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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.