From the food you serve to the way you decorate your table, you want everything to be perfect when you host the Thanksgiving meal. It can feel personally rewarding to present a festive atmosphere where your guests can relax, share a great meal, and enjoy one another's company. Fortunately, you don't have to have a big budget to pull off a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape. All you need is a centerpiece, table linens, and tableware.
The Centerpiece Before you plan the main visual attraction, consider how your guests will receive their meal. Will it be self-serve style where they go through a buffet line? Perhaps you're planning on a sit-down dinner where people will pass food bowls amongst each other. The answer to this question determines how much room you have for the centerpiece. If you have the space, nature's bounty centerpieces are popular. Orange or white pumpkins, pinecones, a glass vase, and a few lightly scented candles can help to set the tone for the entire day.
Choosing Your Table Linens If your table is worn and stained, it's a good idea to cover it with a linen. This also saves you the trouble of having to wash food spills off the table later. A throw blanket or burlap placemats make attractive options, as do a table runner or plain napkins containing leaf stamping. Your options for table linens are only limited by your imagination.
Tableware Options It is not likely that you're going to have enough salad plates, dinner plates, glasses, and silverware in matching styles to serve every guest. That is okay. Mixing and matching your tableware gives it that curated look often equated with formality and high society. When you're shopping for new pieces, be sure to select a color theme. Sticking to the same basic pattern makes things easier as well. For a truly elegant look, add votive candles or cut-glass water glasses.