SB NOTE: This article first ran in 2014, but the ideas are ones we are using to plan our Thanksgiving table this year, so we wanted to showcase it again! Enjoy!
Thanksgiving is a time to embrace tradition, whether that be slaving over sweet potato casserole before the in-laws arrive, watching football with eggnog in-hand or rising bright and early to make it to the starting line of The Boulevard Bolt. We appreciate tradition, but when it comes to tablescapes, we embrace replacing the cornucopia with more modern interpretations of Thanksgiving décor. Today, we show you some of our favorite fall displays featured on our Pinterest board. Then, we break down each display by item and show you how to shop the look at local boutiques.
1.) Play up neutrals with whites, browns and greens.
Don’t be afraid to break away from traditional oranges and yellows. Focus instead on neutrals, like whites, browns and grays. When placed with wooden accents, these tones are sophisticated, but not fussy.
This centerpiece, all confined to a wooden board, makes an elegant and organic Thanksgiving table display.
Image credit: nousdecor.com
Bring the look outdoors with this Thanksgiving table setting display featuring grey, white and brown. Image credit: thewhitebuffalostylingco.com
This Thanksgiving table setting with pheasant feathers and magnolia can be kept up throughout December — just add some red berries and you’re set! Image credit: homedit.com
Here’ s how to shop the look:
White pumpkins … you know we love them! If you have any left over from Halloween, throw them into the mix. Small ones can be added to a floral centerpiece, space permitting.
Use a wooden bark charger beneath your plates for a natural finish. Wooden Bark Charger, $15.99 at World Market. Image credit: World Market
Instead of using fresh flowers, place dried blue or purple hydrangeas in a clay pot for a look that is romantic, but not dated. From COLOR: Ivory Vogue Bowl, $45; blue hydrangeas, $30 per bundle; cream berries, $12. Image credit: COLOR
Let green be an unexpected addition to your table this year. This translucent green dinnerware, from Corzine & Co., plays well with the printed plate beneath it. From Corzine & Co.: Safari dinner plate by Glen, $55; Colette green salad plate by Juliska, $29; Colette green bowl by Juliska, $26
Place wooden coasters on your table or bar to hold drinks, candles or small serving ware. Teak Wood Coasters, $18 per set at COLOR. Image credit: COLOR
These thick green goblets from AshBlue complement any stain of wood. Fortessa green stemware by Schott Zwiesel, $8 each at AshBlue
Soft floral prints bring a dose of color to the table, while adding twine to your napkins keeps the setting humble. From COLOR: Amelia Blue napkin, $8; Natural tassel napkin ring, $6 with Berry and Thread dinner plate and salad plate by Juliska $40 and $38. Image credit: COLOR
Burlap is another great way to accent a wooden table and white plates. Small burlap votives, $14 each at COLOR. Image credit: COLOR
Colorful glassware is a great addition to a sophisticated place setting. Green glasses, $12 each at Corzine & Co.
SB Tip: If you aren’t lucky enough to have a magnolia tree, Flower Mart sells picks of artificial magnolia leaves that are incredibly convincing for $12.99 per piece. Or clip a few buds off your neighbor’s tree when no one is looking!
2.) Add some purple accents.
When it comes to table décor, a plush burgundy or imperial purple adds depth and richness to any place setting. And remember, with purple, a little goes a long way, so use sparingly!
Inspiration for chic Thanksgiving table settings
Purple napkins and rustic dishware complement the fresh fruits and cheeses. Don’t hesitate to place citrus in your centerpiece: let seasonal foods be an inspiring accessory. Image source: Apartment Therapy
Cabbage and leafy greens make for gorgeous arrangements, but be sure to keep your centerpieces low when dining with guests. Image source: Findinghome.com
Here’s how to shop the look:
These locally made candles add a touch of Southern elegance to your table, and they smell fantastic! Paddywax Candles, $20 from Corzine & Co.
