12 Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Thanksgivingis a holiday filled to the brim with family, friends, and food. If you’re blessed to be hosting this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, you might be looking for ways to change up your tablescape while still keeping things simple.

How to set a table for thanksgiving – 12 decor ideas

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas View in gallery

How to set a table for Thanksgibing View in gallery

In this article, we’ll look at a variety of ways to set each place as well as decorate with some simple, modernThanksgiving centerpieces. Ultimately, we all want to focus on the people, not the things. Happy Thanksgiving.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- gold and cream View in gallery

Gold & Cream Thanksgiving Table Decor

There is a certain satisfaction that stems from having a very neutral and tight color palette for your Thanksgiving feast, particularly when you consider the variety of edibles that will soon be “decorating” each setting anyway.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- tight palette View in gallery

With such a tight palette, the use of layers is important here. Round cream and gold woven placemats lay the foundation to the rest of the dishes, which include large gold platter plates (from the dollar store), cream dinner plates, and cream bowls.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-centerpiece holds to the cream and gold color palette View in gallery

The centerpiece holds to the cream and gold color palette as well, with a special emphasis on the use ofwhite mini pumpkins. A gold candelabra holds not only white taper candles, but also serves as pedestal for a couple of the pumpkins.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- Thanksgiving table is shape View in gallery

One detail to consider as youset your Thanksgiving tableis shape – the centerpiece can mimic the settings (in this case, circles) quite effectively for a seamless table.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- neutral decor View in gallery

奶油和黄金,中性,提供一个前女友cellent backdrop for even the tiniest pop of color. This could be something as simple as a pinecone and berries, or in this case part of a berries stem pick (from the dollar store).

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- gold cream and black decor View in gallery

Gold, Cream, & Black Thanksgiving Tablescape

You can add drama instantaneously to your Thanksgiving table settings, as well as modern elegance, with a touch of black. These matte black salad plates provide a lovely touch of sophistication.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting -evergreen sprig View in gallery

An evergreen sprig, trimmed off a bush from the front yard, coupled with a bit of red berry look cheerful and lovely against the black plate.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-black at the table setting View in gallery

Of course, when you add in a bit of black at thetable settings, you’ll probably want to include at least a little black in the Thanksgiving centerpiece to help the tablescape look and feel more cohesive.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- bit more red and green View in gallery

A bit more red and green, in the form of a fuzzygreen craft pumpkin, help the centerpiece balance with the settings themselves. And an extra black plate under the candles is a subtle, yet important, detail to add to the mix.

Looking for a staple for Thanksgiving dinner centerpieces View in gallery

If you’re looking for a staple for Thanksgiving dinner centerpieces, I would highly recommend a medium-sized cornucopia, or horn of plenty, in a neutral weave. The decorating possibilities with this basic are generous, as is the visual reminder of Giving Thanks.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- Comntemporary seating View in gallery

ThisThanksgiving look is contemporary; I personally enjoy the blend of holidays here. The evergreen and berries feel like a lead-in to theChristmas season, but without jumping too far too fast.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting with a contemporary seating View in gallery

Black, White, & Gold.

This color combination is just about as classic as it gets. Gold flatware is key in a combination like this, while a touch of green helps it to feel approachable and natural.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting - black white and gold View in gallery

If you enjoy simplicity and want your job to be as easy as possible, consider having your Thanksgiving centerpiece completely mimic the place settings themselves. Layer the bases the same way, and keep the colors the same.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- Make an otherwise identical place feel slightly View in gallery

Make an otherwise identical place feel slightly different by placing items off-center. Green pumpkin on one side of the layered plates and gold leaves on the other side creates a nicely balanced centerpiece from every angle of the table.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- Pumpkins Galore View in gallery

Pumpkins Galore Thanksgiving table with Fall Accents

Perhaps you like to deal in morethematic décor, rather than color-based. You will enjoy, then, the decoration potential of mini- to mid-sized pumpkins. Again, spilling out of a cornucopia that’s been elevated on a glass cake stand, this centerpiece blends colors, shapes, and sizes of gourds and squashes to make a plentiful statement.

Modern thanksgiving table setting idea View in gallery

When the centerpiece is colorful, a modern balance means the place settings will be more spare in their visual busy-ness. Although aDIY gold polka-dotted linen tableclothkeeps a nice transition from much (centerpiece) to less (place settings).

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-simple boxwood sprig is a favorite decorating View in gallery

A simple boxwood sprig is a favorite decorating “tool” for contemporary Thanksgiving place settings. Setting green on top of white, as is done here on thewhite napkin, really makes the green stand out.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- nature loving View in gallery

Nature-Loving White & Gold Table decor for Thanksgiving dinner

Want to go super simple? Set out a plate, a folded napkin on the plate, and stick a pinecone and boxwood sprig on the napkin. Done.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- darker tablecloth or placemat underneath View in gallery

A darkertablecloth or placematunderneath the simple setting will make the simplicity feel extra special and deliberate. Which it is, of course.

