If you’re preparing to host your first Thanksgiving dinner or looking for fresh ideas, this guide is here to help you create a warm and festive table setting for the holidays. In this article, you will find inspiration, beautiful finds, and creative ideas to bring your dream tablescape to life. Get ready to create a welcoming atmosphere that will impress your guests.

Starting with a base

A cohesive table setting starts with a foundation: the tablecloth. For my tablescape, I tried a trend of using brown craft paper. It was so much fun for my friends to doodle, write down what we’re thankful for, and share our favorite memories. It also provides entertainment, especially if you have kids.

Alternatively, you can choose a solid colored linen that can be used for multiple occasions. A deep red or burgundy would work great for Christmas or holiday dinners. If you want the tablecloth to stand out, opt for a linen with a festive pattern, like leaves. And for easy clean-up, a disposable option is a great choice. They come in various colors and are very affordable.

The centerpiece

My favorite part of decorating a table is definitely the centerpiece. The great thing is you can go as simplistic or detailed as you’d like, and it will still look wonderful!

For my long rectangular table, I chose to use a green leafy garland to ground everything together. This piece is something I can use over and over again since it can be decorated for every season. To bring in the iconic orange colors of fall, I added some fun pumpkins and artificial floral arrangements that I have had for a few years. Finally, I added in some tapered candles and LED pillar candles to create a cozy vibe.

Some other great additions to your table could include a runner in a complimentary color, and even some of your food dishes if your table is large enough.

If you are decorating a round table, I would recommend combining various sized pumpkins and candles with a floral arrangement. The florals will bring a natural and earthy tone, which will balance perfectly with festive pumpkins or gourds. And of course, you can’t have a cozy holiday table without candles – something about them just brings everything together!

The place settings

Finishing off with the most important part – the actual dinner settings! The options here are truly endless and can be tailored to suit any budget.

I chose to go with a decorated disposable plate from The Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart, along with some disposable gold utensils. This added a pop of color to my table and made clean-up much easier after dinner! To complement the setting, I used plastic flutes, which are cost-effective and more practical for a rowdy group. To add an elegant touch, I finished off with linen napkins and a rattan napkin ring, creating a simple and stylish fold.

If you already have a nice set of dinnerware, you can utilize it to save money. However, if you’re looking for something new, I have found some great reusable and disposable options. Depending on the type of beverages you plan to serve, you may find a full-sized glass more functional. Additionally, there are numerous easy napkin folds that can greatly elevate your table setting. If you prefer not to spend extra money on linen napkins and rings, paper napkins can still create a nice look!

Shop my tablescape

To shop my Thanksgiving table setting, simply click the link associated with the number of the item you’d like to shop for.

1 – Glass lit pumpkin
2 – Pumpkin tea light holder
3 – Tapered candles
4 – Candle holders
5 – Brown craft paper
6 – Small pumpkins
7 – Greenery garland

5 – Brown craft paper
7 – Greenery garland
8 – LED pillar candles
9 – Plastic flutes
10 – Linen napkins
11 – Rattan napkin rings
12 – The Pioneer Woman plates
13 – Gold plastic utensils