Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. But if you're planning the holiday dinner, it can also be stressful. And when you're stressed about Thanksgiving, it's tempting to fall back on the same old decorations and dishes that worked last year. But why not try something new? Why not give your table a makeover that'll really show off your creativity? With these five tips, we'll show you how:

1. Choose your color palette.

• Choose a color scheme that matches your home decor. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving at home, think about how many elements from this day will carry over into other areas of the house (think seasonal decorations). Consider using complementary colors instead of matching ones—this allows you to create harmony without being too matchy-matchy!
• Use seasonal hues like pumpkin and marigold (or whatever else is appropriate for the season). These are always good choices for holiday tablescapes because they balance out any palette with warmth and cheeriness!
• Use foods' natural colors when arranging them on display surfaces like coffee tables/end tables or tabletops; this makes it easier for people who aren't familiar with food presentation techniques to figure out what goes where when there isn't an obvious pattern showing up on their plate yet…

2. Pick a theme.

Are you and your family celebrating Thanksgiving in a hotel lobby? Do you have a way-too-small table that's been passed down for generations of your family and is now only useful for storing old jewelry and tattered letters from ancestors who lived on the other side of the country? Are you hosting your first dinner party ever, but don't know where to start?

The most important thing is that you have fun. You can go minimalist and create a simple table setting with some candles, or go all out with a theme that matches the holiday. Whatever works for you! Just remember not to get overwhelmed by too many ideas—that's when things get complicated.

3. Don't overlook the tabletop decorations.

The centerpiece is a great place to start. You’re going to want it to be an element that brings your table together—a focal point for people who are seated at the table and something that ties in with the rest of the decorations.

In addition to this, consider other tabletop decorations that will be sure to impress guests: napkin rings and place cards. If you don't want to go overboard on the place cards (they can seem fussy), try adding them at each setting with simple, handwritten labels by each plate or glass.

Last but not least, don’t forget about your tablecloth! Whether it's made of linen or lace-trimmed cotton, this will help bring everything together into a cohesive look for your Thanksgiving dinner table setting.

4. Consider a buffet-style set up.

Buffet style is great for large groups because it allows for more people to be seated at the table, and it leaves room for food. You can even add a buffet table or two (or three) and make your Thanksgiving meal feel like a party. If you're going all out, set up stations with different types of food: one with salads, one with breads and desserts, another with meats and seafood. The more stuff your guests have to choose from, the better!This allows everyone to serve themselves as they please while still being able to sit down together and talk about their day/family/work/life in general. It also means that there's less pressure on you as host—you won't have to worry about making sure everyone gets enough seconds or thirds if they want them!

5. Make it personal, but don't stress!

• Don't stress about making it perfect. You'll have a million things on your plate this holiday season, so don't let table setting be one of them. Take advantage of what you already have, and remember that the holidays are about spending time with family and friends.
• Make sure the table is safe for everyone who'll be sitting at it (especially kids). Make sure there are no sharp corners or pieces ready to fall off.
• Make sure the table is clean. If you have any crumbs from last night's dinner or if there was some spilled wine earlier in the evening, make sure those things are cleaned up before putting out your dishes!
• Make sure the table is beautiful—even if that means using a few mismatched plates or some candles instead of traditional lighting methods like chandeliers or sconces around candles; whatever makes YOU happy! And finally…

There are no rules for Thanksgiving table decorating. You can be as creative or traditional as you like and still enjoy the holiday. The most important thing is to pick a theme and stick with it! Don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money on decorations either; sometimes all you need is some creativity and time spent together with friends and family.