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Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time? Or maybe you’re just sick of setting up the same tablescape year after year? Thanksgiving is all about putting on your stretchy pants and enjoying great food with friends and family. Your decor should reflect this laid-back atmosphere and be simple, elegant, and easy. We spoke with New Jersey-based event planner Kayla Chaviano to get the inside scoop on how to create the perfect Thanksgiving table.


1) Incorporate neutrals and embrace the fall colors of amber, sage, burnt orange, and deep reds

Incorporate rich fall colors to your Thanksgiving table

If you like the idea of playing with color, make sure to opt for a neutral tablecloth. Muted colors like whites and creams work great, and allow you to have more fun with the accent pieces on your table. This also eliminates the need to try to match napkins and other decor to the exact shade of red as your tablecloth.


2) Add a personalized touch to place settings

Create personalized place settings to help your guests find their seats

Looking for a unique way to help your guests find their seats? Try this elegant twist on a classic place card. This look can easily be recreated with the help of four inch tiles and a paint pen to write in your guests’ names. The best part? These thoughtful place settings can serve double duty as a memento your friends and family can take with them to remember the day.


3) Have some fun with pumpkins

Add pumpkins to your Thanksgiving table

Pumpkins are the perfect seasonal touch to tie together just about any decorative theme. Whether you choose to add textured, white, glass, or traditional orange pumpkins, these seasonal staples can bring your table anywhere from rustic farmhouse to modern elegance. You can also bring in pumpkins of various sizes to add some dimension to your table.


4) Opt for a kraft table runner that can be tossed

Use a kraft table runner for easy clean up after your Thanksgiving meal

Let’s face it - Thanksgiving is probably one of the messiest holidays of the year. From the kids having too much fun with the gravy to your cousin spilling a glass of red wine, there’s a lot of room for error. Instead of dirtying a cloth tablecloth, opt for a kraft table runner, which can easily be tossed at the end of the meal.


5) Use napkins to add a pop of color

Use napkins to add a pop of color to the Thanksgiving table

Napkins can bring an extra splash of color to your table setting, especially if your chinaware is simple. You can also layer and stack your dishes, alternating between complementary colors and designs. Your napkins can serve as the perfect piece to tie the color scheme together. If you choose to go with white dishes, try opting for a bold napkin to add the perfect pop of color to your place settings.


6) Embrace the great outdoors with an earthy runner

Incorporate seasonal items like pinecones and leaves to dress up your Thanksgiving table

Flowers are a classic, elegant touch for your centerpiece. But for a more organic style, try incorporating seasonal vegetables, pumpkins, pinecones, and greenery to create your Thanksgiving runner. The good news is that this can be totally free with the help of a scavenger hunt at your local park. You can also opt to purchase a bag of leaves, pinecones, or mini pumpkins at a craft store. Small touches like these can make a huge difference, and play into the colors of the season in a unique way.


7) Add candles to bring some height to your tablescape

Use candles to bring some height to the Thanksgiving table

Nothing says cozy quite like candles! In this case, candles can also bring some height and dimension to your tablescape. Try experimenting with different sizes and shapes to create the perfect warm and cozy fall look. If you have little ones at the table, you can also opt for battery operated candles or small twinkle lights to create that cozy atmosphere in a child-friendly way.


Creating your Thanksgiving tablescape should be fun and bring out your family’s unique style and personality. What’s your favorite way to get your dinner table ready for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments! And if you decide to bring any of these unique ideas to life, be sure tag us on social media using #DAInspired.