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For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday. There’s no religious aspect or obligatory gift exchange and I get to throw a big dinner party for which I’m not expected to do all of the cooking. But if I’m being honest, styling the table is always the most exciting part for me. And if the theme of last year’s Thanksgiving was “pared down,” this year I’m going over the top with “warm and welcoming”—as well as a break from the traditional brown and beige decor.
Given the holiday’s troubling origins, an updated color palette speaks to what Thanksgiving has come to symbolize for most of us: A chance to gather with the people we love (and yeah, maybe a few we tolerate because they’re family).
Here’s everything you need for a warm, welcoming Thanksgiving tablescape in 2021. If these don’t look like your typical Thanksgiving table decor ideas, full of leaf garlands and painted pumpkins, don’t worry. The browns and beiges are still around, they’re just taking a back seat to pale pinks, mustardy yellows, and even a few fun patterns—and I’ve still made room for some small pumpkin moments.
A neutral tablecloth
是否你想覆盖表的表r scuffed up from 18 months of meals at home, or you need to combine two shorter ones to serve a crowd, this eight-foot linen tablecloth from Piglet provides a beautiful neutral base.
A bold table runner
Start with a geometric runner to add visual interest to your setup and give your tabletop extra protection from hot serving dishes. The “hibiscus” stripes in this handwoven runner are really more of a terra-cotta, and while the pattern is bold, the whole thing is muted enough that it won’t overpower the place settings.
Cloth napkins in warm tones
At the risk of sounding dramatic, napkins can set the mood for your entire meal—or at least signal to your guests what level of formality you’re going for on the holiday table (think pressed linen versus crinkled cotton). But even the more refined styles can be mixed and matched within a color scheme for a more laid-back tablescape.
Round woven placemats
I’m a big fan of placemats, but I rarely use them at Thanksgiving because I’m often trying to make a dinner table that usually seats six work for eight or more. These round placemats take up less space and feel like a casual, colorful take on the charger plate.
Amber goblets
My Thanksgiving table decor changes every year, but I always put out vintage amber goblets for wine. Use a variety of shapes and styles (and maybe even throw in some pink glass) for an eclectic look, or get a matching set for a more refined feel.
Festive flatware
Reserving specific serving items for special occasions feels like an antiquated tradition, but I do have a set of goldflatwareI only bust out for the holidays. It adds instant warmth to the dining table and always makes Thanksgiving and Christmas feel more festive than if I’d stuck to my usual silverware.
Stoneware plates
For some reason, I’ve always associated stoneware plates with Thanksgiving dinner. It probably has something to do with the fact that most of my thrifted pieces feature floral patterns in browns and oranges. Luckily, there’s plenty of contemporary stoneware that’s perfect for a softer, more modern Thanksgiving table (and it’s neutral and durable enough for use beyond the holidays).
Coordinating cookware
Keep your color story cohesive when the food comes out with beautiful oven-to-table cookware that will look great in the center of the table on Thanksgiving Day.
Muted taper candles in brass holders
这不是感恩节晚餐candles, even if “dinner” is at noon. Because the table is usually pretty packed, you’ll probably want to skip the big fall centerpiece and go with something with a small footprint. Luckily, brass candlesticks fit the bill and the theme.
Put a pumpkin on it
I always appreciate a little seasonally appropriate kitsch on my fall table. If yours won’t feel complete without a few decorative gourds, consider one of these practical pumpkin pieces, like place card holders shaped like mini pumpkins, white pumpkin napkin rings, or pie servers decorated with fall leaves and gold pumpkins.
Don’t forget the flowers
It’s hard to fit a big Thanksgiving centerpiece on a crowded table, but every holiday spread looks better—and feels more welcoming—with some sort ofgreeneryor floral finishing touch. Keep it simple with a eucalyptus spray or skip any kind of DIY and leave it up to the professionals to arrange a seasonal bouquet.
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