现代感恩节餐桌设置松cones don’t get the autumnal decorating View in gallery

Pineconesdon’t get the autumnal decorating status that they probably deserve. They’re a lovely, interesting shape and texture and yet maintain an unobtrusive earthy brown to work well with any décor style and color palette.

Maybe you find yourself with a decorating piece View in gallery

也许你发现自己用一块装饰that you don’t love (perhaps most of you are good at keeping only those pieces you absolutely love; I am working on it, but until I find an adequate replacement, I tend to keep things I don’t love but can still use on occasion). This gold flat candelabra is that way to me, so even though it’s used, it’s also camouflaged.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Boxwood sprigs View in gallery

Boxwood sprigs, and even some mini white pumpkins, add a lovely distraction from the garish brassiness of this candle holder.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- tastefully elegant View in gallery

This completely simple, yet tastefully elegant, setup is one of my favorite Thanksgiving table settings.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Plentiful Harvest View in gallery

Simple Plentiful Harvest Table Decor

Why decorate a plate with something that just has to be removed to eat? Why not decorate with an appetizer, and one as beautiful and fresh as a pear?

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- beautiful shade of yellowy green View in gallery

Pears are that most beautiful shade of yellowy green that is not only appetizing, but it’s also refreshing and comforting and friendly. Plus, their distinct shape is endearing.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Perhaps a simple pear resting atop a printed napkin View in gallery

Perhaps a simple pear resting atop a printed napkin is just the thing to add visual interest to an otherwise highly neutral place setting. Play around with napkin placement, too. They’re fun to layer between plates, when possible, or rest right on top of the plates, or sit under the forks on the side of the plates.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting - A place setting in which a pear fruit View in gallery

A place setting in which a pear fruit is the focus probably benefits the most from a centerpiece bespeaking harvest-time plenty. Here, the cornucopia rests on the tabletop under a burlap runner, and all the pumpkins can’t come close to being contained.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- small bouquet of yellow View in gallery

Asmall bouquetof yellow mums (in aDIY green glass vase), or any type of fall-time bloom, is never out of place in aThanksgiving centerpiece. One of my favorite aspects of this particular centerpiece, too, is the DIY pumpkin succulents mixed in nonchalantly with the horn-of-plenty pumpkins. I love the gentle green.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- Most centerpieces benefit View in gallery

Most centerpiecesbenefit from some variation of height; this centerpiece is very visually heavy on the right side, at the mouth of the cornucopia. So it makes sense to add some sort of visual weight to the left side, and that comes in a very tall, slender, yet colorful fall-time berry pick in a vintage glass test tube-turned-vase.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Even on a marble tabletop View in gallery

Even on a marble tabletop, this Thanksgiving centerpiece feels warm, textural, organic, and all the good feels of home.

Related:20 Thanksgiving Wreath Ideas Unlike Any Others

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Modern Dish Tower View in gallery

Modern Dish Tower Tablescape Decor

You can stick with a classic color palette, but perhaps you want to freshen things up with a variation on the use of dishes. A pretty finger bowl, for example, can be turned over so the exterior is seen (and appreciated). Top it off with a pinecone, if you’re feeling particularly Jenga-master-ish.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- What is the most fun part of a setup View in gallery

What is the most fun part of a setup like this is having your guests discover some surprise under the upside down bowl. It could be anything!

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- place setting feels a little flat View in gallery

If you feel like a place setting feels a little flat, you can always experiment with a sprig of greenery somewhere around the setting. A green boxwood sprig above the plate, for example, adds a disproportionate amount of life and appetizing appeal to this spot.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- having at least one matte View in gallery

It should be stated that having at least one matte item at each setting provides a nice balancing touch to all the other shiny components. Silverware tends to be gleamy, as does glassware. If your dishes all have a shine to them, you might want to consider investing in one smaller matte plate per setting, just to add contrast and an updated aesthetic.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- keeping the boxwood stem View in gallery

Here’s the same simple setup, keeping the boxwood stem. These tree-printed napkins are disposable, which may feel almost blasphemous to some people for Thanksgiving dinner…but it might be the favorite table setting choice for others.

现代感恩节餐桌布置黑暗或对比plate View in gallery

Placing a napkinon top of a dark or contrast plate (in this case, the black salad plate) will help decrease the heavy impact of the contrast color. If you like a lighter look and feel when you’re dining, this might be a good option for you.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting - Autumn Orange View in gallery

Autumn Orange Accents for Dinner Table

You can get a huge bang for your decorating buck with some clipped branches. These cotton easter branches were clipped from the front yard and shoved into an available pitcher.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-branches were being put into the pitcher View in gallery

As thebrancheswere being put into the pitcher, they naturally shed some leaves. Rather than scooping them up and whisking them away, try letting them fall and letting them be. I love the scattered colors of fall here, and the easy, casual vibe of this lovely simple modern centerpiece.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- And the color gradation from these leaves View in gallery

And the color gradation from these leaves is like Mother Nature Herself stepped in to help decorate your Thanksgiving table this year. Just gorgeous.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- A Study of Plate Décor View in gallery

A Study of Plate Décor.

