Modern and Thanksgiving don’t always go hand-in-hand. Because the holiday is uber traditional, table decor typically follows suit. Nothing wrong with tradition – don’t get me wrong! Rather, sometimes a fresh take on an old favorite isn’t a bad thing! Enter modern Thanksgiving table decor.
If you’re like me and prefer a more neutral palette and simple aesthetic, then this post is for you! So consequentely, I’m going to dig into all of my favorite online resources to share my top picks. As a result, I hope to help you create a modern Thanksgiving tablescape you and your loved ones will enjoy!
Oh, by the way, everything here is under $30! That means you can splurge on a few new pieces and have budget left to shop Black Friday sales once the dishes are put away!
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This post is all about modern Thanksgiving table decor.
Modern Thanksgiving Decor: Glassware
1. Amber Old Fashioned
Amber glass on a Thanksgiving table is just. so. pretty. You can use these as water glasses or on a bar cart nearby. Additionally, they come in a high ball style if you prefer that instead of this shorter version.
2. Vintage Inspired Wine Glasses
True, the retail price is over $30 – but that’s for a set of 4. So, on a technicality, these are less than $30 each! In fact, closer to $15, which isn’t terrible considering the detail. Can we take a moment to appreciate the gold rim and cut glass stem? A modern tablescape can go flat fast without a vintage element to make it feel collected. This glassware fits the bill!
3. Pumpkin Mugs
Pass the coffee and pumpkin pie in style! I think these pumpkin mugs strike the perfect balance between being super seasonal and yet simple.
4. Amber Goblets
At less than $10 per goblet, these amber glasses are a steal! Additionally, the cut glass has that vintage-y feel that will make your table look special and curated. In other words, your guests will swoon!
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Linens
5. Floral Napkins
If you’re keeping everything else fairly simple, then these floral block print napkins would look amazing at your Thanksgiving table! Paired with leather napkin ring (keep scrolling for a great option!), your table will have a modern cottagecore vibe. In short, you’ll have the coolest Thanksgiving table on the block!
6. Natural Fiber Table Runner
Woven natural fibers add tons of texture to a tablescape. In this case, the windowpane design plus the natural material will pop on an otherwise simple table without being too loud. While it comes in only one length (72″), you can probably line up several down a very long table and get away with it because of the straight line design!
7. Braided Table Runner
Add a layer of texture to your table with this braided table runner. So you can get the optimal size for your table, it comes in two lengths – both under $30! If your table is on the long side, you’ll appreciate the 108″ option, certainly.
8. Fringe Napkins
Soft olive green is a nice neutral color for Thanksgiving linens. You get some extra variety and interest with the varying tones and contrasting white fringe. Proof that neutral isn’t boring, not one bit!
9. Windowpane Placemats
Instead of plaid, consider black and white windowpane prints on your Thanksgiving table. However, sometimes placemats can look a bit cluttered on a table. Just make sure you have plenty of space between each person’s place setting so they aren’t overlapping. If you can manage that, then these are a winner for sure!
10. Neutral Print Napkins
These napkins from DII on Amazon are perfect any time of year, but will definitely work at Thanksgiving. Because of their taupe color and tiny print, the napkins simple enough to use with just about any napkin ring. Instead, you could do a semi-fancy fold (like a knot) as an alternative to a napkin ring, which is also budget-friendly (one less thing to buy!).
11. Tablecloth
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a high-quality tablecloth. On the contrary, a little goes a long way with this neutral stripe, tassel trim tablecloth. I have it in blue (as seen on this muted red, white, and blue tablescape) and cannot say enough good things! In case you’re wondering, it has washed beautifully and is easy to iron.
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Utensils
12. Gold Flatware
My long-time readers may be tired of hearing me sing the praises of this matte gold flatware. However, when you find something good, you just have to share? Right!? To see these in a real-life example, check out this modern Mother’s Day tablescape.
13. Spreader
A cute alternative to a butter knife, this copper handled spreader will add a touch of metallic shine to your Thanksgiving table decor. Moreover, it’s under $10, which makes it a Thanksgiving bargain!
14. Salad Servers
Get a handle on your Thanksgiving table decor and branch out of your same-old-same-old serving spoons (puns intended!). Your utensils don’t all have to match. Instead, you can use a variety as long as they’re in the same finish and general style. For instance, these would coordinate beautifully with other matte gold utensils.
15. Wood Serving Spoon
Wood elements on a Thanksgiving table are a natural. At this price, you can stock up so you have extra in case a loved one forgets to bring a spoon for their wouldn’t-be-Thanksgiving-without-it side dish! Meanwhile, you can use them year round, since they’re not holiday specific.
16. Demitasse Spoons and Forks
Is there anything cuter than a mini version of something!? Use these demitasse spoons and forks for sauces (cranberry anyone!?) and appetizers. Further, coffee will be extra cute served with these spoons!
