Natural and Rustic Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas

Acorn and Fall Leaves Thanksgiving Table Setting
Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Thanksgiving table settings to some are even more exciting than Christmas. Preparing for and setting your Thanksgiving table is the kick-off for the holiday season. There are so many different table-decorating and Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas and many are around a theme— rustic, elegant, traditional, modern, and organic to name a few. Each table should have its own personality, but a rustic table setting is a more seasonal and non-fussy approach. Designer Liz Demos selected to go with woodsy and elegant accents to make her guests feel at home this Thanksgiving, avoiding elaborate Thanksgiving centerpieces and using a happy balance of inexpensive grocery store flowers and bits from the garden. If you'd also like to keep it simple this November, these are the Thanksgiving table decoration ideas that will really wow your guests this holiday season. Learn how to create this look for your Thanksgiving table—we've provided the inspiration along with a complete list of sources.

01 of 09

How to Create Rustic Elegance

Rustic Elegance
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Savannah designer and stylist Elizabeth Demos looks to nature's best for her warm table. "I wanted it to be rustic and woodsy­—sans gnomes," Demos says. "A fabulous table setting can be as close as the local tree service, the farmers' market, or your own backyard."

She stresses there are no rules when it comes to a lovely tablescape. "You don't have to use objects for their intended purposes. I used petite tart tins for individual salt and pepper holders and canning jars for candleholders. Look at your own possessions in a different way," Demos says. "Dig deep in your cabinets. There are some gems hiding in there." She also loves to shop estate sales and the Web (etsy.com is a favorite source) to score great accessories.

Oil painting: by Bert John; bertjohn.com

Hotel silver, chairs, linen draperies, and glassware: Vintage General

02 of 09

Start with a Plate

Acorn and Fall Leaves Thanksgiving Table Setting
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

Simple white plates paired with timeless flatware and thin stemware keep this more rustic setting looking elegant. Bold orange napkins give the setting a pop of seasonal color. The flatware, bread and butter plates, and carving set are antiques—keep an eye on local estate sales and antique stores for these treasures.

China: White Oak by Sophie Conran for Portmeirion; portmeirion.co.uk

03 of 09

Stack a Multilevel Centerpiece

Stack a Multilevel Centerpiece
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Use cut logs to create different levels at the center of the table. You can also use wooden boxes or vintage books. Stack the logs along the length of the table, and top some with moss, others with small arrangements, and still others with candles.

Log slices: from Winter Woods; winterwoods.com

04 of 09

Create Small Arrangements

Create Small Arrangements
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Use silver serving pieces as petite vases for individual blooms rather than creating one large floral centerpiece. Elizabeth used dahlias, lamb's ears, drumsticks, yarrow, and artemisia leaves for her fall look.

05 of 09

Use Playful Place Cards

Use Playful Place Cards
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Write the name of each guest on a leaf place card attached to a little felted acorn that doubles as a fun party favor. Scatter loose felted acorns—or real ones—up and down the table to play up the natural theme.

Felted Acorn Place Cards and Loose Felted Acorns: Fairyfolk; etsy.com

06 of 09

Stamp a Simple Design

Stamp a Simple Design
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Gently press a faux wood-grain tool over chilled pats of butter cut into 1⁄4-inch slices. Adjust your position so each butter pat looks different. Keep butter chilled until ready to serve. Do not stack or overlap them. Look for butter presses at estate sales.

07 of 09

Finish With Candles

Finish With Candles
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Complete your look by adding candles. Elizabeth used simple canning jars along with lanterns from Roost. The lantern glass complements her fall color palette.

Festival Lanterns: by Roost, available through Velocity Art and Design; remodelista.com

08 of 09

Embellish the Buffet

Embellish the Buffet
Photo: Jennifer Davick

The easiest holiday hors d'oeuvres are nuts. Serve them in mismatched silver bowls, varying heights with more cut logs. Top your wine carafe with a fresh fig for a seasonal touch.

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