Decorating Ideas for the Table at Thanksgiving

The turkey, ham and sweet potato pie is the main attraction. But like any delectable main dish, your turkey becomes even better when it's placed on a well-dressed table. Think of Thanksgiving table decorating as an art that you can use to express your style to your family and friends. Start by choosing a theme or color for your Thanksgiving table settings. Carry that theme through with a tablecloth, napkins and napkin rings that complement each other.

Place Settings

Think of place settings as Thanksgiving table decorations that accent the centerpiece, which is the focal point of your holiday celebration. Bring the warmth of fall and family into your Thanksgiving table with natural decorations like pears placed atop amber-colored dishes holding name placards for your guests.

If you have a beautiful wooden table with grain and color that you want to show off, choose a runner in a warm, solid or patterned autumn color instead of a tablecloth. Add dried leaves, mini gourds, acorn squash or small pumpkins at each place setting.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Tips

The most important thing to remember in selecting your centerpiece is to choose one that ties your theme together without crowding your table. Just remember to make sure that you leave plenty of room for all the dishes and fixings.

Keep the height of your centerpiece low enough so that it does not block guests from easily making eye contact with each other. Fill a glass bowl with cranberries and float votive candles among them for an elegant display. Or, pair short pillar candles with dried ears of harvest corn and golden or muted red gerbera daisies.

If your table is smaller, don't overpower it with a huge floral centerpiece. Instead, fill a small square glass vase with dried corn and a short, amber-colored odorless candle.