If you’re hosting Thanksgiving in 2021 and looking for modern Thanksgiving table ideas, don’t panic! You’re in the right place. Grab a cup of coffee (or wine!?), and let’s chat through everything you need to create an Instagram-worthy boho Thanksgiving tablescape everyone will talk about!
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Thanksgiving menu planning is stressful enough. Then there’s setting the table. And if you’re hosting a crowd, sometimes it’s TABLES. Yikes!
In this post, I’ll share with you the 12 Thanksgiving table ideas you need consider to successfully create a tablescape that is low on maintenance and high on style. As much as possible, I’m including products I personally own and love – and also budget friendly picks.
I truly hope this information is helpful and takes away some of your stress – so you can enjoy hosting a beautiful experience for your loved ones who gather this year!
This post is all about Thanksgiving table ideas.
1. Neutral Thanksgiving Tablecloth
Start your modern Thanksgiving table setting with a neutral base. You can totally skip the tablecloth if you have a pretty wood table. But if you prefer a tablecloth – or are trying to unify several different tables to accommodate a large crowd – creamy linens are the way to go.
You may already have an ivory tablecloth in your collection – so one less thing to buy! If not, then this 100% cotton linen from DII is a good option.
I have some other items from this brand’s chambray collection (like this blue one shown on an Easter tablescape), and am impressed with the quality for the price.
The tablecloth comes in several sizes. Check the length of your table and order a tablecloth approximately 10 to 15 inches longer so the linen will drape over the edges but not end up in your end-seat guests’ laps!
2. Quintessential Boho Table Runner
Boho and macrame go together like turkey and Thanksgiving. You cannot have one without the other!
I have this macrame tablerunner (used at my daughter’s palette picnic birthday party). It’s a fantastic price point, and comes in two lengths. The open weave would work well on a bare wood table or layered over a neutral tablecloth.
3. Dried Florals in Lieu of Pumpkins
Rather than pumpkins and gourds, let’s try dried florals as our 2021 Thanksgiving centerpiece. Depending on the number of tables you need to decorate, you can either have one larger focal arrangement, or several smaller bouquets running down the center.
When you’re shopping for dried florals for your Thanksgiving table, think neutrals. You can opt to buy a pre-made arrangement, or choose several different dried florals and create arrangement a custom look of your own!
4. Modern Thanksgiving Centerpiece Vase
Curved lines and bubbly shapes are vase trends in 2021. This ceramic vase from AFloral hits all the right notes for our boho Thanksgiving table decor.
5. Vintage-Inspired Taper Candle Holders
Next we need to add some ambiance with candle light. To contrast the modern vase, let’s use brass vintage or vintage-inspired taper candle holders. For an extra dose of modern flair, try creating an asymmetrical centerpiece layout by grouping all of your candles together on one side, and balancing the other side with a larger floral arrangement.
If symmetry is more your style, then place a grouping of taper candles on either side of a centralized bouquet. Either way, your Thanksgiving table will shine!
6. Turkey-Worthy Plates
Show off your turkey and dressing on trendy matte brown stoneware plates. The coupe shape is “in” and lends itself to the boho style. I have this dinnerware set in matte black – and am almost convinced that I also need them in matte brown because it is just.so.pretty and on point for a Thanksgiving tablescape!
The set comes with a dinner plate, side plate, bowl, and mug. P.S. The mugs have a great weight, perfect for serving coffee with pumpkin pie!
7. Matte Gold Cutlery
Dress up your Thanksgiving table setting with matte gold cutlery. Matte gold can be difficult to find. Lots of gold out there – but most of it is shiny. I bought this set about a year ago and am really pleased with the purchase. Had I hand washed instead of running through the dishwasher, the finish would have probably faired better. But otherwise, I give them 5 stars!
8. Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Napkins
The next thing we need for our Thanksgiving table are napkins. Let’s go with cloth since we’re being fancy here on this holiday, right!?
Block print patterns are a great option for a boho table, especially with an assortment of prints for an eclectic aesthetic.
But the best thing though about these napkins – besides the spicy red color – is the quantity (24!). If you have a crowd around your Thanksgiving table, this set has you covered at a very reasonable price.
9. Napkin Ring Alternative
Because our napkins have a lot going on with their print, I recommend skipping napkin rings and instead opt to tie leather suede lace around each. A super easy and budget friendly alternative to traditional Thanksgiving napkin rings that has all kinds of boho vibes!
You can fold your napkins into thirds and then in half again to get a rectangle to casually display on top of your Thanksgiving dinner plates. Then, loosely wind leather lace around horizontally in the middle of each a few times (three is a good rule of thumb), keeping the rectangular shape (don’t cinch).
Before you tie a knot, read on to #10 for tips on attaching a placard right to your napkins!
10. Unique Take on Place Cards
Finally, to complete the napkin/napkin ring display, use the leather lace to tie a wood tag place card to each.
I did this in a post about my daughter’s confirmation dinner table, so you can see it in action – it’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving table ideas.
Writing names on the wood tags with a marker was easy – just make sure the marker tip is narrow enough to not bleed. Since the set comes as a pack of 50, you will have plenty to go around, and likely some left over!
11. Eclectic Water Glasses
For a collected look, use vintage inspired water glasses. I have long had my eye on this set, and the companion goblets. Cut glassware has been a formal event trend for quite some time, and these are a stand-out pick on both price and style. (Can we take a moment to appreciate the fluting!?)
12. Cut Glass Goblets
Complete the glassware set on your Thanksgiving table with this beautiful vintage-inspired clear cut glass goblet. Whether you serve wine or another beverage of choice, it sure will look pretty in these glasses! Cheers to that!
I’m grateful you stopped by today! I do hope you’ll stick around and check out some of my other content.
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Cheers!
