Natural Minimalist Thanksgiving Tablescape

Hosting Thanksgiving for the first time and not sure how to decorate and set your table?

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’m showing you how to add inexpensive décor and materials to create a minimalist, natural and beautiful table setting.

1.Lay down a table runner

2. Add candles in varying heights

3. Add small décor

4. Pick placemats that compliment the table runner

5. Wrap a cloth napkin around your dinner plate

6. Add a water glass and wine glass

7. Free Printable

lay down a table runner

I used this table runner that I got a few years ago from TJ Maxx.

I picked it out because it has a neutral color scheme with just a few alternating colors.

The table runner acts as a backdrop to the decorations that you place on top of it so I would pick your table runner first.

TIP: If you plan on adding a variety of decorations on top of the table runner, I would stick to a simple and monochromatic looking table runner. If you think that you will just have one anchor piece on the table, go for the intricate and busy table runner!

a natural minimalist thanksgiving tablescape with a dark farmhouse dining table and a neutral table runner

2. add candles in varying heights

I found these small clear glass candlestick holders at a thrift store years ago and I am still using them to this day. The gold candlestick, I just bought this year at HomeGoods for $8.

I centered the largest candlestick holder, the gold one in the middle of the table runner. This is acting as my centerpiece.

From there, I added two small clear glass candlestick holders on each side. To prevent it from looking too formal, I used brand new candles for the middle three and half used candles for the outer two.

candlesticks on a brown cream table runner on a dark farmhouse dining room table

3. add small décor

I bought small rattan pumpkins from Hobby Lobby this year for about $6 for a pack of 3.

The sparkly pinecones are also from Hobby Lobby but from last year.

I already had some battery operated candles so I threw a few of those in too.

TIP: The candlesticks are the tallest so I put them down in a symmetrical line but for decorations, I would arrange them randomly. If the small décor is too symmetrical, it can look a little rigid and forced.

fall tablescape including a farmhouse dining table, rattan pumpkins, sparkly pine cones and battery candles

4. pick placemats that compliment the table runner

These blue placemats are our everyday placemats.

I chose to use them for this tablescape because they compliment the design of the table runner without competing with it.

Since the center of the table has a lot going on with a designed table runner, large candlesticks and small décor, the placemats need to be a solid color with a simple design.

I wanted the center of the dining room table to draw your eye in. That is the focus. So to compliment the design without overpowering it, simple, solid colored placemats are a win.

I found these beautiful blue placemats at Target this year for $4 each. Such a deal!

TIP: If you have a simple table runner with a simple centerpiece, go for the patterned and busy placemats!

dark brown dining table blue placement white plate white napkin clear water glass wine glass

5. wrap a cloth napkin around your dinner plate

I found a pack of plain white cotton dinner napkins on Amazon for super cheap!

Since I planned on placing these Blessed and Thankful wood cutouts on the dinner plate, I wanted the words to sit flat on the plate. If I didn’t have the napkin behind it, the words would slide around on the dinner plate.

OPTIONAL: Fold the napkin into thirds and iron the top so that the napkins stays in that position.

amazon white cloth napkin over a white plate on a blue target placement, thanksgiving table place setting

6. add a water cup (and wine glass)

For a formal table setting, the water glass goes on the right upper quadrant of the table setting closest to the guest. To the right of the water cup goes a white wine glass or a red wine glass.