Last Updated on November 10, 2022
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to give thanks, enjoy the company of family and friends, and feast on delicious food. But before you can sit down to enjoy your turkey dinner, you need to prepare your dining room for the occasion. Simply throwing the turkey in the oven and turning on the Thanksgiving Day Parade can go a long way toward creating a holiday atmosphere, but when it’s time to eat, an undecorated dining room could leave you and your guests feeling like you’re just going through the motions.
With a little bit of planning and effort, you can transform your dining room into a festive and welcoming space for your Thanksgiving celebration. But while there are great resources available for decorating your living room and remodeling your master bath, Thanksgiving-specific dining room decor tips are tough to come by. So here are a few tips that are sure to infuse the Thanksgiving spirit into your holiday.
Decorate Deliberately
The colors and decor you choose for your dining room can set the tone for your entire Thanksgiving celebration. Choose gold, white, and cream colors if you want a more formal dinner. For a cozier, intimate gathering, go for warm shades of orange, red, and yellow.
Don’t get locked in on typical Thanksgiving colors, either. Using shades of green, for example, to complement traditionally autumnal colors is a natural and visually appealing way to round out the oranges and yellows that seem so intrinsic to the holiday.
Make sure your decorations are intentional, no matter what style you choose. Too many clashing colors or busy patterns can make your dining room chaotic. Stick to a few simple, cohesive elements to create a dining room that feels warm and inviting.
Finally, decorate in a way that complements your home style. If your home features colonial home decor, you’ll want to take a different approach than someone hosting Thanksgiving dinner in a contemporary-style home.
Build a Foundation With Tablecloth & Placemats
A tablecloth is the foundation of any great Thanksgiving tablescape. It can anchor your entire design, pull together disparate elements, and add a touch of polish to your decor. When choosing a tablecloth, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your dining room table. Opt for a long banquet-style tablecloth if you have a large rectangular table. For a smaller round or square table, choose a smaller cloth that covers just the center of the table.
Once you’ve chosen your tablecloth, complete your look with matching placemats and napkins. Placemats are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also protect your tabletop from spills and stains. Choose placemats that complement the style of your tablecloth, and don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns.
Make a Statement With Centerpieces
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative with your centerpieces. Fill vases or bowls with seasonal fruits and vegetables, arrange candles and greenery on a tray, or display a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. If you’re hosting a large dinner party, consider using multiple centerpieces along the length of your table. And if you’re working with a smaller space, keep your centerpiece simple and understated. A few strategically placed pumpkins or gourds can make just as much of an impact as an elaborate floral arrangement.
Don’t forget to leave some space on the table for dishes and serving platters. A well-styled Thanksgiving table should feel abundant and inviting, not cramped and cluttered.
Sometimes less is more, and this is doubly true if you’re working with limited space. Going with multiple small centerpieces rather than one large one could make displaying and serving food easier and facilitate conversation by allowing eye contact. Try out different layouts and decide what works best for you and your household.
Pumpkins, Gourds, and so Much More
Pumpkins and gourds are a quintessential part of any Thanksgiving decor. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to create everything from centerpieces to place cards. When selecting pumpkins and gourds for your Thanksgiving table, look for ones that are the right size and shape for your space. Smaller gourds and miniature pumpkins are perfect for tabletop displays, while larger ones can be used to decorate your entryway or fireplace mantel.
Not sure what to do with all those extra pumpkins and gourds? Get creative! Paint, carve, or use them as part of your Thanksgiving tablescape. The possibilities are endless. And if you have leftover seeds from your Halloween pumpkin, you can bake them in the oven and set them out as an appetizer!
Be Thankful for Thoughtful Decor
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends to feast, give thanks, and enjoy each other’s company. Make your Thanksgiving celebration even more special by taking the time to decorate your dining room. With some planning and creative thinking, you can transform your dining room into a warm and inviting space that will make your guests feel right at home.
