanksgiving.


Alright, friends, are you ready to decorate a dining room table for Thanksgiving? Let’s begin.

decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving
Photo: My Photography

*This post contains affiliate links

Decorate a Dining Room Table for Thanksgiving

decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving
Photo: My Photography

Centerpiece

Creating a centerpiece is vital. Whether it’s a basket full of pumpkins or a floral arrangement, go big or go home. So I went big with these flowers from the flower market.

Helpful Hint

Here is a hint that has helped me more than once, make sure you have contrasting colors that work well with one another, whether purple and yellow or green and red.

Flowers

I chose dark-colored flowers for my centerpiece, including purple and green Hydrangeas, purple cabbage, burgundy-colored Astrantia, grass-leaved Scabious, and Brunia berries.

Centerpiece Details

Now at first, this DIY may look simple to put together. But in reality, there are a few steps that need to happen to construct this centerpiece.

Step 1: Choose Your Container.

Step 2: Fill Vase with Water and Flower Preserver

Step 3: Trim Leaves Off

If you would like to know more about how to craft this creation, check out my blog post, Farmhouse Fall Centerpiece DIY, where you will find anything and everything to know about this gorgeous centerpiece!

Onto the next step on how to decorate a dining room table for Thanksgiving!

decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving
Photo: My Photography

Tablecloth

When you are about to decorate a dining room table for Thanksgiving, adding a tablecloth or two will bring the whole table setting together with its elegant touch. Trust me, finding a tablecloth was the first item on my mind when I started to put together this table.

Tablecloth Colors

It’s best to find a color that resonates with your existing decor. As for me, since my floral arrangement was dark-colored and my decor was light-colored, I decided on choosing two neutral-colored tablecloths.

For my linen napkin, I chose dark purple. I chose a dark purple like the flowers from my centerpiece because I wanted one more splash of purple on my table, and besides, the color went well with my white and gold decor.

My Choice of Tablecloth

The main tablecloth covered the whole dining room table while the linen table runner went down the middle.

As I mentioned above, I included linen napkins between the large plate and medium-sized plate to add more pops of purple to my table setting.

Photo: My Photography

Candles

Who doesn’t love a little sparkle during their mealtime? I sure do, and I also love placing candles everywhere because they add a warm vibe to the room.

What to Add

The next thing to add when decorating a table for any holiday is candles! I included votives and candlesticks in glass displays and floral cups.

Where to Add

I placed my candles and votives around the centerpiece and near each seat where friends and family would be seated to enjoy their meals.

My Choice of Candles

Now your candles don’t have to smell like cinnamon or nutmeg, don’t worry about that, but they do have to fit in with your color scheme. Since my dishware, tablecloth, and mini pumpkins are light-colored, almost white, I included simple cream-colored candlesticks, tea lights, and votives.

purple flower arrangement

Colors

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it, color means everything. Choosing the correct color palette that will blend with your decor to create a stunning table setting is necessary.

Combinations

You want to choose a wise color combination before you start to decorate because sometimes what we think is stunning in our heads might not look as pretty in person as we planned.

Some color combos that are helpful for specific Holidays are yellow and purple, green and red, purple and green, orange and brown. There are many other options, but those are some of the prettiest styles that work well together!

My Color Combination

I decided to choose green and purple flowers and greenery because the colors, green and purple, blend very well together. I also chose to place white and gold decor such as candles and dishware because gold and white look beautiful when side by side.

Purple and gold are also opposite on the color wheel, meaning they will most likely complement each other well when placed in the same area.

Helpful Hint

If you want to add drama or more drama to decorate a dining room table for Thanksgiving, can I suggest complementary colors? Such as yellow and purple, green and red, purple and green, orange and brown.

how to decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving

Seasonal Accents

Once you have a centerpiece, tablecloth(s), candles, and your desired color palette, it’s now time for some seasonal accents to add!

Pumpkin Mugs

I came across the cutest pumpkin mugs from Williams and Sonoma on one of my recent shopping outings. They caught my attention as soon as I walked into the store.

This mug is cream-colored in the shape of a pumpkin with a comfortable drinking handle. It is one of a kind and worth it for all of you tea, coffee, and hot chocolate drinkers.

