In less than two weeks, Americans will gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many families do not set formal tables often but Thanksgiving Day is usually an exception. So today we are going to look at the elements needed to create a Thanksgiving tablescape that will wow your guests.

First, look around your home or yard for anything that you can use in your tablescape. Pinecones, acorns, small pumpkins, votives, candles, cloth napkins, plates, vases, pedestals, and much more can be pulled from around the house. Finding these already-owned items will help you decide how you want your tablescape to look this year. Then you can shop for what you lack. Doing this step first can really save you some money.

Once you have a style in mind, then you can make sure that you have all the design elements necessary to create a balanced table. As in any design project, we will be looking at textures, colors, the rule of threes, layers, and lighting. This is true for formal tablescapes or casual ones.

Texture of Textiles

The first anchor to your tablescape is a runner down the length of your table. Of course, if you don’t like your tabletop, you can always go with a full tablecloth. Then you can choose to add a runner on top of that. The runner can be anything from brown butcher paper for a very casual table to a patterned textile. Soul & Lane says, “A carefully selected runner is the heart of table décor, and they deserve every precious moment of consideration when creating your dream tablescape.”

Another element with texture is woven chargers and cloth napkins. You don’t have to use either, but they are ways to implement the texture of textiles in your tablescape. Everything does not have to be matchy-matchy. However, they do need to complement each other.

Colors

A great way to ensure that your table pieces complement each other is with color. Color ties together patterned textiles with woven chargers with candlesticks. You can go the traditional Thanksgiving route with autumnal colors. Burnt orange, sage, amber, mustard, and browns. An alternative color scheme is different whites and greens. Also blues and creams and browns would also be beautiful for Thanksgiving.

Rule of Three

The rule of three in design can also be utilized on a tablescape. Talie Jane Interiors says, “The rule of three says that things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered groupings.” Apparently our eyes are forced to move around more when they see things in odd groupings. And, we do want our guests eyes to feast on our tablescape trying to take it all in. To do this, take advantage of different heights of candlesticks. Group three of different heights together over your runner. We want the end result to be balanced and in clusters of three.

Layers

Building layers on your table creates interest and provides even more opportunity for texture and color. The easiest way to incorporate layers is with the actual table setting. A charger, plate, salad plate, and cloth napkin instantly builds a layer for each guest at the table. Pay attention to complementing textures and colors. Layering in this manner helps your tablescape look complete.

Lighting

Even if you are eating Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of the day, it is still appropriate to have candlelight on your table. After all, everyone looks great in candlelight! If you are looking for an alternative to actual candles, you can easily find battery-powered candles or even twinkle lights to provide the same kind of effect without an open flame.

Once you have all of these elements for your Thanksgiving tablescape, all you have to do is put it all togther. Make sure you leave room for salt and pepper shakers, a gravy boat, and a butter tray. All other foods can be served buffet style. Any final touches like name place cards can be done the day of Thanksgiving.

While Thanksgiving is not all about the perfect tablescape, I hope that your family and guests will appreciate the effort you made to create a Thanksgiving tablescape that pleases all the senses. It is more important to delight in conversation, feast on amazing food, and recognize God for all that He has done in your life. A great tablescape just might bring it all together. Happy Thanksgiving!