While I was preparing this post, I thought of Melissa Ringstaff’s 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman, particularly the virtue of beauty. This is how she describes the Proverbs 31 Woman:
A virtuous woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones.
I love this definition of beauty as creativity and sense of style, and its purpose being to create beauty in the world for others to enjoy. We could definitely use more of that. Thanksgiving is the ideal time and opportunity for this, for you to use your creativity and your sense of style to create beauty in your life and the lives of others.
See Related: How to Practice Hospitality
See Related: Preparing for Guests
The Basics
Besides the food, the other thing people will remember the most about Thanksgiving is your table setting. Be creative with what you have on hand and make your guests feel welcome with a beautiful tablescape. Taking the time to do so makes your guests feel special and creates an inviting atmosphere because you put in the effort to set a beautiful table for them.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and shop through them, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support this site so I can bring you more content like this post. Thank you for your support. Full disclaimer here.
Design Your Tablescape
Start with your dish set or the china that you will be using; draw inspiration from the pattern to decide your table linens, including table cloth, table runner, place mats, and napkins. Then follow these instructions to set the table:
The only china that should be a part of the table setting before the meal starts is the bread plate and a charger. A soup bowl or a salad bowl can be placed on top of the charger and should be cleared away with the bowl or salad plate.
For some place setting inspiration, please check out these ideas.
Set the Table
Place the silverware on the table in the order it will be used, outside in. The fork for the first course should be the farthest to the left of the plate. The knife for the first course should be the farthest to the right. If a spoon is required, such as for soup, it goes to the right of the knife.
Each piece of silverware should line up across the bottom and should be equidistant from each other with the plate centered in the middle, as pictured in the diagram below. Dessert utensils should either be placed horizontally above the plate or brought out with the dessert.
Fold Your Napkins
Even the way you fold the dinner napkins helps determine the atmosphere you want to create. Did you know that there are napkin folds for each holiday? Learn ten napkin folds here and then choose one.
Choose Your Centerpiece
Choose a centerpiece that complements your table setting and helps set the atmosphere you are trying to create. It can be candles, fresh flowers, a cluster of pumpkins and gourds, or the classic cornucopia. For more centerpiece ideas and inspiration, click here.
Extras to Make Your Guests Feel Welcome
She is creative and embraces beauty with godliness.
Melissa Ringstaff
Hang a Thanksgiving Wreath
Greet your guests at the door with a festive Thanksgiving wreath. Here are 10 wreaths that you can choose from that are DIY.
Create Place Cards for Your Guests
The purpose of place cards is to help your guests avoid having to guess where they should sit. There is also a design element with place cards; they bring your table setting together. Plus, they add a personal touch, making your guests feel welcome and at home. Check out these place setting ideas.
Set Up a Kids’ Table
For the kids’ table, a few keys: Use nice but nonbreakable dishes, such as bamboo plates and cutlery. Personalize their place settings with kid-friendly place cards, such as turkey cutouts. And make it entertaining as with these Thanksgiving coloring place mats (pictured). Click for more kids’ table ideas.
Do you remember sitting at the kids’ table? Do you have fond memories of a formal Thanksgiving table? Please comment below.
Until next time,
Many blessings!
“She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.”
– Proverbs 31:27 AMP
Pin it!
Beautiful. Fabulous ideas for making Thanksgiving special. We actually put together a list of ideas for celebrating thanksgiving in 2020 that lines up with your ideas well. Please check it out https://olderslightlywiser.com/3-thanksgiving-tips-to-help-celebrate-in-2020/
Thank you so much. I appreciate the support. I will definitely check out your article, as well. 🤗
Beautiful. Fabulous ideas for making Thanksgiving special. We actually put together a list of ideas for celebrating thanksgiving in 2020 that lines up with your ideas well. Please check it out https://olderslightlywiser.com/3-thanksgiving-tips-to-help-celebrate-in-2020/ Happy Thanksgiving
And Happy Thanksgiving to you, as well!🥰
Great article and tips, makes me wanna host a dinner party!
Thank you! I am so glad you are inspired! 🤗
Oh my goodness no, no I did not know there were multiple ways to fold a napkin for different occasions. I want to come to your house for Thanksgiving. I think I’m doing awesome if I don’t order from Marie Calendar’s. But seriously, Robyn, inspiring, and as so many will be cooking at home this year, this post sparks the ideas!
I didn’t know that, either! Thanks, I would love to have you over! I am so thankful that this post has inspired you. 🤗
Love this Thanksgiving inspiration ! Growing up, my mom had the perfect Holiday decor. Now that I’m not going home this year, I’m going to invest in some napkins and napkin rings! Thanks so much !
You’re welcome! I am so glad you are inspired. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. 😊
Beautiful blog! Full of great ideas and links! Thanks so much! I’m a faith based blogger too and love to find others doing the same!
Thank you, Sharon, and you are welcome! I will definitely check out your blog because I love finding other Christian bloggers, too. 🤗