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Centerpieces
17. Pumpkin Tea Light Holders
Minimalist Thanksgiving decor at its finest. You’ll get a ton of milage out of these pumpkin-shaped tea light holders all fall long! Use several as part of your centerpiece, as an example, for low lighting with a warm, coppery glow.
18. Ceramic Taper Candle Holder
Instead of brass, how about using ceramic in a post-modern bubbly design? For a more eclectic look, you can use a variety of candle holders in different heights. In addition, you can place them in groups rather than one straight line going down the center. Point is, don’t lock yourself into one certain way it has to be. Be creative and have fun!
19. Metal Taper Candle Holder
A twist on an old favorite, this two-in-one taper candle holder will be the talk of your Thanksgiving table! The curvy lines are simple yet super interesting. For extra visual variety and a more “lived-in” look, pre-burn your candles so they are not all the same height.
20. Pampas Grass
Next, let’s talk about a super trendy centerpiece floral arrangement: pampas grass. In addition, it’s incredibly easy to arrange. It just falls into place. When you have so many other things on your to-do list when hosting Thanksgiving, cutting little corners like this will help you get to the pumpkin pie finish line!
21. Ribbed Glass Votive Holder
I own and love this ribbed glass votive holder. The glass is on the thicker side, so it feels sturdy. You’ll love the way the light bounces around with the fluted edges. At 5″ high, it has presence without taking over. It’s a no-brainer add to your Thanksgiving table – and your home decor all year round!
22. Ceramic Vase
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pampas grass centerpiece vase, here it is! At 10″ tall, it’s an ideal height for a table vase. In addition, the narrow opening will keep the pampas grass from flopping over.
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Napkin Rings
23. Leather Napkin Rings
These leather napkin rings were a scroll stopper! I could not resist including them in this roundup. The leather will edge up your table and make your cloth napkin presentation a breeze by serving as a focal point to a simple fold.
24. Copper Napkin Rings
These simple copper napkin rings are a perfect way to add a touch of metallic to your table. In addition, you can customize the size of the ring to suit your budget and aesthetic! Customization is one of the beauties of shopping on Etsy. I love collaborating with sellers and rarely have a bad experience. If you’ve never shopped Etsy, give it a go!
25. Leaf Napkin Rings
Seasonal and yet not overt, these gold leaf napkin rings bring a subtle touch of the autumn season to your tablescape. Since it comes as a set of 12 different designs, your place settings are likely to be unique – depending on how many you have gathering!
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Serveware
26. Gravy Boat
In an era where we hardly make gravy except on special occasions, a gravy boat may not be something you have on hand. If that’s the case, pick up a cute one for under $20 at Amazon!
27. Wood Serveware
Break away from porcelain, and incorporate some ware wood serveware pieces. The wood tones add warmth to your table, while the modern lines keep it fresh and now. As a bonus, use the tray as part of your centerpiece or for transporting dishes from the kitchen to the table – or visa versa!
28. Turkey Platter
Turkey platters don’t have to be themed Thanksgiving. In fact, if you invest in something like this organically shaped platter, you can get a lot more use out of it. Furthermore, you don’t have to pack it away with your Thanksgiving decor, which is a time and space saver!
29. Butter Dish
Butter dishes are a fun table accessory. Depending on your table length, you may consider adding a couple in various places. In addition, don’t forget a cut butter knife – like the first one in this section, for instance!
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Plates
30. Charger Plates
Layering your place settings is a fantastic way to create interest and dimension on your table. Because these chargers are 1) super pretty and 2) a dupe for a way more expensive brand, I recommend using them as the starting point. Top with plates, napkins, and placards, and you’ll have a final look that is boutique worthy!
31. Stoneware Plates
If I had to choose one thing from this list as my top recommendation, these plates would be it. I have the complete dinnerware set and am extremely happy with it! I reach for them all the time like this fall picnic, for example.
Modern Thanksgiving Table Decor: Place Cards
32. Minimalist Place Cards
If you’re like me and not a fan of your own handwriting, buying a digital place card file you can customize and print is the way to go! In this example, you can add your guests’ names. This particular design will work even if you don’t have a color printer since it’s designed in black and white.
33. Place Card Holders
A long-time favorite of mine, these gold pumpkin place card holders will be the ones you reach for year after year. While they come with place cards, you don’t have to use them. You can swap them out for just about any card design as long as the size is about the same!
34. Thin Place Cards and Menu
Impress your guests with a menu, which works if you’re cooking (or catering!) the entire meal – appetizer to dessert. Add a coordinating place card like this one, for instance, to create a cohesive effect!
In conclusion, modern thanksgiving table decor does not have to break the budget. You can create a beautiful table with a modern aesthetic in a budget friendly way. Furthermore, you can do so by ordering just about everything online and have it shipped right to your door! When you’re a busy hostess, any time saved is a plus!
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