Placemats

It’s always lovely to have placemats under your dishes and utensils when eating a meal. Not only does it add to the beauty of your table, but it also prevents the tablecloth from getting food on it!

I decided to place linen placemats to add to the neutral colors of the existing tablecloths. It’s safe to go neutral with decorations such as placemats and tablecloths because they are just simple additions to the table.

Mini White Pumpkins

Since this table is Thanksgiving styled, it needs some pumpkins. For me, I decided on mini white pumpkins to place on the table. I put one mini pumpkin on each plate around the table to add an adorable look, along with placing them in bunches of 2-3 around the table to add more pumpkin goodness!

Thanksgiving table

I thoroughly enjoyed styling this table for you. I hope your Thanksgiving table will be beautiful and inviting for your family this year.

Check out my friend’s Beautiful Thanksgiving Tables!

My Unique Thanksgiving Table: Blue, White & Straw | To Have + To Host

Here’s how I created this blue and white Thanksgiving table using natural elements like straw pumpkins, dried artichokes, and fresh eucalyptus sprigs for a unique take on this holiday table setting!

Thanksgiving Colors and Table Decor Ideas | My 100 Year Old Home

I set this table and I think it is one of my favorite Thanksgiving table decor ideas. The Thanksgiving colors on my table are just wonderful!

How To Set A Thanksgiving Table Like A Pro | Modern Glam

My friend, Meghan Murray is an event planner and hosts the most fabulous celebrations! Today she is sharing how, with just a few tweaks, you can make your Thanksgiving table look like it’s straight out of a magazine.”


It was lovely hanging out with you today. Enjoy your fall and see you back tomorrow for more fun fall projects!

Cheers,

signature
pin it button
how to decorate a dining room table for thanksgiving pin
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Janine Waite
Follow me
Janine Waite
I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!
Janine Waite
Follow me
Latest posts by Janine Waite (see all)
  • How to Make a Tender Juicy Steak - May 8, 2025
  • My Favorite Flower Crafts - May 3, 2025
  • Easy Corkboard Placemats DIY - May 2, 2025

You May Also Like

  • thanksgiving table setting ideas
    Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas
  • stunning thanksgiving table
    Elegant Thanksgiving Table with Pink Pumpkins
  • how-can-I-decorate-my-table
    Spring Decorating Ideas for Dining Room Table
  • purple flower arrangement
    Farmhouse Fall Centerpiece DIY

Sharing This!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renae

    October 06, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Absolutely stunning!

    Reply
    • happyhappynester

      October 06, 2021 at 9:32 pm

      Ranae,
      Thanks so much!

  2. Ivory

    October 28, 2021 at 10:53 am

    Amazing. I love what you did here. Absolutely gorgeous. If my table looked this fab, I don’t know if I would want my family to mess it up. Thanks for all the tips. Rest assure, I will be using them this year for my table.

    Reply
    • happyhappynester

      November 02, 2021 at 9:45 pm

      Hi Ivory,
      I can’t wait to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. It’s so fun to decorate the table and eat by candlelight! You’ll have to share your table with me!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Janine the Nester

Hello from the Nester

We love everything related to home, so get cozy and stay for a bit. Thanks for visiting our blog. Learn More...

Reader Favorites

The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays.

Italian Cream Cake with a Twist of Pumpkin

French Apple Custard Tart with Puff Pastry

DIY Paper Flowers Tutorial (Tissue Paper)

Upcycling Tin Cans with Scrapbooking Paper

How to Make a Paper Flower Wreath DIY

Popular Categories

  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Dinners
  • Wreaths
  • Organizing

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases, I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my design and customization prices ridiculously low and empower more people worldwide to blog with less worry and less hassle.
Happy Happy Nester is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Thank you! :)
-Happy Happy Nester

Our Guide

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recipes

Appetizers
Breakfast/Brunch
Desserts
Dinners
Drinks

Crafts & Decor

DIY
Gardening
Holiday
Wreaths

About

About The Nester
Contact
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Happy Happy Nester by Janine Waite · Privacy Policy

↑ BACK TO TOP