How to Host the Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner: A Guide to Styling Your Kitchen and Dining Area

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks, and savor a delicious meal. But it's not just about the food; it’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that brings the perfect Thanksgiving experience. 

At HSH Collective, we understand how important a decorated kitchen and dining area can be in making this special holiday one you’ll never forget. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to style and decorate your space for the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner.

Holiday Morning Prep: 

Begin your Thanksgiving morning just like our design assistant, Bridgette - with a delightful apple cider mimosa, rimmed with caramel and a cinnamon and sugar dust. As you sip on this morning cocktail, settle in to watch the Macy's Day Parade, all while preparing for the culinary extravaganza that awaits.

Set a simmer pot, filling the air with a fall fragrant. Want to try Bridgette’s secret simmer? She uses seasoned packets from her hometown's Linvilla Orchards, it's the perfect way to infuse your home with the inviting scents of the season. 

The Perfect Seasonal Tablescape Ideas:

Setting the table is like painting a canvas, with each piece playing a role in the final masterpiece. To create a Thanksgiving tablescape that is as much a feast for the eyes as the dishes are for the palate, you’ll need to add:

• Fall Colors: Start by choosing a warm and inviting color palette with rich autumn, burnt oranges, and warm browns to set the perfect backdrop. Use these colors in your tablecloth, napkins, and placemats.

• Centerpiece: The centerpiece is the heart of your table, and it should be eye-catching with fall foliage, pumpkins, and candles. Place them around a rustic wooden tray filled with gourds, pinecones, and a few pillar candles to bring the spirit of the season to your table. 

Plus, an extra special touch we love, inspired by our founder Jessica: set up a small tabletop tree with delicate paper feathers or tags and a container of pens. This heartwarming tradition invites both young and old, to jot down what they're thankful for and hang it on the tree, adding a touch of personalization for everyone to take part in.

• Elegant Tableware: Earthy-toned plates and gold or copper utensils can add a touch of luxury to your table. Add your seasonal dinnerware or traditional porcelain and flatware that complements the Thanksgiving theme. Some ideas:

• Anthropology Dessert Plate

• Dior Dinner Plate

• William Sonoma Thanksgiving Dinner Plates

• Napkin Rings: Details matter! Set yourself apart with charming table setting ideas like a fall motif wicker or antler-shaped napkin rings. Here are some of our favorites for the season:

• Pottery Barn Wheat Napkin Ring

• William Sonoma Sculptural Pumpkin Napkin Ring

• Anthropologie Antler Napkin Ring

Must-Haves for Setting a Thanksgiving Table

• Luxurious Linens: Opt for natural fabrics like 100% linen or cotton for your tablecloth and napkins. These textiles add a sense of comfort and a touch of sophistication, consider these: 

• Crate and Barrel Walnut Brown Napkins

• West Elm European Linen Napkin Set

• Target Pumpkin Table Runner

• Name Cards: Personalize your dinner with name cards at each place setting. This can be DIY with outdoor leaves or you can use mini pumpkins with guest names written on them for a delightful handcrafted touch.

• Candles: Candles are a must for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Place votive or taper candles in stylish holders along the table. And, of course, remember to add our signature fall-scented candle to set the vibe!

Fall Dishware for Plating Food and Dessert

• Stylish Serveware: Invest in elegant serveware like platters, gravy boats, and serving bowls. These not only make serving food easier but also enhance the overall presentation like:

• Pottery Barn Maple Leaf Appetizer Plates

• Saxs Fifth Ave Forest Walk Sauce Boat

• Anthropologie Mushroom Serving Platter

• Dessert Display: Give your desserts the spotlight they deserve. Set up a separate dessert station with a beautiful cake stand, dessert plates, and a selection of sweet treats. Add depth with the stands offering a selection of classic desserts such as pumpkin pie, apple crisp, and pecan pie- are you drooling yet? I know we are!

Creating a Stylish Bar Station

Now that your table is set to perfection, it's time to turn your attention to the "spice" of the party - the cocktails! We’re sharing ways to help you raise the bar this Thanksgiving. Get ready for your guests to shake, stir, and sip in style. 

Set up an area of the kitchen with an elegant punch bowl or a chic glass canister filled with a premade signature drink to kickstart the evening's festivities. 

Ensure the station is complete with a selection of crystal-clear glasses, fresh garnishes, and the essential bar tools. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail novice, this area will make you the star bartender of the evening.

Looking for a fall drink? Steal our go-to "Spiced Apple Cider Margarita." To create this fall-inspired cocktail, you'll need:
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tequila

• 1 oz Triple Sec

• 4 oz Spiced Apple Cider

• Cinnamon and sugar for rimming

• Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

• Rim a glass with cinnamon and sugar.

• Fill the glass with ice.

• In a shaker, combine tequila, Triple Sec, and spiced apple cider with ice. Shake well.

• Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

• Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

• Enjoy the flavors of fall in a glass!

How to Cozy Up After Dinner

After you've savored every last bite of your scrumptious Thanksgiving feast and shared moments of gratitude, it's time to keep the festivities rolling. You can choose to cozy up by the crackling fire, wrap yourself in warm blankets, and share stories with your loved ones. 

Alternatively, you can transform your space into an outdoor movie haven, complete with a screen projector for that cinematic experience - we're all about going the extra mile. 

At HSH Collective, one of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions is winding down the evening with a heartwarming holiday movie, which marks the start of the enchanting winter wonderland season. 

If movies aren't your style, why not host a game night to bring friends and family together for a night of laughter and bonding? Whatever you choose, it's all about making cherished memories and traditions for years to come. 

Thanksgiving is a time to join with family and friends, and a well-decorated kitchen and dining area can make your celebration truly special. We hope this guide has inspired you to create the ultimate Thanksgiving experience. 

For more tips and tricks on adding those last-minute touches to your Thanksgiving Decor to Wow Your Guests, check it out here!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Cheers!