Important points
- Avoid overly themed decorations, which can seem more tacky than chic.
- Don't overcrowd your table with seasonal decorations that overwhelm the food.
- Choose the centerpiece at the right height to avoid blocking the view of the table.
Setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table that makes family and friends feel welcome and festive is just as important as designing the perfect menu. Take time to plan your table setting to ensure it is both functional and visually appealing before the festivities begin.
We asked a designer to name the Thanksgiving table setting faux pas you should avoid so you can make a good impression when hosting this year.
Meet the expert
Tavia Forbes is co-founder of the interior design studio Forbes Masters.
Overly themed decor
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Don't be too pushy when it comes to Christmas decorations, says interior designer Tavia Forbes.
“You don’t need a turkey motif or sparkly pumpkin to make it feel like Thanksgiving,” she says. “I prefer a quieter approach with natural linens, aged metals and hand-finished ceramics. The season should be expressed in texture and tone, not props. If it looks like it came from the craft department, leave it there.”
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The table is full
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When setting the table, remember that people need space to relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving meal. And never choose centerpieces that are too tall, such as floral arrangements or candelabras, that block the view of the table.
“Once the food, glasses, and elbows hit the table, most of the decor becomes clutter,” says Forbes. “Minimize it. Keep everything low and sculptural with a group of candles, a few small vessels or a simple branch. Let the table breathe so conversations and connections have room to emerge.”
Bad lighting
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Never neglect the importance of good lighting when you want to create a holiday mood.
“Lighting determines the success of a table,” warns Forbes. “Blankets can make everything flat and cold. Turn them off. Let candles do most of the work and add a lamp nearby to create a soft, flattering glow. The goal is to make everything and everyone look warmer and more vibrant.”
Over-scenting the room
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Save the scented candles and room sprays for the living room, says Forbes.
“A strong candle can ruin a great meal,” she says. “Scent should never compete with the food. I'll burn something subtle in another room, like wood smoke or cloves, or leave the scent out altogether. You want to smell the roast and the wine, not a pumpkin candle.”
Too much yellow and orange
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Consider refining your tablescape color palette before moving on to the obvious seasonal hues.
“Orange and yellow can seem expected and one-dimensional,” notes Forbes. “I love the richness of auburn and burgundy, balanced with something cool or moody like teal, moss or charcoal. These combinations seem more deliberate and layered, like a still life rather than a theme.”
Ignore small details
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Forbes says guests notice small, quiet details, so don't forget to hone in on the little things.
“People think the centerpiece is what makes a table beautiful, but really it's the layers,” says Forbes. “If every element is taken into account, you don't need much more. It's not about more, it's about intention.”
Pay attention to small details like the texture of the napkins, cutlery, or the way a linen tablecloth drapes.