Simple Rustic Farmhouse Thanksgiving Table Setting

Fall colors and a bountiful harvest create a Simple Rustic Farmhouse Thanksgiving Table Setting that’s perfect for your holiday gathering.

To me, one of the best parts of Thanksgiving is gathering around the table with friends and family.  Since the table is where we spend much of our time together on this holiday, why not make it extra special with beautiful table decor and thoughtful details?

For an avid entertainer like myself, Thanksgiving is the ultimate holiday to host.  This year I’m giving my Thanksgiving table a timeless, rustic update inspired by the colors of autumn, pumpkins, and a bountiful harvest.

How to Host an Effortless Thanksgiving Dinner

After hosting Thanksgiving year after year I’ve learned a thing or two about setting the tone for a beautiful and stress-free meal.  Effortless, convenient, and memorable are all things that you will find at the top of my entertaining checklist because let’s face it, no one wants to do dishes after cooking and baking all day long.

Here are a few tips for hosting the ultimate effortless Thanksgiving dinner.

Set the Scene

Your table can be the first impression your guests will have of the fun-filled day ahead.  Play with texture, patterns, and color to create a warm and welcoming table where guests will want to linger longer over delicious food and great conversation.

Instead of the traditional white tablecloth opt for something more rustic like burlap fabric and incorporate natural elements, wood, and soft linens to set your Thanksgiving table.

Make a Statement with Layers

Create a gorgeous, simple place setting by layering plates, colors, and textures.  Start with a rich navy charger and lay a patterned linen napkin on top of the charger. Layer a Chinet ® Classic White™ dinner plate on top of the napkin for a simple, classic look.

I cut pieces of patterned, colorful scrapbook paper and layered them beneath Chinet ® Cut Crystal ® dessert plates for an
added pop of color and texture. There’s no need for fancy china when you can create your own beautiful farmhouse Thanksgiving table settings with lots of layers, patterns, and color…plus you’ll love the easy, effortless cleanup of this place setting.

Think Beyond Pumpkins

Get inspired by the bountiful harvest and seasonal accents you can find this time of year. Head to your local farmer’s market or stroll through the grocery store’s produce aisle for a variety of pumpkins, squash, and other fall foliage perfect for a rustic fall table setting. 

Steal the Show with Sides

The bird may be the main attraction at Thanksgiving, but the right Thanksgiving side dishes can make your holiday spread an especially delicious and memorable one. This year, mix things up and think beyond traditional mashed potatoes and stuffing and serve a colorful harvest bounty of roasted Brussels sprouts and Butternut Squash side dish. This colorful side dish will make it hard to save room for dessert.

Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

Show your loved ones how grateful you are to have them join you on this special occasion with a small token of appreciation. Fill small metallic tin buckets with harvest-inspired chocolate candy. For a chic-meets-easy place card, add a metallic flag with each guest’s name.  

I’ve always believed that the best conversations happen when family and friends are gathered together around the table with good food, great conversation, and lots of laughter. Whether you are planning a huge Thanksgiving dinner for the entire family or a smaller, more intimate affair with close friends, set the table, count your blessings, and bring the bounty of the fall home with a
simple, rustic Thanksgiving table setting.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration for entertaining this fall? Make sure you check out our Kids’ Thanksgiving Table Ideas to help you turn the ordinary into extraordinary this Thanksgiving.