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The Thanksgiving Edit

Thanksgiving Table, Decor & Hosting Ideas

A table you love, a menu you can manage, and a little more time with everyone around it.

Explore the Thanksgiving Tables

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The Thanksgiving Tables

The Table

Nothing Matches. Everything Works.

By Jennifer · Thriving The Holidays

This year’s table is collected, not coordinated: scalloped and floral plates layered on plain ones, gingham beside toile, a low run of mums and brass candlesticks at mixed heights. A linen cloth underneath calms all that pattern down. It flatters the plates you already own and forgives the guest who confirms the night before.

Read the Collected Table Story

The Table, Second Look

One Color, Done Properly

Cranberry, cream and natural linen, with brass candlelight and a runner scattered with sugared cranberries. The post has the full setup and four recipes, from a cranberry curd tart to a sparkling rosemary punch. Red is the one color nobody has to be talked into in November.

Read the Cranberry Table Story

See the Trend: Nancy Meyers See the Trend: Ralph Lauren

Shop My Thanksgiving Table Finds

The Menu

Recognizable dishes, written with make-ahead notes so the oven schedule works on paper first.

Also on the menuCranberry Orange SauceGreen BeansCranberry Curd Tart and Sparkling Punch

Store-bought pie is allowed. Nobody has ever asked for the receipt.

Get the Thanksgiving Recipes See the Thanksgiving Plan

Hosting, Handled

  • The Kids’ Table

    Kraft paper over the cloth and washable markers.

  • The Help-Yourself Drinks Station

    Glasses out, water poured, a good alcohol-free option up front.

    See the Drinks Station

The Prep Timeline

  1. Two weeks out: count chairs and plates, pull out the linens, order anything missing.
  2. One week out: buy the turkey and check its thawing time. Make the cranberry sauce, which keeps in the fridge.
  3. Weekend before: set the table, centerpiece included. Faux mums can go out early.
  4. Two days out: cook the stuffing vegetables, make the dip, trim the beans.
  5. The day before: bake pies and tarts, chill the punch juices.
  6. Thursday: roast, reheat, and add the sparkling water and ginger ale just before serving.

See the Make-Ahead Guide See the Turkey Guide

The Finishing Touches

See the Collected Table Shop My Fall & Thanksgiving List

Then Sit Down.

Set a table you like, then take your seat at it.