Tips and Tricks for a Thanksgiving Tablescape That Speaks for Itself

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the food is usually the star of the show. But what if there was something else on the table that mattered (almost) as much as your turkey, gravy and stuffing — your table décor. Few things set the tone quite like an intentionally set and curated tablescape, as it can make your guests feel festive and elevate your entire dining experience.

The small plates are made from recycled material and the cutlery set is dishwasher safe and reusable to make clean up a breeze.

While you can certainly seek out Pinterest for inspiration and go full “Martha Stewart” on your evening, we know that your time and resources are limited, especially after last minute Bell’s Seasoning runs or other kitchen mishaps. That’s why we spoke to Tina Marchand, owner and founder of the Manchester-based party boutique Ellie and Piper for her tips on how to style a table that cleans up well and looks good, too. 

“The reason for the season” is inspiration alone for the jumping off point of your décor design. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I love the warm feeling of togetherness,” Marchand says. “Bringing friends and family together around a wonderful meal, made with love from scratch is priceless. Think about setting a table around that atmosphere. How do you want it to feel? What mood do you want to evoke?” 

Looking to organic colors of the season or even what’s trending in fashion are also ways to inspire your theme. Consider your audience as well. Are you creating a tablescape for kids, your friends or older adults? What’s being served for the meal?

Use bud vases for center piece flowers to save money on buying larger arrangements.

From there, start to map out what tableware items you may need — Marchand recommends starting with plates as your focal point and building up from there. 

“Thinking outside of the box, I’ll take a traditional color like forest green and go lighter to sage green or mint green in order to expand the colorway of a tablescape,” she says. “I may also go with orange and go darker to a terracotta shade. The difference in colors gives a traditional holiday table a modern twist.” 

Keep the tableware in appropriate corresponding colors and add in one or two items that incorporate the theme. “For example, in this particular setting, I added traditional colors found in fall like sage green, cream, orange, gold and brown in the tableware,” Marchand says. “To tie in the theme, I added a mini pumpkin to signify the Thanksgiving/fall theme.”

The glue that holds any tablescape toge-ther is the centerpiece. As the main focal point for the whole table, Marchand suggests incorporating natural elements and texture like seasonal fall flowers, gourds, fresh produce, baskets or garland to step your design up a notch. “Adding organic elements like pumpkins and textures from around your yard to the table will enhance the overall aesthetic,” she says. “By including items like candles onto the table, they automatically create a warm and cozy ambience that invites guests to take a seat.”

If you’re looking to budget for your Thanksgiving table design while also still creating a beautiful
atmosphere, Marchand suggests buying high-quality or heirloom reusable items like this pumpkin gravy boat pictured here, a serving platter or candle holders make it easy to reuse year after year.

Once the main décor course has been set, the real fun can begin by adding unique and personal components, such as place cards or even menus. “I love adding handwritten place cards for a personal touch that makes one feel welcomed,” Marchand says. “You can also thoughtfully arrange seat assignments based on common interests or relationships that will enhance the overall dining experience enjoyed by the entire table.”

Looking to take your experience even further? Make it interactive. “Sharing recipe cards around the table is another wonderful way to keep family traditions alive,” Marchand says. “I’ve attended dinners where guests take turns, going around the table to speak of what they are thankful for. It’s a wonderful ice breaker and a gentle reminder to all that you are more blessed than you think you are.”

Whether you’re hosting for four or 40, you can set a tablescape that will leave your guests in awe and be as easy to take down as it was to put up without sacrificing style. How’s that for something to be thankful for?

Kids Table Tip

For younger guests, Marchand suggests using themed paper goods like turkey plates or pumpkin napkins. Add a small themed party favor and a cup of crayons to color on a place mat or festive paper table runner to keep little hands busy between courses.

Ellie and Piper is a fun community of party lovers who like to party in style. They celebrate trips around the sun, life milestones, festive holidays and more through their beautifully curated selection of premium party goods, home décor and small gifts. They also offer custom balloon services and event design and styling. Shop online for the items in this article and more at ellieandpiper.com or visit them in-person at 250 Commercial St., Suite 3005e in Manchester.