Food and Recipes Holiday and Occasion Food Natural and Rustic Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas By Amy Bickers Abeyta Amy Bickers Abeyta Amy Bickers Abeyta is an assistant vice president of communications with more than 25 years of experience in feature writing, magazine editing, and project management. Amy was the editor of six Southern Living Special Editions. Several of her essays are featured in Southern Living Heirloom Recipe Cookbook and Southern Living Comfort Food. Her work has also appeared in HGTV Magazine and Coastal Living. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on August 23, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 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 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 Our Editor's Picks from Elizabeth's Table 02 of 09 Start with a Plate 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 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 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 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; fairyfolk.etsy.com 06 of 09 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 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/brand/roost 08 of 09 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. 09 of 09 More Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas Laurey W. Glenn How To Set a Thanksgiving Table Based on Its Shape 25 Thanksgiving Table Ideas for a Festive Holiday Dinner Tablecloths That Will Be The Crown Jewel Of Your Thanksgiving Table Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit