How To Create A Modern Thanksgiving Tablescape

America's favorite holiday is happening big-time this year. Here are some tips to make it inspired and uniquely yours.

5 Tips To Create the Perfect Thanksgiving Tablescape

Table Toppings:  The color of your dinnerware can help set the tone for your tablescape whether it's on a tablecloth, table runner or placemat.  White dinnerware is timeless and looks beautiful against a colorful or festive tablecloth.  Pastel tones are more retro while darker hued dinnerware like sage, neutrals and browns add a more natural and organic feel to the table.  A classic white tablecloth offers a blank palette to bring your holiday vision to life.  If a tablecloth isn’t your style, then consider a table runner (yes, it “runs” the length of the table and creates the perfect runway for your holiday décor).  Placemats allow you to create each place setting individually...and there’s no rule that says everything must match.

Cloth napkins serve an essential purpose, and add some decorative fun.  Fold them, tent them, use a napkin ring or create a pouch where you can insert silverware, a flower or herb sprig or even a mini menu. Mix colors and patterns to add to your table’s eclectic and elegant feel.

Flowers add visual candy with colorful pops of rich Fall florals.  The most popular include:  Mums, Chrysanthemums, Daises and Roses.  But don’t overlook dried foliage: Canella berries, grasses, yarrow, wild lily pods or blue thistle. Display them both in different sized vessels including glasses, pitchers, ice buckets or even a wicker basket for a crafted and curated look.

Get your glow on:  Every holiday table needs a soft glow.  Candles, in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, are fun to mix and match.  Try a trio of lanterns.  Luminaries are small paper lanterns with candles inside.  Eye-catching mercury glass votives provide shimmery dots of candlelight around your table. Tall pillar candles with cylindrical vases.  Classic silver candlesticks or a candelabra. Create a seasonal centerpiece with a mix of candles, fresh flowers and dried foliage.  Above all, make it your own and have fun. You simply can’t go wrong mixing up nature’s elements.

Send the kids on a scouting expedition for that perfect red, orange or yellow leaf which makes great place cards!  Don’t forget the acorns and pinecones-which are all over the ground right about now.  Have them create their own leaf bouquet and scatter a few acorns around the table.  Mix everything in with essential get-your-glow-on candle lights and you are ready to host!

Now that you know what goes on top of the table, let Merrick Lane help you find the perfect foundation.  Shop our dining tables.  Shop our dining chairs. Shop our serving and bar carts for all of your entertaining necessities.