Decorate a Thanksgiving table with a low centerpiece, a simple runner or cloth, and one repeating color so guests can see one another and still have room for platters. Keep candles unscented and short enough that sleeves and serving spoons do not catch them. For place settings and etiquette, use how to set a Thanksgiving table; for more ideas, see the Thanksgiving table, drinks and activities guide and the Thanksgiving guide.
Start with the cloth, then keep the center low
A plain tablecloth or a narrow runner is enough structure. Choose one color family — rust, cream, olive, or deep green — and repeat it in napkins or a bowl so the table does not look busy. For the centerpiece, use a wide, shallow bowl or a wooden tray with greenery, small pumpkins, and a few unscented candles. The arrangement should sit lower than the faces of seated guests. If you add flowers, keep stems short. Save tall branches for a sideboard, not the dining table.
Leave space for food and keep decorations safe
Map the platters before you finish decorating. The turkey, a gravy boat, and at least one casserole need landing spots that do not require moving the centerpiece mid-meal. Skip loose leaves or glitter that can drift into food. Use unscented candles so they do not compete with dinner, and set them where sleeves will not brush the flame. If children will sit at the main table, move open flames to the middle of a wide tray or skip them.
Add place cards only if they help
Place cards are useful when you need to separate two talkative relatives or seat a guest beside someone they know. Keep them small and handwritten so they do not become a third centerpiece. A kids’ table can use the same runner color with unbreakable plates and a small activity, then connect to the main table with the same napkins. For a game after dessert, see Thanksgiving dinner games.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decorate a Thanksgiving table without blocking the view?
Use a low, wide centerpiece instead of a tall vase. If you want height, put a taller arrangement on a sideboard and keep the dining table short.
Should I use scented candles on the Thanksgiving table?
Unscented candles are a better choice. Scented ones can clash with turkey, gravy, and pie, and some guests are sensitive to fragrance.
How much decoration is too much?
If platters do not have a clear place to land, you have too much on the table. Remove one layer before you add another.
Helpful table pieces
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A large, plain platter gives the main a landing spot and keeps the table from filling with mismatched dishes.
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Quart Mixing Bowl — A small, sturdy bowl can hold nuts, rolls, or a compact fruit centerpiece without adding height.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — Bring a side to the table in a simple dish that already matches a low, practical look.
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