7 Intimate Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Create warm and intimate Thanksgiving Table Settings with my easy ideas. These budget friendly tips are quick and easy.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather and be grateful for what we have – our family, our friends, delicious food. It’s a time to celebrate the love we have for one another and a chance to spend time sharing a meal. I hope my tips for creating Intimate Thanksgiving Table Settings help you create a warm and inviting holiday in your home.

My husband is English and they don’t have this holiday there, but it has become one of his favorite holidays. What’s better than a holiday devoted to good food, no gifts, and sharing company?

I realize this year will be very different for many of us. A smaller, more intimate Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting a few guests here are some of my favorite tips from past Thanksgivings using nature and simple thrifted and box store finds.

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I’m looking at Thanksgiving pasts to give you a few ideas. Simply click the title to read more about the tablescape.

Use Bittersweet and Orange Pumpkins

Forage for bittersweet and place it, along with candles and moss, in a vintage crate. Bring out cozy pillows and faux fur throws to keep your guests warm.

Pretty fairy lights add to the ambiance of outdoor entertaining and can be found at box stores for affordable prices.

Mix High and Low Finds for a Casual Tablescape

I mixed simple white tapers from Ikea with gold rimmed place mats, striped napkins, and pedestals from Target. The gold flatware and vintage brass candlesticks add warmth to the simple setting.

Fruit and eucalyptus are also affordable and readily available at your local super market.

Use Watercolor Free Printables

Watercolor free printable have a way of making a table feel so special. I’ve painted several over the last few years including maple leaves, place cards, and a thankful menu.

Simple white plates and a ticking runner add to the casual feel.

*If you like these watercolors you might like the ones in my shop, including the fall favorites.

Use the Good China

I know people are hesitant to use their good glasses or good china, but beautiful things are meant to be enjoyed and celebrate – NOT kept in the china cabinet…

The above tables setting celebrates my mom’s china and silverware. Notice the silver is slightly tarnished which is fine by me. I also included faux copper chargers (these are plastic that I painted to look like copper) and pretty hydrangeas from our yard.

Clip Fall Branches and Make Them a Centerpiece

Brilliant red acer leaves pop against any table setting. They bring cheer and happiness. I clipped these from my friend’s tree with her permission.

You can see these same branches in a more rustic setting in our sunroom with DIY cake stands below:

Use Candles to Add Ambience

Affordable hand blown hurricanes filled with fine stones make a classic and simple statement when paired with a simple bouquet of dahlias and eucalyptus. These are from Ikea.

Another simple idea is turning wine bottles into candelabras, see more here. You would notice I used the same flowers in this outdoor tablescape.

I’m currently working on a few NEW tablescapes for Thanksgiving and will share them in the coming weeks.

I thought it might be helpful to share a few lists of “must haves” I use in most tablescapes and also some free things I often use.

Must Have Tablescape Supplies

• White table cloth
• Assorted cloth napkins – I love cotton and linen
• China (can find at Thrift shops or yard sales)
• White plates (mine are from Ikea)
• Runners – I love this woven runner and use in all seasons
• Faux candles which are great for worry free entertaining
• White Tapers, pillar candles, and tea lights – I love Ikea for this!
• Flowers and eucalyptus – my yard or the grocery store
• Cutlery – I have a few sets from Target and Ikea but also love my silver
• Ironstone – I have a collection from thrift stores that’s decorative but use it for holiday entertaining
• Assorted glass – crystal from Target and other cut glass from Ikea
• Vases / Vessels – thrifted and from Ikea

Free Finds for Tablescapes

• Foraged branches
• Collected shells
• Beach rocks
• Feathers
• Flowers or greenery from your yard
• Moss
• Ornamental grasses

Need More Thanksgiving Ideas?

• 21 Ideas for Thanksgiving
• Fall Flower Arranging Tips

I hope this gave you some ideas for your intimate Thanksgiving table settings. Let me know if you have any questions. I can’t wait to see your tablescapes!