How to Set a Glamorous Thanksgiving Table

Elegant holiday vibes: how to create a glamorous thanksgiving table

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Family, friends, traditions old and new, togetherness, thankfulness. Food? Whatever this holiday means to you and your family, whatever traditions you embrace, Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and celebrating with food. So, of course, with an entire holiday focused around the table, we all want ours to look the part.

Jodie and I are no experts in the cooking arena, although for Thanksgiving we definitely have fun attempting our best. However, as you may have guessed, we do pride ourselves on creating beautiful settings for our families and friends to enjoy. I can’t wait to show you what I did this year for our Thanksgiving table. And, I hope you find some ideas and inspiration to use when you create your own Thanksgiving table. For additional table decorating ideas, be sure to check out our posts on creating a Halloween Tablescape and Holiday Tablescape Ideas.

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If you have just arrived from our talented friend Ashley Modern Glam, then a special welcome. It is always a sweet honor and exponential fun to join with other talented friends on a blog hop tour. Jodie and I learn so much from our friends, and we know you do too. Be sure to continue through the tour because you truly will not want to miss even one of these amazing blogs.

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How to Set a Glamorous Thanksgiving Table pinFind Inspiration for Your Thanksgiving Table

In order to create something special, we need to be inspired. Inspiration can come from anywhere, a store display, a magazine photo, Instagram, a friend’s home, or a restaurant. If we are open to it, we can find inspiration almost anywhere.

I’ve recently been looking at a lot of magazines for inspiration and I caught a mood. It wasn’t anything more specific than a mood, but I knew it was the direction I wanted to take my holiday table: Glamorous. What does “glamorous” mean to me? Fine china, candlelight and crystal. I decided to bring it all out and see what I might create.

glamorous thanksgiving mood

glamorous thanksgiving with fine china glasses and candlesticks

thanksgiving tablescape with glass table settings

Thanksgiving Table: Layer from the Center

I always begin with the center of my Thanksgiving table. Firstly, start by choosing a table runner, scarf, or tablecloth. I wanted to show the beautiful wood of my table, so I opted for a table scarf. The scarf added dimension, texture and color without completely hiding the table. I chose one with rich fall colors and fringe for added detail.

Draping it diagonally across the table, I let the folds ripple to create movement and a picnic-like feel. It’s so fun mixing the casual draping of the scarf with the elegance of the china and crystal. Even my 14-year-old son Julian looked at the table and said, “I like how it’s not flat.” Hey, high praise from him. Take my word for it.

glamorous thanksgiving tablescape with glass pumpkins and candlesticks

Glamorous Thanksgiving Table with pumpkins

elegant thanksgiving table with white chargers and champagne glasses

 Thanksgiving Table: Use Your Favorite Pieces

Do you have signature style pieces you love to use over and over again? That’s great if you do. My “signature pieces” are my antique alabaster candelabras. I absolutely love the statement they make, and since I wanted a glamorous table, I didn’t hesitate adding these to my Thanksgiving table.

elegant thanksgiving table with candleabras

elegant and vintage candleabras

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What should I do in the middle? I wanted a bit of height for drama. A lovely Thanksgiving-inspired floral centerpiece would have been beautiful. However, to be honest, I created the table so early I knew it would not last until Thanksgiving. I decided to use what I had and create something that would last the three weeks until I would actually use this table.

Building My Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece

After choosing my Thanksgiving table scarf and candelabras I looked at the color scheme. There was already a nice balance between off-white and rich fall colors. I would continue this in the centerpiece and also with the place settings.

  • On top of the plaid table scarf, I layered similarly colored leaves for added interest and texture. Because the colors blended it didn’t distract too much.
  • Next, I placed a rustic tobacco basket on top of the leaves.
  • I placed a wooden pedestal in the center of the basket
  • Then, I filled the basket with a variety of small pumpkins in various sizes and colors.
  • On top of the pedestal I placed more leaves.
  • In the center of the leaves I placed a white ceramic pumpkin.

I can also picture a decorative turkey looking flawless here, but again, I used what I had.

glamorous thanksgiving table centerpiece

thanksgiving pumpkins and candles

glamorous thanksgiving table outdoor lighting

glamorous thanksgiving table

Something Special for your Thanksgiving Table

Searching for something special to add the perfect finish to my Thanksgiving table, I came across special dessert plates received from my grandmother years ago. Instantly, I knew they were perfect. Six unique designs depicted fruits and nuts. The small size meant that they could be the “crowning glory” on my plate stack. The gold edge of the plates tied in beautifully with my copper chargers (a Christmas present from my husband last year).

thanksgiving table with white chargers

Jodie and I both had a very close relationship with our sweet grandmother. Nan, Nanny, Nanner, Alice. She was pure love to us. She was a nurse, a great cook, a dancer, a dresser, and a survivor. Nan lived a full and beautiful life devoted to others and God and set an extraordinary example to all of us who knew her. Her words of advice still ring in my mind regularly. I would dress my table with her plates and let her spirit of love continue to guide me.

tablesetting with glass plates

Thanksgiving Table Place Settings

There are lots of decisions, lots of options when it comes to creating your Thanksgiving table place settings. To create visual interest and function to my settings, I like to layer.

