How to Set the Perfect Table Setup for Thanksgiving
Setting the perfect Thanksgiving table setting can make your holiday meal feel extra special for your family and friends. Here’s your go-to guide to help you create a beautiful and functional table setting for your Turkey Day celebration!
Table Setting Order:
Placemats or Chargers
Dinner Plates and Salad Plates
Napkins and Napkin Rings
Silverware
Water and Wine Glasses
Place Cards
Serveware and Decor
1. Placemats or Chargers
First things first, clear off your dining table—It’s best to start with a clean slate. Grab your cleaner to wipe down the table and chairs. If you’re adding a tablecloth, now’s the time to add it! We recommend a nice, linen tablecloth that goes with your theme of the table. Not sure about your theme yet? You can never go wrong with white!
Next, lay your placemats or chargers (whichever you prefer!). Choose one to separate the table linen from the dinnerware and add an extra layer of decor.
Placemats: These can be more versatile than chargers, opting for a different shape, texture, or pattern. Here are some placemats we’ve been loving:
Chargers: Chargers are large, decorative plates that go under your dinner plates. They typically can be metallic, glass, porcelain, or ceramic that should complement the other dinnerware like:
2. Plates
On top of the placemat or charger are the plates you will be loading up on the yummy Thanksgiving eats.
We recommend having these dishes coordinate whether they are from the same set or the same color.
Dinner Plates: For a traditional look, go for classic white or cream. If your Thanksgiving tablescape theme is more contemporary, you might choose plates with a subtle pattern or bold color.
Salad Plates: Place salad plates on top of the dinner plates or beside them, depending on how you set the table.
Appetizer Plate or Soup Bowl: If you’re serving appetizers or soup, include a separate plate or bowl on top. This will be the last piece to your plate stack.
Here are some ideas to get started:
3. Napkins and Napkin Rings
Choose a fabric or colored napkin that matches your theme. For a formal setting, linen napkins are a great choice, while cotton napkins work well for a more casual look.
Napkin rings add a finishing touch and hold your napkin in place. They can be simple metal rings or decorative ones that add a touch of style. Here are some ideas:
Now depending on if you have a soup bowl on top of your other plates, the placement of your napkin will differ!
If you DO NOT have a soup bowl: you’ll add your napkin in a napkin ring on top of your plates
If you DO have a soup bowl: you can either scratch the napkin ring and place the napkin neatly folded underneath your bowl, or you can place your napkin with a napkin ring off to the side.
4. Silverware
When setting your silverware correctly, we always start left to right (to make sure we don’t forget anything!) Here is the lineup when placing your silverware, or you can always refer to our picture placement!
Forks: Place 2 forks to the left of the plate, the larger fork for the main course and a smaller fork for the salad.
Knives: Place the knives to the right of the plate, with the blades facing inwards. Use a larger knife for the main course and a smaller knife for salads or appetizers.
Spoons: Place the spoons to the right of the knives, for soups or desserts.
5. Add the Glasses
Water glasses should be placed above the knives and spoons, to the right of the plate. Whether you pick a simple glass or pull out the fine china, just don’t mix them with the wine glasses!
When setting your table, make sure you have the right glasses especially if you’re serving wine. Here are the main differences:
Red Wine: These glasses are typically larger with a wider bowl, allowing the wine to breathe and release its full flavors.
White Wine: White wine glasses are narrower with a smaller bowl, designed to keep the wine chilled.
Sparkling Wine: These flutes, have a tall, narrow shape to help maintain the bubbles and carbonation for a refreshing glass of Champagne or Prosecco (our fav!)
Whichever you choose, they should always be placed to the right of the water glass. If you decide to serve choose both, place the white wine glass to the right of the red wine glass.
7. Place Cards
If your opting for assigned seating, the best way for guests find their seats and add a personal touch to your table is through place cards!
They can be as simple as tent cards or as elaborate as seasonal decorations. Here are some we’ve been loving this season:
8. Creating the Ultimate Thanksgiving Centerpiece
The centerpiece is the focal point of your table, and it should tie in the rest of your space. Here are three themes to consider:
Natural/Earthy Theme:
Use a white tablecloth or runner as a base
Add natural elements like greenery, pinecones, or white pumpkins.
Incorporate simple white candles or a clear vase with white flowers
Traditional Thanksgiving Theme:
Use warm colors like burnt orange, deep red, and gold.
Incorporate cornucopia, autumn leaves, and small pumpkins.
Add a wooden centerpiece or a bountiful arrangement of fall fruits and vegetables.
Modern Minimalistic Theme:
Use geometric shapes, metallic accents, and monochromatic color schemes.
Add a minimalist centerpiece like a simple vase with seasonal flowers
Incorporate modern serveware
9. Serveware and Additional Touches
Your Thanksgiving tablescape is almost complete! Now it’s time to add the final touches with serveware that ties everything together. The choice of serveware depends on your personal dining traditions.
Your serveware will vary depending if you’re planning a buffet, prefer family-style (pass-and-serve), or opt for the classic plated service. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Trays: Use trays to serve appetizers or as a base for your centerpiece—whether it’s a rustic wooden tray for a traditional look or a sleek glass tray for a modern feel.
Gravy Boat: This is for serving gravy or sauces, and it adds a nice touch to the table.
Additional Serveware: Include items like side dishes, bread baskets, butter dishes, and salad bowls that fit your theme and complete the table setting.
By following these steps, you’ll create a Thanksgiving table that’s both beautiful and functional! Want to take your home to the next level? Meet the team behind the inspiration.
Whether you need help with your table or a complete home makeover, our amazing team of designers is here to make it happen.
Let us help you create a space that feels just right for your style and makes every gathering special. Reach out to us today!