Thanksgiving Table Setting with Navy & Pumpkins

Whether your gathering is small or large, make the day special with a set table. Use my best tips to create your own traditional Thanksgiving table with navy and natural accents, punches of color and, of course, the season’ best, pumpkins.

Navy and natural place setting with pumpkins

There is just something about a set table that is so inviting! It lets guests know just how special they are and creates cozy memories before the meal even begins.

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This year, I’ve had my Thanksgiving family table set for a couple of weeks and have just been enjoying the festive atmosphere it creates. The sense of anticipation and holiday joy that’s brewing just can’t be ignored… you might even say, it’s been contagious!

For weeks, we’ve been talking about our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, holiday memories and even planning a few new family traditions.

velvet pumpkin centerpiece and acorn salt and pepper shakers on a Thanksgiving table

Every year brings new inspiration, and this year’s table started with these acorn salt and pepper shakers. I couldn’t resist their little brown-brushed acorn tops and shape. And while I knew my table was going to be all about pumpkins, I was sure these acorns would bring a little extra (and unexpected) fall delight!

sea grass mats, navy chargers, faux wooden plates with soft rusty orange napkins, Wedgewood bowls and pumpkins

The place settings this year mixes the natural and the dressy for a decidedly traditional look. Navy chargers, sea grass mats, faux wooden dinner plates are the perfect platform for a little Wedgewood china.

Gather around a family Thanksgiving table with navy and pumpkin decorations

casual navy and natural table setting with pumpkins for a family Thanksgiving

The centerpiece this year is simple but perfect for the family gathering we have planned. Plucky velvet pumpkins nestled around a natural braided corn husk pumpkin in a long wooden tray create a lot of cozy warm texture, but keeps the decor low enough to make conversation across the table easy.

Velvet Pumpkins in a wooden tray create an easy low centerpiece that makes conversation around the table easy.

Little details like serving dishes shaped like leaves and a few thrifted, patined silver serving utensils keep fall and all the Thanksgiving feels front and center.

Fall serving dishes shaped like leaves are perfect for appetizers, snacks or side dishes.

Fall is replete with nuts, leaves, branches, gourds and seeds. Each one with its own beauty and potential to inspire the imagination!

Let that inspiration and excitement for the holidays spill over onto your table this year. Set something special. Welcome guests to sit down. Create memories that reflect just how important your friends and family really are.

Candles in old fashioned brass candle holders create a warm atmosphere.

Tablescape Tips to Remember

Keep the centerpiece low so that friends and family find it easy to talk across the table. Good conversation and laughter is what getting together is all about!
Infuse a bit of color into your table decorations along with texture to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere.
If you’re serving food at the table, you might forego a centerpiece and just let the food be the star! No need to crowd the table just to have one. Dress the table with a runner down the center of the table and put a centerpiece somewhere else– the coffee table, kitchen island, the dining room buffet.

overhead view of 6 Thanksgiving place setting with navy and pumpkins

What About Buffet Style?

Are you serving your holiday meal buffet-style this year? Here are my best tips and practices for setting up a successful buffet that keeps traffic flowing and plates full!