Thanksgiving Table Decor – Simple + Modern

Get ready for Thanksgiving with a beautiful, simple, modern tablescape. See how we made this Thanksgiving Table Decor Idea below.

You don’t need much to create a beautiful space, just a few key ingredients. 

Thanksgiving Table Decor – Simple + Modern

Happy Thanksgiving! I know many of us are ready to celebrate the season. 

Despite our losses, ups and downs, and collective heartaches as a country, we still have much to be thankful for this year.

We’ve had our share of losses over the years, and the number of people at our Thanksgiving table gets smaller and smaller.

I can’t tell you it will get better.

I can’t tell you that one day, you’ll stop grieving.

All I can do is tell you to take it one day at a time.

And remember the time you had with those loved ones.

We can still be thankful

I am thankful for my years with my parents, grandma, and favorite aunt.

I need more time, but I’ve learned to appreciate them even more and the people I still have around me.

Speaking of being thankful, let’s talk about how to decorate your table for Thanksgiving (because that’s what you’re here for, not my rambling). 

While Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday, I show up for the food and pretty decor.

I mean, who wants to celebrate the original tradition of Thanksgiving? Not me. 

And while we are thankful every day, pausing to come together as a family with tons of delicious food is okay by me.

If you’re reading this, that means you made it through this year.

Despite the trials, unrest, personal struggles, virtual learning, and being stuck with kids 24/7, you’re still here.

You didn’t give up.

There were days you probably wanted just to let it all go.

I’ve had those moments and allowed myself to have those moments.

Then I got up, wiped away my tears, prayed, and returned to work.

So here’s to us for making it through this year. 

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

I loved using fake flowers in my tablescapes a few years ago.

However, I have loved adding fresh greenery and real flowers in the past two years.

For this Thanksgiving centerpiece, I’m using fresh eucalyptus (although my store doesn’t have fresh-looking eucalyptus, so they look kinda sad) and mini white pumpkins.

I’ve used real pumpkins in a few tablescapes, and there’s something about the real thing that does it for me: Pumpkin Centerpiece, Friendsgiving  Idea. 

What you will need for this centerpiece 

• 8-9 eucalyptus | Farmer’s Market (or local grocery store) (the amount you will need will depend on the length of your table. Our table is about 70 inches long)
• 7-8 mini white pumpkins | Kroger (because the season is almost over, the pickings were slim.)
• 4 small green glass pumpkins | HomeGoods
• Mini battery-operated lights | Craft store
• 2 Tall glass pumpkins | HomeGoods
• Gold Candlesticks | TJMaxx

How to put it all together:

I started by laying the stems of the eucalyptus down in the center of the table.

From there, I added the four small green pumpkins across the table.

I spotted these at HomeGoods and grabbed four.

I love their shape; the gold stem works with most of our home decor.

The two tall pumpkins went in the middle of the table.

I scattered the mini white pumpkins across the center of the table, on top of the eucalyptus.

I added the gold candlesticks, then weaved the mini lights through the centerpiece.

That’s it! It’s a simple but elegant want to dress up the center of your table for Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving Table Setting

Let’s set the table.

For this Thanksgiving table setting, I started by shopping at home.

I recommend shopping around your home before going to the store to buy new stuff.

I only purchased pumpkins, eucalyptus, cloth napkins, and glass pumpkins for this tablescape. 

• gold chargers
• basic white dinner plates
• basic white salad plates
• vintage mini plates (found at a local antique store)
• gold silverware
• cloth napkins
• glassware

Lay the gold charger down on the table, followed by the white dinner plate, cloth napkin, salad plate, and small mini plate.

Next, add the gold silverware, fork on the left of the plate, knife, and spoon on the plate’s right side (next to the knife).

The blade of the knife should be pointed toward the plate.

Feel free to add salad forks, soup spoons, etc. 

For our glassware, we’re using three sets of glasses for a cocktail (the small pumpkin-shaped one), a water glass, and a wine glass.

Check out our holiday punch to make for a Thanksgiving drink!

More ideas: Cranberry Tea Punch Recipe | Holiday Mocktail Pom Cranberry Mocktail Holiday Cocktail | Rosé Sangria

You can add personal touches like a small gift or a customized name card. 

Create a Thanksgiving Table with priceless memories

Please be safe if you have one or a few people at your Thanksgiving table this year!

Use our idea to inspire you to set up your table.

And just because fewer people may be at the table, you can still create a simple yet elegant tablescape.

We are just having dinner with the five of us.

We plan to connect virtually with our family.

If this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving, check out my entertainment tips, and find some recipe ideas here: 40+ Basic Thanksgiving Recipes For A Simple Thanksgiving Menu. 

And grab these free Thanksgiving printables to use on Thanksgiving Day:

Thanksgiving Kid Activities Printables

Conversation Starters For Thanksgiving & Free Printable

Check out these Fall Tablescapes for more ideas:

Gold & Orange Thanksgiving

Fall Tablescape

Published 11/2014 | Updated 11/2020