Guide to Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

Earlier this month, I hosted a “Friendsgiving” and shared a sneak peek of my table setting on our Instagram stories. We received so many questions on the spread that I decided to share my tips and favorite pieces from this year. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to add the finishing touches on your own dining table spread. I’m sharing my step-by-step process and shoppable picks for this year’s Thanksgiving table!

First Layer

The first layer that I suggest incorporating is a tablescape is the table runner. This piece will act as the base for the rest of your setting, so it’s important to consider color and texture. Because our dining room table is black, I wanted a runner that would contrast it and incorporate warm tones. I chose a rust-colored cheesecloth runner to introduce warmth and gauzy texture to the table setting

Second Layer

The second layer to your table setting should be something to ground each seat at the table. This can be a charger or placemat, depending on personal preference (I opted for both this year). This layer will also sit directly on top of your dining table, so it’s important to consider how the color and texture will pair with your table material. This year, I opted for white placemats to contrast our black table. The placemats I selected also pair well with the table runner, incorporating subtle rust tones through tassel details.

Third Layer

With the table runner and placemats in place, it’s time to layer in your dishware. This should include all of your plates, cutlery, and glasses. My dishware is white with subtle gold detailing, which complements the warm tones of the table runner and placemats we selected. I get questions all the time about this dish set. My parents actually handed them down to me last year. They were originally my grandmother’s and my dad ate every holiday meal on them growing up, so they have a special place in my heart. My set is Lenox China with the Wheat pattern but I’ve linked a similar one below.

Fourth Layer

The fourth layer to consider for your tablescape is the napkin that will be placed at each setting. First, you’ll need to choose your placement for the napkins. They can either sit directly on top of your plates or beside them (on top of your placemat). The color and texture of your napkins should contrast your plates or placemats, depending on the placement you choose. It’s also important to consider your table runner when choosing your napkins. They don’t need to match exactly, but they should pair nicely with each other. For example, I selected sienna colored napkins to play off of the rust colored runner.

Fifth Layer

Now that your place settings are complete, it’s time to step back and take a look at your entire tablescape. So far, the layers have spread out horizontally across the table. But it’s finally time to layer in some verticality to your table setting to help carry the eye up. Candles, small vases, and dried botanicals are my favorite way to introduce height to the table setting, and they last much longer than just the one evening. My biggest tip here is to consider the height of your wine glasses, and then choose pieces that are slightly taller so that they stand out. It’s also key to select pieces with a variety of heights to create a staggered effect that will carry the eye throughout the entire table setting. I chose a variety of soft and feathery dried botanicals in warm, neutral tones that I can keep displayed throughout the entire fall season.

Now your dining table is complete and ready for family to gather around and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner! I hope this guide was helpful to selecting the perfect pieces for your table setting.

Bon appetit!

-dgw