Italians know a thing or two about the art of fine dining. These gorgeous white pieces from the Italian brand Vietri look stunning against all of your favorite fall fruits and veggies. From Obelisk: Scallop condiment bowl, $28; Incanto stripe extra-small serving bowl, $56; Incanto assorted canapé plates, $29 each
Cotton towels can be used as napkins alongside rustic, white tableware. Turkish T basic cotton hand towels, $19 each at AshBlue
We love the look of cabbage as a centerpiece, but succulents have a similar effect if you don’t want to use leafy greens. Assorted succulents, $4.99 to $12.99 at Flower Mart
Trust us, your gravy will taste better when poured from this charming dish! Sobre sauceboat available for $208 at Obelisk
When paired with golden flatware and fine china, purple napkins create a formal place setting. From Corzine & Co.: Woodland dinner plate by Spode, $46.25; Acanthus salad plate by Juliska, $38; Sybaratic dusk napkin, $120 for a set of 4; Deborah Rhodes gold pumpkin napkin ring, $20; black walnut charger by Andrew Pearce, $65; Bistro Gold 5-piece place setting, $138
Patterned plates can add texture and color to an otherwise simple arrangement. From Corzine & Co.: Purple Peacock glass plate by Vietri, $35; Sybaratic Tashkent dusk napkin, $120 for a set of 4; Bistro gold fork by Juliska, $88 for two-piece set
Metallic votives enrich the ambiance and provide an eclectic flair. Star votive holders, $8 each at Obelisk
3.) Add wool, plaid blankets for a cozy table.
Replace your traditional white tablecloth with a wool, plaid blanket (or herringbone throw if you can’t find a plaid one) for a surprisingly elegant table topper. Add a few rustic accents, like acorns or pine cones, to your place settings, and you’ll complete a look that’s cozy, yet polished!
Again, the use of gray and white pumpkins and tree bark accents makes for a beautiful setting. Image source: Holly Mathis Interiors
The plaid wool blanket, adorned with white accessories, rosemary and twigs, makes for an inviting table. Notice the bench lined with sheepskin and pillows — super cozy! Image credit: cityfarmhouse.com
Here, the yellow and brown blanket mimics the fall landscape. The addition of acorns to the candle brings the outdoors to the forefront of the table setting. Image credit: sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com
Here’s how to shop the look:
Use twigs and acorns to ensconce your votives and centerpieces. Natural twig votives, $12 for small and $28 for large at COLOR. Image credit: COLOR
Make a cozy tablecloth by using wool blankets instead of traditional linens. Plaid wool blankets by Bronte by Moon, $148 at KORE + Nashville
These gorgeous herringbone throws are a great alternative to wool blankets. Organic herringbone throw in honey and gray, $69 at Obelisk
Hammered glassware brings an artisan edge to your table. From COLOR: Artisan hammered-glass decanter, $62; and textured wine glasses, $12.50 each. Image credit: COLOR
Yellow is, by our standards, an underused color for Thanksgiving table décor. It accents deep woods perfectly. From Corzine & Co., Pont aux choux gien yellow dessert plate, $40; Acanthus white dinner plate by Juliska, $40; black walnut charger by Andrew Pearce, $65
These decorative plates are simply irresistible. From Corzine & Co.: Les Perroquets yellow fine china by Alberto Pinto, $278; black walnut charger by Andrew Pearce, $65
For a cohesive look, layer yellow and white plates with brown linens and gold or wooden accessories. From Corzine & Co.: Les Perroquets yellow fine china by Alberto Pinto dessert plate, $244; dinner plate, $278; chocolate napkin with gold leaves by Anali, $36; wood and gold napkin ring by Kim Seybert, $13; black walnut charger by Andrew Pearce, $65
These small wooden votives bring warmth to your table. Lodge vase candles, $9 each at COLOR. Image credit: COLOR
Himalayan Candles are available at Gus Mayer throughout the holiday season. Prices start at $26. Image credit: Himalayan Candles.
4.) Fancy up your flatware.
Add woodland accessories, like herbs, feathers and twine, to your place settings. This simple addition gives even your most basic linens an air of sophistication.
White plates are the ideal canvas for a creative napkin display. Image credit: themotherhuddle.com
Flatware wrapped in a crisp, white napkin and striped ribbon is gorgeous when housed in a vintage box. Image credit: ablissfulnest.com
We can’t seem to get enough plaid this season. Find some plaid tea towels or cloth napkins to replicate this festive look. Image via: beauxrevesamore.blogspot.com
White china and a simple, white bar towel tied with feathers, herbs and twine is simply picturesque. Image credit: findinghomeonline.com
Add a brown velvet ribbon to your flatware for a seasonal touch. Notice that the silver does not match … shabby-chic perfection! Image source: craftytexasgirls.com
Here’s how to shop the look:
Linen hand towels are ideal for a pastoral place setting. Decorate them with ribbon or twine as you see fit. Turkish T basic cotton hand towels from AshBlue, $19 each
We are spotting seasonal plaids all over town, and these are perfect for a Thanksgiving table. Winter plaid napkins, $28 at Corzine & Co.
Lady Amherst pheasant tail feathers by Creatology Feathers, $2.99 per pack at Michaels. Image credit: Michaels
Want more tips for a feast? Check out SB Williamson County’s story today: What Party Planners Want You to Know.
