How to Create an Elegant Woodland Tablescape for Thanksgiving

Hosting during any season is such a joy, but Thanksgiving might just be my favorite. There’s something so special about gathering around a table filled with warmth, good food, and beautiful seasonal touches. I love creating tablescapes that capture the feeling of fall, and this year’s theme is an elegant woodland-inspired setting. So grab a cup of coffee and get cozy, let’s talk about how to create your own elegant woodland tablescape for Thanksgiving that feels both elevated and inviting.

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Elegant Woodland Tablescape for Thanksgiving

The key to creating beautiful tablescapes is to work in layers. Every element you add, whether it’s fabric, texture, or natural elements, brings texture and warmth to the table.

Start with a Tablecloth

To start, add a warm-toned tablecloth. This can protect your table from any accidents, as well as serve as the base layer to your tablescape. Depending on your style and budget, there are many beautiful tablecloths available, and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.

For this woodland-inspired table, I went with a beautiful soft brown gingham tablecloth. It keeps the table balanced.

The Table Setting

For a typical table setting, I like to add six key elements: a charger, a dinner plate, a salad or appetizer plate, cutlery, a napkin, and a wine or water glass.

For this tablescape, I used these bronze beaded chargers. I opted for my usual white dinner plates. (You can never go wrong with this choice!) I added gorgeous Royal Stafford salad plates with a beautiful pattern along the edge and an image of two ducks in the center.

I used gold cutlery to add more warmth to the table, as well as a ripped-edge linen napkin. I created napkin rings with the velvet ribbon I had in my craft supplies. I finished off the table setting with beautiful fluted wine glasses.

The Table Centerpiece

When it comes to hosting, I think creating a centerpiece that is low and wide makes more sense. It’s important to keep the line of sight open so guests can talk together.

I added a gold candelabra to the center of the table. I adorned it with an eucalyptus base and added in small rustic pumpkins, pears, dried orange slices, as well as pheasant feathers.

I added white mini taper candles to the candelabra. The shorter candles keep the line of sight open while adding extra coziness with the candlelight.

The Finishing Touch

After all the layers come together, what really makes a tablescape special is the feeling it creates. The flicker of candles, the scent of dinner in the air, and the hum of conversation around the table it’s all part of the experience.

I always think the best tables aren’t the ones that look perfect, but the ones that feel like home. This woodland-inspired Thanksgiving table captures that mix of elegance and warmth, a place to slow down, gather, and enjoy the season with the people you love most.