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ToggleMix Rustic and Refined Elements
We love mixing high and low and this lovely tablescape—courtesy the Tennessee resort and lifestyle brand Blackberry Farm—proves it. In your own tablescape, try juxtaposing a rustic tablecloth (in a textured linen or burlap) with your fancy china, gourds and pomegranates, and a fiery flower arrangement.
Oversize Pumpkins
’Tis the season for abundance…and nothing says abundance like jumbo pumpkins. These gorgeous gourds, when perched across these gorgeous urns, serve as seasonal sentinels to this classy entryway idea.
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Have Fun With Funghi
Skip the turkeys and pumpkins in favor of this year’s hottest new Thanksgiving mascot: mushrooms! Martin Cooper, cofounder of the Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co., incorporated whimsical name cards from his brand in his Thanksgiving tablescape, alongside rich gold candle hurricanes, a printed tablecloth, and Greek urns filled with dried hydrangeas.
Work with Jewel Tones
Gold and emeralds and rubies aren’t just for your jewelry—they make the richest fodder for Thanksgiving decorating inspo. Look no further than this spread from Joss & Main. Gold-painted pumpkins, clusters of grapes, and delicate glassware gleam like treasure spilling from a chest.
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Ample Mantel
Who ever said that mantels were just for stockings? We love this elegant scheme from Joss & Mayne, where candelabras, vessels, pumpkins, and autumn leaves create the most stylish autumnal tableau. (Oh—because we knew you’d ask—you can shop that scalloped mirror here.)
The Traditional Treatment
Want to talk turkey? Good, because this tablescape—courtesy Williams Sonoma— says a lot about the potential of that traditional Thanksgiving motif. Here, plates and chargers tricked out with the birds sit below miniature ceramic Toms. The looks all grounded by a brown floral tablecloth and lifted with a gorgeous bouquet, vertiginous tapers, and ruby glasses of wine. Even tryptophan won’t cause us to sleep on these decorating ideas.
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Embrace Browns
Sure, you’ll see tons of reds and oranges this time of year, but why not embrace those shades’ neutral counterpart, brown? We’ve been seeing the shade all over this past year, and we love how designer Shea McGee brought this trendy hue into her fall table this year. To keep things from looking muddy, make sure to bring in warm, luxe elements like the gold flatware and candleholders.
Pile Pumpkins
Pumpkins may be the go-to decorative item for Halloween, but they can carry over into the Thanksgiving season quite elegantly, if you pull it off correctly. Here, piles of multicolored gourds flank this stately entry. Bonus points for the chic topiaries!
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Layer Your Linens
Silverware, candles, and a chic set of dinner plates are important to any Thanksgiving decor scheme, of course, but so are linens. “I love setting the table in anticipation of gathering with friends and family,” says Stephanie Housley, founder of textile brand Coral & Tusk. Her secret weapon? The brand’s new Autumn Blossoms line, which brings all the fall vibes to any place setting.
Make a Statement
When it comes to setting a table or decorating a mantel, there’s always room for one (or two or three) centerpieces that really stand out. “Think of it as a work of art,” says Amy Burstyn Fritz, cofounder of tableware brand Misette. “If you’re not into florals, a statement candle or object works just as well.” Here, subtle symbols of abundance, like the fruit-printed plates (with napkins and placemats to match!), vegetable-themed candles, and a tower of treats.
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Take It to the Porch
Most Thanksgivings are spent inside, but if you live somewhere where the weather allows, turkey time on the porch makes for a beautiful holiday celebration. “We’re casual and like a more intimate approach to entertaining friends and family,” says Gray Walker, principal of Gray Walker Interiors. “Our outdoor setting has provided this to us.”
Try Earth Tones
Is Thanksgiving the time to bust out the Brat green napkins and pink dinner plates? Probably not. Instead, interior designer Emma Caroline Lee of Huff Harrington Design suggests going for a more subdued color scheme. “This tablescape highlights two of our favorite colors for fall: rich mossy green and earthy brown,” she says.
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Bring in a Neutral Base
Adding color to your Thanksgiving decor scheme is always a good idea—greens, reds, browns, and oranges are often favorites. The perfect backdrop? A white tablecloth. “It can make a tablescape formal or informal with a switch of a color, adding texture and interest,” says Monelle Totah, cofounder of home decor store Hudson Grace.
Keep Your Linens Sharp
A crisp white linen never goes out of style. Rezi Fradkin, founder of textile brand Arilloom, recommends a classic option like the store’s Desiree, which features a stately center stitch. “It’s a classic style, featuring crisp, clean, off-white linen, meticulously hand-embroidered with flax yarn,” she says.
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Ditch the Kitsch
Giant porcelain turkeys and cornucopias can be chic in certain settings, but often they feel a bit too on the nose. “I love to layer the tables, with heavy floral and non-holiday-specific tableware,” says Alexandra Kaehler, principal of Alexandra Kaehler Design. “It can feel festive in small touches and still feel appropriate for the holiday.”
Don’t Forget Breakfast
Thanksgiving is all about the big turkey dinner, of course, but that doesn’t have to be the only meal on the menu. A chic breakfast—paired with elevated decor of course—can also make an impression. “Setting an autumnal table filled with fresh pastries, the smell of a quiche wafting from the oven, and crisp mimosas ready to serve…a beautiful table laid for breakfast is sure to delight whoever has a seat at that table,” says Olivia Massie, founder and creative director of textile brand Maison Venu.
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Weave in Wreaths
Wreaths aren’t just for hanging on your door. A savvy host can integrate them into a tablescape, too, making for truly unforgettable turkey time. “We like to use smaller green wreaths that stack beautifully as chargers,” says Laura Lubin, principal at Ellerslie Interiors. “We also love to bring in fresh produce as place-card holders!”
Mix Materials
A neutral scheme can be beautiful, yes, but adding visual interest by mixing materials can take it to the next level. “Natural textures such as wood, wicker, and ceramics create a warm and inviting tablescape,” says Virginia Lukens, founder of lifestyle brand Bradley Cottage. “Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taking a seat with your family should evoke a sense of calmness.”
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Get Your Greens
We love how this floral tablecloth pairs with poppy green plates and candlesticks to create a fresh, nature-inspired aesthetic. Add a few colorful blooms to recreate this styled-by-Aerin look at home.
Pair Whites, Golds, and Florals
You can’t go wrong with a neutral color palette. This one, crafted by design firm Studio McGee, pairs chic gold flatware with black plates, a white floral tablecloth, and plenty of floral centerpieces. Don’t forget the pecan pie!
Anna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ElleDecor.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the world’s most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best to gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, she’s spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.
Helena Madden is ELLE DECOR’s market editor, and covers all things product and trend, from flatware and furnishings to kitchen and bath. She previously worked as a staff writer at Robb Report, where she covered luxury news with a focus on interior design.
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