40 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas That'll Wow the Whole Family (2024)

FAQs

What is the best table setting for Thanksgiving? ›

Natural Pumpkins and Gourds Tablesetting

A mixture of gourds and mini pumpkins running down the length of your table makes for a charming, autumnal table display. Flank your pumpkins with navy blue plates, linen napkins, and natural wood-accented silverware for a different take on Thanksgiving tablescapes.

Some tips to keep in mind

Keep couples near each other at the same table, but don't seat them right next to each other to encourage them to participate in a bigger conversation. If you have any left-handed guests, try to seat them on a corner to keep them from bumping elbows.

If you have a long rectangular table, create a sprawling centerpiece to fill the space. Fall veggies, fruits, flowers, and foliage are combined to create a twist on a cornucopia. Additional gourds and fruits are spread down the table, making the space feel full and complete.

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

Creative decor ideas include using nature's bounty like mini pumpkins and pinecones, creating a harvest-themed centerpiece with wheat and dried corn, and adding framed Thanksgiving quotes for inspiration.

So if you're looking for a large rectangular table to seat 20, you can start by putting 2 folks on the ends of the table, then count 2 people each 2′ to seat the remaining 18 — or a total table length of 18′ (216″).

A 48″ round folding table paired with four 8-foot serpentines (4-foot inner radius) creates seating for 14.

The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)

A traditional Thanksgiving table setting might start with a tablecloth, a table runner, and cloth napkins finished with napkin rings. It may include a centerpiece of flowers, pumpkins, autumn leaves and/or fruit, votive or taper candles, and formal china, silverware, place cards, and wine and water glasses.

How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

If you want to follow the traditional rules: The host sits at one end of the table, the hostess sits at the other end. If there is a “guest of honor”, and that guest is male, he sits to the immediate right of the hostess. If the guest of honor is female, she sits to the immediate right of the host.

For dinner parties with eight or more guests, seat them at two tables with the host seated at one and the hostess at the other.

The host is seated at the centre of the table and as a general principle, guests radiate out from the centre of the table in order of precedence. (At a private dinner the host would more usually be at the head of the table.) The principal guest is placed on the host's right.

A central pedestal or spider leg is ideal for seating more people using dining table benches as you can use the full length of each side of the table without worrying about the corners. If you have a reclaimed wood dining table, the simple style of the Chelwood Reclaimed Wood Dining Bench is fantastic.