Setting Our Thanksgiving Table & Decorating the Dining Room
The next stop on my holiday home tour is our dining room. While the space itself isn’t completed or renovated, that doesn’t stop us from putting this room to good use. It’s a blank canvas that makes for an easy space to style until we find the time or energy to tackle this room. My father-in-law arrives this week and will be spending Thanksgiving with us, so I styled a smaller scale tablescape. Click through for my simple process for setting a Thanksgiving table, and to see the dining room currently decorated for the holidays.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably already know the story behind our vintage dining set. If not- it’s worth a read! We finally found the last piece of our dining set puzzle and have been enjoying it since. Here’s how it looks today…
Setting a Simple Thanksgiving Tablescape
Setting a table for four felt so easy this year… I’m hoping to continue that mindset since Emmett & I have been sick and are continuing to recover. My goal is to streamline Thanksgiving this year. I’m taking the minimalistic route, while keeping things beautiful and delicious. I pre-ordered the majority of our meal from an amazing local bakery and will stick to a few staples I enjoy making. With lower energy this year, here’s how I assembled our quick and classic holiday tablescape…
Start with a Runner
You know I’m a big fan of Greek key decor… I scored this table runner for less than $20! After ironing out the wrinkles, it set the foundation for our table. Against our black table, the contrast felt really nice.
Layer Serveware
Next, I layered the serveware. I started with our French Pillivuyt plates, and grabbed a new set of patterned Spode plates for the occasion. Aren’t they pretty?
Next, I pulled out the glassware, flatware, and may or may not have had to run the dishwasher before proceeding. Do you ever pull out dishes you haven’t used in a while and are slightly appalled by the dust? Yeah, me too.
Add Napkins
When searching for napkins, I try to find table textiles in natural materials- like cotton or linen. These linen napkins perfectly matched my new table runner… a happy accident. Rather than using napkin rings, ties, or a bow this time around- I decided to neatly fold them, keeping things simple.
Arrange a Centerpiece & Add Candles
I had an extra strand of pine needle garland leftover from my holiday decorating, so I grabbed the wire cutters and snipped it in half to fashion a quick & easy shortened centerpiece. Don’t be afraid to trim down holiday greenery to use on the dining table! Alongside candles and ribbon, garland looks perfectly textural and understated. I didn’t end up using the entire piece, so it went to live in another room. Here’s how the table came together…
Tabletop Get the Look
Click directly on each item within the collage to be directed to the source…
I was able to find everything I used for my tablescape, so it’s all linked above for you. I rarely set a table for four, so this was a fun creative exercise.
This year’s Thanksgiving table was inspired by my new Spode plates. I love the brown toile pattern edge detail and traditional touch they add. Aside from the plates and runner- I used items we already had here at home.
Decorating the Dining Room for the Holidays
Our dining room is basically a blank canvas to renovate someday… white walls, half of the trim has been pulled down, and it’s a shell of a space. Aside from our dining set, the only thing that exists in this open concept room is our vintage sideboard, which I style every holiday. In keeping things easy this year, I layered up some greenery, tucked in a few pinecones and dehydrated oranges, leaned a work of art, set out a favorite seasonal candle, and adorned a marble catch all with a vintage French horn. Less is more when it comes to sideboard styling sometimes!
FAQ
I actually shared a blog post comparing my Pillivuyt French Dinnerware vs Budget Target Comparison plates. They’re surprisingly close, are lower priced, and the quality seems really good. Give that blog post a read for an in-depth look! I think it would be a fabulous alternative for you.
Of course. It’s actually on sale for Black Friday right now… 50% off. You can find my exact set, here!
Related
Looking for more tabletop or holiday inspiration? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below! There is nothing I love more than hosting a festive dinner party or decking our house out for the holidays…
- Simple Holiday Tablescape
- 20 Ways to Decorate with Ribbon This Holiday Season
- Christmas Tour: Holiday Basement Bar & Media Room
- Wispy Pine Needle Centerpiece Arrangement DIY
- Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar
- 10 Holiday Front Door & Porch Decorating Essentials
- A Look Back at My Holiday Mantel Styling
- Christmas Tour: Kitchen & Dining
- 10 Ideas for Styling Garland
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? How many spaces at the table do you typically set? I’ll be taking Thanksgiving off to rest (hoping to feel better) and to spend time with our family. However, before I sign off- I’ll be sharing one last gift guide tomorrow, ahead of Black Friday. If you missed my annual holiday gift guide, be sure to check it out or bookmark it. Most everything is on sale or will go on sale later this week, if you’re shopping. Check back tomorrow! I hope everyone is having a good week.