Decorating your Thanksgiving dinner table doesn’t have to be complex yet it still can be beautiful. There is something about setting the table that sets the mood for your guests and the tone of the night. In today’s age, sit-down dinners aren’t as formal (unless you like too; cheers to you!) but for the holidays your dinner table should feel extra special than your average dinner party. For informal entertaining, there are 5 must-have elements to elevate your Thanksgiving dining table.

3-D Conceptual Rendering by Amanda M. Amato of AMA Designs & Interiors

5 Thanksgiving Dinner Table Must Have’s

Photo styled and taken by Amanda M. Amato of AMA Designs & Interiors

Decorative Placemats
Skip the tablecloth and use placemats instead. Placemats are a great way to anchor individual place settings and a way to add color, pattern, and texture to your dining table. Placemats are also easier to pull-away from the table if someone spills, because let’s be real, accidents will happen and bottles of wine will be had (or whatever your drink of choice is).
Dinnerware + Utensils
Setting the table with the right dinnerware and utensils is the most crucial element of the table. After all, your guests are here to eat so the table should have the proper accouterment. When it comes to sit-down dinners, the dinnerware and utensils should not be disposable. For special occasions, the table should feel special and well-thought to enhance your dining experience. Save the environment, skip the plastic. Besides, who enjoys cutting their food with a plastic knife anyway? No one.
Centerpiece
As a designer, I believe all dinner parties need a centerpiece on the table. It’s an absolute must in my opinion. That doesn’t mean you need to become a floral designer, watch tutorials, and start making an elaborate centerpiece. As the hostess with the mostest (on your to-do list), who has time to cut and arrange flowers? The centerpiece is the focal point of the table but it can be simple, and does not necessarily need to be flowers. You can put a tray of mini pumpkins or a bowl filled with apples for color. I’m a fan of edible centerpieces. However, if you do opt for flowers, select flowers that are low fragrant so the scent does not overpower your meal or interfere with your taste buds while eating.
Table Runner
The next element to add is a table runner which grounds the centerpiece and ties everything together. It adds another layer of color and texture to your table. But what do you do if you have a round dining table? You can place one runner down the center of the table or two perpendicular overlapping each other. It depends on the diameter of your table. For small round tables (48” and below), I would only use one runner as it is less cluttered.
Candles
Last but not least, your table must include unscented candles (or battery operated) for ambiance. Dim the lights and enjoy the warm twinkle from the flickering flame. Plus, everyone looks great with a warm glow on their face. Candles should be unscented because the fragrance will alter your tastebuds while eating. Cinnamon spice candles (although they smell delicious) would not be a good choice while eating your turkey, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies.

So there you have it; the recipe for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner table! If you include these 5 must-have items, not only will your dinner table be beautiful but you will impress your guests too! Now, hopefully the food tastes as great as your table looks!