Thanksgiving is the best time of year to gather with your friends and family, share stories, give thanks and, of course, eat delicious food. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for your friends or family this year, you may want to add some flair to your meal with a decorative table setting. This stunning, personalized table decor from Etsy is one of the most popular table setting items out there, and there are numerous others that are worth your consideration as well.
A table setting is essentially the way you set your table before your guests have their meal. Table settings can include plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery, centerpieces and other decor items. Whether your event is casual or formal, you may choose to keep it simple or set the table with an elaborate array of decorative objects and fine tableware.
Your napkin doesn’t need an intricate fold to look nice, but several easy-to-learn folds will make your table setting stand out.
Kids are less likely to care about their table setting, although you can still make things fun for them. In many cases, you may opt for plastic cutlery and tableware over your fine dishes to ensure they aren’t damaged. Children’s napkins can be folded in the same way as the adults, and you may even consider printing off some fun Thanksgiving coloring sheets to help them pass the time until dinner is ready.
You can’t go wrong with a simple fall-color theme when it comes to Thanksgiving table settings. Shades of red, orange and yellow will mimic the fall foliage and give your table a holiday feel. Other popular options are turkeys, words of thanks and even the standard white-and-gold color scheme.
No matter how well-mannered your guests are, accidents happen. It’s a good idea to get durable dishes and decor that can withstand being dropped. If you opt for plasticware, try to get a set that can support generous servings of turkey, mashed potatoes and other Thanksgiving favorites.
Between cooking, cleaning and greeting guests, Thanksgiving can be chaotic. You don’t want to overextend yourself by choosing a Thanksgiving table setting that is overly complicated. If you plan on having a lot of guests, it is a good idea to keep things simple and maybe even consider disposable cutlery or tableware. Napkin folds don’t need to be intricate to look classy, and remember, you’re going to have to clean and do dishes after your guests leave as well.
Cloth napkins can typically be purchased for around $15-$30. If you want classy disposable tableware, you’ll likely spend between $20-$30, depending on the number of guests. As for centerpieces and decor, they typically range between $10-$30.
A. Utensils are typically placed in order of use, with forks on the left and knives and spoons on the right. However, it can be easier and just as aesthetically pleasing to fold your cutlery in a napkin.
A. Centerpieces aren’t necessary, and depending on your number of guests and amount of space, the table setting might be more comfortable without it.
Words Fall Dining Table Setting
What you need to know: These gold table decor items can be placed on top of or behind your guests’ tableware to add an extra flair to your setting.
What you’ll love: This classy table setting decor is relatively affordable and comes with four words of thanks that fit the Thanksgiving theme. You can personalize the words and use them as nameplates if you prefer.
What you should consider: These decor items are relatively delicate.
Where to buy: Sold by Etsy
125-Piece Elegant Plastic Plates & Cutlery Set
What you need to know: This stylish plasticware set comes with enough utensils and dishes for 25 guests.
What you’ll love: Although this set is meant to be disposable, many buyers liked them so much they decided to wash them and keep them. These gold-rimmed disposable dishes are both classy and durable.
What you should consider: This disposable tableware set isn’t microwave-safe.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
TableLinensforLess Thanksgiving and Fall Cloth Napkin Set
What you need to know: These affordable cloth napkins come in all the fall colors you need for a perfect Thanksgiving table setting.
What you’ll love: The TableLinensforLess Thanksgiving napkin set comes with either 6 or 12 cloth napkins. These fabric napkins are vibrant and machine-washable.
What you should consider: The fabric is a bit rough compared to other cloth napkins.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.