Thanksgiving is a day to be with those you’re thankful to have in your life. This simple modern Thanksgiving tablescape is easy for you to recreate, so you can spend time with your loved ones, and not much time setting the table.
It’s super easy (and affordable).
The simplicity of the table setting is what makes it attractive. You can easily see the details and the theme of the table setting.
For this casual Thanksgiving Day tablescape, I choose to use bright orange and ruby red as the accent colors.
We tend to associate Fall colors with Thanksgiving since the holiday is during the Autumn season. However, you can use whatever color combination you prefer.
I have seen Thanksgiving tables in blue and orange, black and white, pink and orange, green and blue – you get the picture….do what you want.
It’s your table.
Thanksgiving is about having your family and/or friends together around the table and appreciating each other. So the primary focus is on the ability to see and talk with each other.
You don’t want large centerpieces getting in the way.
Make sure your Thanksgiving centerpiece is low and that your guests can easily see over it. You don’t want them dodging a flower arrangement just so they can talk to the person across from them.
That can put a damper on your meal.
As I mentioned, this simple and modern Thanksgiving Day table is easy for you to recreate. And it is also cheap to diy!
Bonus!
I know you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your Thanksgiving table decorations.
I’ve got your back.
This Thanksgiving table setting is easy to decorate on a budget.
Read on and see how to do it yourself.
How to Recreate this Simple Modern Thanksgiving Table Setting
Step 1: Decide on Your Thanksgiving Tablescape’s Base Layer
The first question you need to decide when planning your modern Thanksgiving Day table setting is if you are going to use placemats or a tablecloth.
You really should use something to protect your table from any potential scratches or nicks. Plus, placemats or a tablecloth can elevate the look of your table setting.
I chose to go with the look of placemats on my Thanksgiving Day dining table.
Funny thing though – they aren’t placemats. They’re white napkins!
Yep, I used napkins in place of placemats.
Why?
Because the napkins can be used later for their intended purpose, and I knew I would get more use out of napkins than placemats.
Pretty smart, huh!
*Note: this modern Thanksgiving table would also look really nice with a simple white tablecloth.
Step 2: Create Your Simple DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece
The centerpiece on this Thanksgiving table is SO simple and clean-looking. The best element of the centerpiece is that it is low and won’t interfere with people talking to each other.
To create this simple centerpiece, I gave cheap foam pumpkins an easy DIY makeover.
Check out the diy project to make your own modern glitter pumpkins. You can knock them out in no time. I love the combination of matte white with sparkly red and orange.
Super easy! And cheap!!
Once you have your glitter diy pumpkins, arrange them in the center of your table with the larger ones in the center, surrounded by the smaller ones.
Have fun with your Thanksgiving Day centerpiece and mix up the pumpkins’ colors and placement.
In all seriousness – isn’t this the easiest centerpiece!
I bet your guest will love it, too.
*Note: you can lay out your centerpiece days in advance or leave it on the table for days after Thanksgiving. It’s attractive just by itself.
Step 3: Arrange the Simple Thanksgiving Place Settings
Now that your simple, modern Thanksgiving Day centerpiece is complete, it’s time to add the place settings.
As I mentioned above, I decide to go with placemats (not a tablecloth) as the foundation for my tablescape.
To continue with the red, orange, and white colors, I used red charger plates from Dollar Tree. SO pretty and shiny! And SO cheap!!
I then added my flatware: a sleek, modern, silver setting. I love how it continues the simple (yet sophisticated) look of the Thanksgiving Day table.
Next, I placed the water and wine glasses. I kept these simple too, as I didn’t want them to be the focus on the table.
On top of the red charger plates, I added a super easy diy leaf place card. You can see how easy they are to make yourself.
I made them to match the look of the modern glitter pumpkins. In fact, you can easily make them at the same time, as they use the same supplies. Yay!
*Note: I didn’t add names to the leaf place cards when I laid out the place setting. This is something you can easily do right before your guests arrive. To make them special, you can write a note of “thanks” on the back and date them.
I decided that I preferred the look of the leaf place cards toward the bottom of the charger plate, versus in the middle of it. I liked the juxtaposition.
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Notice how I didn’t use a plate in my place setting.
Do you know why???
Because this is a Thanksgiving Day table setting – most of us have a buffet table for the meal – so the plates are stacked at the buffet table.
You might also notice that the napkins also aren’t part of the place setting.
Instead, I opted to hang them over the chairs.
Why? (I really thought this through.)
Because, when your guests have loaded up their plate with food from the buffet table, they can easily put their plate down on the charger and then grab the napkin to put in their laps.
Simple and unique!
Step 4: Complete Your Simple, Modern Thanksgiving Tablescape
Usually, at this stage of the table setting process, you would add any extra embellishments to complete the look of your tablescape.
But this is a simple, modern Thanksgiving Day tablescape, so nothing more is needed to add to it.
However, (as mentioned above) Thanksgiving meals are often presented on a buffet table. So, I am also showing you how to integrate the buffet table into the overall look of your Thanksgiving décor and table setting.
Check out the matching chic minimalist Thanksgiving Day buffet table here.
Don’t you love how easy it is to decorate this Thanksgiving Day table on a budget!
Enjoy your meal with your friends and family.
Check out the easy DIY projects to decorate this tablescape:
And the matching Thanksgiving food buffet:
Shop the Table (if you don’t have time for a DIY)
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. I may get commissions (at no cost to you) for purchases made through these links. You can read my full disclosure for more details.
White Napkins
Red Charger Plate
Glitter Pumpkins
White Foam Pumpkins
Leaf Ornaments
Red Wine Glasses
Tall Drinking Glass
