Don't Forget to Decorate: Thanksgiving Table Ideas

Get ideas for decorating your Thanksgiving table (traditional, modern and rustic).
By: Lindsay Damast

Related To:

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Traditional Table.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Traditional Table.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

By now, you've tallied the guest list, plotted your Thanksgiving menu and are seeking inspiration for some extra side dishes and desserts. When next week rolls around — all that planning behind you and a job well done — don't let your dishes fall flat on an unadorned table. Giving your dining room (or den-turned-dining space) a fresh Thanksgiving feel doesn't have to be that difficult — or costly.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

First: Assess your style. If your home features minimalist furniture and a monochromatic color scheme, you're not likely going to throw a cornucopia in the center of your table. We have Thanksgiving table decorating plans for three distinct environments: Rustic, Modern and Traditional.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Next: Determine which objects from around your house could be repurposed as decorative items. Here, a plain white pitcher is repurposed as a vase. Some other easy ideas: A stainless utensil crock for holding florals, napkin rings as bud vases and placemats as a table runner.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Traditional Table.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Traditional Table.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Don't Forget the Details: Colorful little touches — like punchy ribbons tied around napkins or place settings, or woven through slat-backed chairs — will go a long way towards tying your look together.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Cooking Channels Thanksgiving Holiday Inspired Modern Table.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

A Proper Place: Make guests feel welcome — and even more thankful — by indicating place settings with a personalized favor. This miniature potted boxwood brings color to the individual place setting and will later be appreciated on a windowsill or office desk.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012, Cooking Channel,LLC All Rights Reserved

Get Your Floral Recipe: We asked the talented minds behind Studio Sweet Pea to design floral arrangements for each of our three tables and to break down each arrangement for easy instruction. Get floral arranging tips, including ways to lengthen the life of your arrangement and budget-friendly buys, below.

See each of the three tables and all the decorating details here:

Next Up

Quick Thanksgiving Recipes for Last-Minute Preparation

Get some of our fastest and easiest recipes for Thanksgiving including sides, desserts and appetizeres.

Start Your Thanksgiving Meal with Maple Pecan Baked Brie

There is a simple solution to alleviate the stress of the most anticipated meal of the year: start with appetizers.

A Mini Thanksgiving Dinner for Two

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner for two? Get our easy recipes for the complete feast.

For the Love of Stuffing (And Dressing, Too)

Get the best Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing recipes from the chefs at Cooking Channel.

Alton Brown Shares His Top Turkey Tips

Alton Brown shares his top tips for cooking the perfect turkey, from his brine recipe to how to tell when the bird is done cooking.

Everything You Need to Ace Thanksgiving

Follow our schedule to get ready for Thanksgiving with recipes, how-tos and tips.

The Voltaggio Brothers Will Get You Through Thanksgiving

Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio can help you take on Thanksgiving without the stress.

The Clash of the 'Duckens: Turducken vs. Veggieducken

Get the recipe for the classic turducken and a new vegetarian version with squash, leek and potatoes.

No Ordinary Green Bean Casserole

Try our favorite best green bean casserole recipe for Thanksgiving.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here