21 Entertaining Ideas for Thanksgiving

Hosting turkey day this year?!? If so, I have 21 entertaining ideas for Thanksgiving.

Here’s the thing. I LOVE entertaining. I LOVE having people over. BUT I hate stressing out about cleaning the house or having to do big elaborate things. I’m going to share no fuss and easy tablescape ideas with you so you can actually enjoy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday in our home. It is very informal. It’s my mom’s and husband’s absolute favorite. It really is the only holiday that celebrates good food, family, and being grateful for what we have.

I remember my very first Thanksgiving as a mom. We had a house full of guests coming and I realized maybe we didn’t order a big enough turkey. I pushed John’s stroller to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods and fought lines of people. I remember being so tired and it wasn’t even Thanksgiving. So, now I pick the turkey up on Tuesday. Prep on Wednesday (including setting the table) and pick up any last minute things that day. So on Thursday we can enjoy a lovely meal together.

21 Entertaining Ideas for Thanksgiving

1. Use Maple Branches

Cut some maple branches from your yard or a friends to instantly make your table feel like Thanksgiving. This is an easy and affordable way to decorate for Thanksgiving.

2. Gin & Tonics

Welcome guests with a freshly made G & T. I love using Hendricks and cucumbers in ours.

3. Pretty Dahlias and Hurricane Lanterns

Simple dahlias in warm reds and whites make for a sophisticated tablescape, especially paired with pillar candles in blown glass.

4. Watercolor Branches Free Printable

Use my watercolor branches free printable to create a menu at each place setting.

5. Outdoor Tablescape with sunflowers and hobnail glasses

Is it warm enough to entertain outside? Create a flat lay arrangement with sunflowers and greenery. I layered in some beautiful hobnail glasses and pumpkins. In that post you’ll also see Luke’s recipe for Old Fashions.

6. Make Your Own Cake Stands

Pretty cake stands can add height and visual interest to any tablescape. If you can’t find what you’re looking for it’s easy to make your own. I topped these with store bought desserts 😉

7. Use Apples for a Pretty Tablescape

Use honey crisp apples and my honey crisp apple printable for a pretty and cozy tablescape.

8. Grown Up Apple Crumble

Speaking of apples, make this apple crumble using apple liqueur.

9. Pumpkin Lanterns and Fairy Lights

An outdoor tablescape can look romantic and cozy when using polka dot pumpkin lanterns and fairy lights.

10. Found and Foraged Tablescape

Use dried hydrangeas, eucalyptus, silver, and china to create a very pretty found and foraged tablescape. This is one of my most favorite tablescapes EVER.

11. Create Aged Copper Chargers

Would you believe these chargers are actually plastic? Create aged copper chargers with paint.

12. Create a Chef’s Board

Everyone loves cheese and charcuterie. Make your own board so guests can help themselves to favorite meats and cheeses.

13. Watercolor Sunflowers

Print small versions of my watercolor sunflower free printable and put them at each place setting.

14. Host Thanksgiving in a Barn

Strewn eucalyptus and fairy lights on a rustic picnic table. Hang beautiful wreaths with fairy lights from the rafters. I created this space for a kitchen tour with Scituate Education a few years ago.

15. Decorate with Pumpkins

Use heirloom pumpkins as the center piece to the table.

16. Keep it simple with brass and Target finds.

Most of this tablescape came from Target and the thrift store. Would you know?!?

17. Faux Earthenware

Take simple glass vases and paint them to look like earthenware. It will add warmth and a cozy feeling to any table. See the tutorial here.

18. Pretty Maple Leaf Place Cards

Print off my watercolor maple leaf printables and personalize them for your table.

19. Hydrangeas Free Printables

Place these hydrangea free printables in tiny frames or on plates to welcome guests for friends-giving dinner.

20. Delicious Pumpkin Dip

I LOVE pumpkin pie. Do you? This delicious pumpkin dip tastes just like pumpkin pie. I think your family and friends will love it for Thanksgiving. Serve it with your favorite cookies and sliced apples.

21. Use Wine Bottles and Fresh Flowers

Scatter fresh flowers and use wine bottles as candle holders for a very romantic Thanksgiving tablescape.

I hope this post gave you a few ideas if you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year. I’ll be back on Wednesday with a really easy side dish that is famous in our family.