Gathering around the Thanksgiving table – does it get any better? Family and friends and laughter and conversation and giggles and smiles… all topped off with turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie.
Seriously. Thanksgiving at our house is just a party waiting to happen. And to make the table even more festive, here are some easy place setting ideas for your Thanksgiving table.
1. Clip it
For this simple place setting with graphic appeal, start with a basic clipboard. You can find clipboards in a variety of sizes and colors, like this chalkboard clipboard I picked up at a big box store. Layer in basic white plates with a patterned plate for color and visual appeal.
Print off a quote or a name in a fun font, and add to the place setting. I curled the ends with a pencil to make it swirl. Lastly, clip your napkins to the end of the clipboard, and top it off with silverware.
2. Go Rustic
This simple place setting is just waiting for the pilgrims to arrive with turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes. Start with a basic linen place mat and layer in a grapevine wreath for texture and rustic flair. Trim a piece of burlap ribbon, and add a place setting of vintage transferware. You could mix and match different colors of transferware for a one-of-kind look.
Add a little fall foliage to the ribbon, then finish off the look with a pine cone place holder. Print out your guests’ names and wind through the top of the pine cone for an easy way to personalize your table.
3. Simple and sweet
This place setting is easy to create and features a fun wood slice name plate. Start with a basic wood placemat or a butcher block cutting board as featured above. Layer in gray damask patterned napkins and brightly colored fall foliage to provide contrast to the simplicity of the wood.
Create the place card holder using stamps from the craft store. Simply stamp each wood slice with the name of your guest. Place on a nest or layer with fall leaves. The brown ink creates the look of wood burning without the stress or mess.
4. Picture this
It doesn’t get simpler than this idea. Start with a decorative picture frame as a place mat. Frame a colorful fabric, or stay neutral with your framed background. Layer in a brightly patterned purple tablecloth and add simple linen napkins.
Next, add basic white dishes and finish off the look with a ceramic pumpkin placeholder. Write your guest’s name on the pumpkin with a metallic sharpie and send it home as a party favor. You could also use a dry erase marker to write a quote or thankful message to each guest.
Thanksgiving decorating doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. These simple ideas help to add a little something special to your decor and take a little stress out of getting the Thanksgiving table ready. So relax and enjoy the holidays. After all, the best table decoration is the smiles and joy of friends and family.