Here are some options for place setting layers from bottom up:

  1. placemat
  2. charger
  3. largest plate
  4. napkin
  5. salad plate
  6. bowl
  7. decorative item

Note: The napkin can be one of the layers. It can be placed in between plates or on the top along with your decorative item. I decided to skip the napkin and decorative item on top of my final plate because I wanted to showcase the plates themselves.

thanksgiving inspiration

glamorous table setting for the holidays

vintage lighting with candleabras and chandeliers

fall pumpkins

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Link to Our Past

Why are family traditions so special? The bonds of family are so much more than simply genetic ties. These days “family” can mean so many things. It’s the people who love us the most and the people we love the most. By sharing in special moments and shared traditions, we increase our closeness and the bonds that tie us together.

 

fall dining room decor with plate wall and candlesticks

Our pasts link our hearts. When we share memories with loved ones, we grow in relationship. That’s why traditions are so important. Did you know that smell holds the most powerful link to memory? It’s true. It is one reason why the smells and tastes of Thanksgiving remind us so vividly of our childhood. It’s why your grandmother’s pumpkin pie or the smell of the turkey roasting can conjure up memories of the past.

Passing down recipes from generation to generation is not just keeping our stomachs happy. It is a marvelous way to relive memories of past Thanksgivings and build family bonds that last.

glamorous plates and dining setting

Memory Making and So Much More

Thanksgiving is all about gathering family and friends together to celebrate. It’s a time when our regular hectic lives take a pause, work is suspended in favor of memory-making and family times. We gather, sit, and eat. We thank God for our blessings and pray for strength as we face life’s challenges. Jodie and I sincerely hope you all enjoyed these Thanksgiving table ideas and we lowered your stress levels just a smidge.

Thanksgiving dining room decor


While it has been absolutely lovely having you here with us, it’s time to send you off to enjoy another stop on our Thanksgiving Inspiration Tour. Next, please head over to oh-so-creative girl Olivia Reinvented Collection. We know you won’t want to miss what she’s cooked up. Wishing you all a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving Celebration.

jodie & julie

Make Sure to Visit These Great Blogs

Kim and Lacey, Styled with Lace | Martha, Simple Cozy Charm

Sheila, Maison de Cinq | Jackie, Finding Lovely

Mysha, Remington Avenue | Ashley, Modern Glam

Julie and Jodie, The Design Twins | Olivia, Reinvented Collection

Joan, 2 Ladies and a Chair | Oscar, Oscar Bravo Home

Judy, Life is Better at Home | Janine, Happy Happy Nester | Liz, Home and Fabulous

 

 
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How to Set a Glamorous Thanksgiving Table
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How to Set a Glamorous Thanksgiving Table
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Create a glamorous Thanksgiving Table with step by step advice for perfect place settings and inspired centerpiece creations from the Design Twins.
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The Design Twins
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  1. Jackie says:

    Julie and Jodie, this is a stunning table! I love love those candelabras. So lovely my sweet friends.

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Jackie,

      Aww, you’re so sweet. We’re so glad you liked it. Yes, aren’t those candelabras something? They really help create some drama–which we love!
      Thanks again for your kind words!

      Blessings,
      Jodie & Julie

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Hi Jackie,
      Thank you so much for your sweet reply. What a joy and honor, as you said, to be connected with you and the rest of the group! It is so fun learning from one another. Looking forward to lots more opportunities to connect and grow together. With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  2. Debbie Tarulli says:

    The Thanksgiving tablescape was absolutely stunning. In my option Thanksgiving is overlooked. Most people go from Halloween to Christmas. I’m always thankful for what I am fortunate to be blessed with like my health and the health and well being of my family and friends and my new IG friends…Julie and Jodie. A lovely and beautiful blog-Debbie

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Dear Debbie,
      What a thoughtful and kind reply. I love Thanksgiving, for all the reasons I talked about in the blog post. The reason it feels like many people “skip” over Thanksgiving is because the rest of the house doesn’t real call for Thanksgiving decor…it’s less of a season and more of a feast…more of a one-day celebration. Anyway that is the explanation I have. I try to have a true heart of gratitude every single day…making every day a day of Thanksgiving. God bless, Julie & Jodie

