Don't Forget to Decorate: Thanksgiving Table Ideas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Plus, get our top 10 Thanksgiving table decorating ideas.