Here is a pretty standard, simple place setting. Gold flatware, glass cup, white dinner plate, natural linen napkin, and black salad plate. On this plate, a red berries pick sits colorfully.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- On this identical plate View in gallery

On this identical plate, a boxwood sprig sits naturally and organically.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- kind of lamely View in gallery

On this plate, a pinecone sits…well, kind of lamely, if I’m being honest.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- You can combine two of those items View in gallery

You can combine two of those items (or other similar nature-inspired items of varied fall colors), or even all three. All of a sudden, you have a full plate that looks quitebeautiful as a table decoration.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-A Study of Napkin Placement View in gallery

Thanksgiving Study of Napkin Placement

Another variation you can make to your Thanksgiving table setting (that costs nothing!) is the placement and position of your napkin.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- In this place setting, View in gallery

In this place setting, a gold platter plate is topped with a white standard Corelle plate, followed by a matte black salad plate. The napkin is folded in fourths lengthwise, and laid beneath the salad plate only. You don’t want the napkin to be too buried, though, as it will make things harder for your dinner guests to fish out a napkin underneath three plates.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-In this place setting View in gallery

In this place setting, the plates are shifted to the left (a fun contemporary sense of asymmetry). This frees up some space on the right for a rolled-up napkin. Super simple, but unique enough to delight dinner guests and make them feel really special at your Thanksgiving table.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- atural linen napkin is folded normally View in gallery

At this simple place setting, a natural linen napkin is folded normally but laid sideways across the topmost plate. And, because by now you have become accustomed to by borderline obsession with pinecones and boxwoods, you’re not surprised to see those two items resting on top of the napkin.

It would look lovely without these adornments View in gallery

It would look lovely without these adornments, too. (Maybe.)

you can place the napkin beneath the fork View in gallery

Finally, you can place the napkin beneath the fork(s) lying on the left side of your plate. This is standard but works well with a patterned and/or monogrammed and/or otherwise print-special napkin.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-napkin is part of a set monogrammed View in gallery

This napkin is part of a set monogrammed by my grandmother. I don’t like the napkins all that much, but if you find yourself in a situation for Thanksgiving that certain pieces should be used because they would mean a lot to your guests, I recommend finding a way to make them work. In this case, the navy napkins are balanced with (surprise!) a boxwood sprig placed outside the spoon, as well as a hand-painted saucer plate. Which is also part of a family heirloom china set.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Modern Farmhouse View in gallery

Modern Farmhouse Thanksgiving tablescape

This centerpiece goes to show that if you’ve got access to a couple of pumpkins, an old dish towel, and a basket, you can create a lovely Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-The pumpkin theme prevails View in gallery

The pumpkin theme prevails throughout this modernfarmhouse centerpiece, with a fuzzy green craft pumpkin,pumpkin succulentsin mini white pumpkins, and a basket full of other white mini pumpkins. (One of them is even artificial; can you spot which one?)

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- chunky white candle surrounded View in gallery

A chunky whitecandle surroundedby small white beans in a straight glass vase feels farm-ish, but in a slightly dressed up way. And some greens in the basket go a long way to helping it feel like part of the group and soften the transition a bit.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- modern farmhouse centerpiece View in gallery

So, with a modern farmhouse centerpiece, this Thanksgiving table setting that includes significant familial components not only makes sense, but it also helps everything rise to the occasion and feel simultaneously fresh and historic.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting - terrible amount of sense View in gallery

It doesn’t make a terrible amount of sense, to include a teacup in the center of your place setting before the meal has begun, but when you have china, you may as well use it.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting-Fine china begs linen View in gallery

Fine china begs linen, if you can swing it.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- gold and black View in gallery

Gold & Black Thanksgiving Accents

What can I say? Gold and black is highly dramatic and glam. This is especially apparent when the gold part is as visible as this gold platter plate, flanked by gold flatware.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting the idea of including something small View in gallery

我爱的想法还包括一些小型edible on the plates themselves. Almonds in a pinch pot, for example, look well but also provide a lovely pre-feast snack while your dinner guests chat amongst themselves.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting- printed on the dinner napkins View in gallery

Plus, they grow on trees, which are printed on the dinner napkins, so everything comes full circle and works together to create a beautiful whole.

Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting - choose to decorate your Thanksgiving View in gallery

However you choose to decorate your Thanksgiving table this year, we hope that your dining experience will ultimately be adorned with good food and even better company. Happy Thanksgiving.

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