  3. Martha Knake says:

    I adore the candleabras!! They are spectacular! You gals have outdone yourselves once again. They layering and textures are spot on in creating this cozy tablescape <3

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Martha,
      So fun to be connected again through this hop. I find myself enjoying everyone’s post tremendously, and yours was no exception. Thank you again for your sweet support. Looking forward to more opportunities to connect. XO ~ Julie & Jodie

  4. Girls, this table is amazing!!! Love everything. So elegant and gorgeous.

    Xo, Lizbeth

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Lizbeth, We are so thankful you think so. Your kind compliments mean a lot as we both know your talents! Always a privilege to be connected on the blog hop. With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  5. Monica says:

    So absolutely gorgeous! I live through you two amazing ladies!

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Monica,
      Thank you dear friend! We absolutely love to see you visiting our blog. We know how busy you are. It means a lot. We are carried away by life and schedules but you are in our hearts. Love you, Julie & Jodie

  6. Sheila Irwin says:

    Love those candelabras – and especially those adorable fruit plates! What a perfect Thanksgiving plate:)

    Sheila
    xo

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Sheila, Thanks so much, Sweetie! Your appraisal is always so kind and appreciated. We feel so lucky that blogging has brought us together and we hope for lots more continued connections in the future. Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  7. Mysha says:

    Ladies, I love how you break it down and make it so attainable to recreate! Love the candelabra too… wow! Always a pleasure hopping with you

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Mysha, I’m so glad you enjoyed! Really, it means a lot to hear that you did. We love how the hops give us opportunity to connect with other talents, like yourself, and learn from each other. So fun and a real honor. With gratitude, Julie & Jodie

  8. Ashley says:

    So many beautiful details! I love that you incorporate something sentimental and with a story – those family heirlooms are so special! And I love the ribbon in between the plates – such a fun detail! I’m so thrilled to be included in such a talented group of bloggers for this fun tour!
    Xo

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Dear Ashely, We feel the same way…such a talented group and we feel so honored. We are so happy you enjoyed the post. Isn’t the best part reading each other’s and learning from one another? Love it! Hope to have many more opportunities to connect in the future. Blessings, Julie & Jodie

  9. Joan says:

    Elegant & beautiful!!! This Thanksgiving table is gorgeous. I love the piece of pretty ribbon under the plates. Speaking of plates, the little fruit and nut plates are beautiful. I love the candelabra!!

  10. Janine says:

    Lovely post and such a glamorous table decor! Your candlestick is calling out to me!!! Love your touching story about your grandma, don’t you wish you could have a insightful and heart felt conversation with her?! Oh so would love to go back in time for a bit!! Bravo on another great post!!!

  11. Kim Hazel says:

    Julie and Jodie,

    Wow, what a fabulous table!! Classy, and elegant yet warm and cozy! Every detail is done to perfection! Always a pleasure to tour with you two!

    xoxo
    Kim & Lacey

  12. This is such a beautiful tablscape, Julie. Your candelabras are divine! ♥️ I looked and looked at each of your photos and I’ve found a favorite— It’s the shot 5 up from the last photo. I love how the shot sweeps past your dining table, peeks into your entry but focuses on the plate wall. The way the light hits is beautiful. This is the photo I scheduled out to five Tribes and Pinned. ????

    Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
    Olivia

  13. Judy says:

    Oh you two I just love your glamorous and sentimental table! So many wonderful tips and suggestions we can all use!! Love how you incorporated your grandmother’s plates, I’m big on using special pieces that mean so much in my decor too. So grateful to be joining you gals for this hop!! Love to you both xx

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Judy, It really is so special to have you with us on our recent tours, and we hope for many more shared blog hop opportunities. We also hope we have the chance to visit in person again this coming year. In the meantime Happy Holidays Dear Friend! XO ~ Julie & Jodie

  14. […] head-on over to Jodie and Julie, The Design Twins I can’t wait for you to see their gorgeous table! And here is a run down of all the fabulous […]

  15. Fabby says:

    This table is stunning and very inspiring. I tend to like ‘elegant’ and this is just it. I usually made them with elegant china, but now I own a botanical pattern, I love it, but it is more casual.
    Thanks for sharing this gorgeous Tksgiving setting.
    Fabby

    • jjdesigntwins says:

      Fabby,
      Thank you so much sweet friend! We hope this helped you get some inspiration for fall and Thanksgiving décor!
      Lots of love,
      Jodie & Julie

  16. […] head-on over to Jodie and Julie, The Design Twins I can’t wait for you to see their gorgeous table! And here is a run down of all the fabulous […]

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