Go for fall classics, or try an unexpected new pairing.
BY SIENNA LIVERMORE, ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE AND KATE MCGREGOR
Fall decorating often revolves around the classic colors of foliage: reds, oranges, and yellows. Of course, those colors are traditional for a reason (you simply can’t go wrong with them!), but what if they don’t coordinate with the new place settings you’ve been itching to use for your Thanksgiving feast? Or what if you just want to shake things up this year and go with a different tablescape idea or floral centerpiece? Luckily, you don’t have to use traditional Thanksgiving colors to create a beautiful table setting. In fact, it’s a fun opportunity to get creative and bring a little personality to your home and tabletop.
While orange, yellow, and brown are the traditional hues used to represent the holiday that celebrates gratitude and familial bonds, those aren’t your only options when setting the table or decorating around your house. White and terracotta offer a more neutral approach, while bold greens and floral prints lend themselves to more maximalist design sensibilities. When setting your Thanksgiving table, consider what kind of meal you’d like to have. Opt for all-white if you prefer a more formal, fine-dining feel, or use an abundance of color to set the mood for a fun-loving, casual meal.
Whether you plan to cook all day or order take-out, every Thanksgiving meal is worthy of a well-set table. After all, it’s the gathering, not the food, that’s most important. Why not think outside the fall box this year when choosing your plates and linens? There are Thanksgiving colors to suit minimalists, maximalists, and everyone in between. To spark your inspiration, consider these 27 genius combinations instead. No matter which one you choose, your guests will surely be impressed.
COURTESY OF FOOD52
1
Purple and Blue
Add a bohemian flair to your Thanksgiving table by foregoing all traditional autumnal hues in favor of the moodier purples and blues. This tablescape from textile brand St. Frank’s collaboration with Food52 showcases the hues paired with copper drinking glasses and amber vases for added warmth.
COURTESY OF POTTERY BARN
2
Beige and Green
Bring a bit of earthiness to your Thanksgiving table by using fresh, green apples and faux green pumpkins as a centerpiece amongst light beige glassware and placemats. Thanksgiving is often thought of as a heavy affair, but by lightening the color palette, you can also lighten the mood.
COURTESY OF CRATE AND BARREL
3
Auburn and Gingham
Opt for a dramatic display by using a geometrically patterned tablecloth. Choose an accent color that can tie into both your linens and the fall season to make it feel autumnal. We recommend keeping the plates simple to let the food shine.
4
Autumnal Florals
Known for his kitschy approach to tablescapes, John Derian’s collaboration with Target is the ideal Thanksgiving color palette for cottagecore lovers. Pairing pastels with richer jewel tones creates contrast amongst the (mostly) orange and brown foods.
MAREN CARUSO//GETTY IMAGES
5
All White Everything
Allow your hard work to shine by highlighting what everyone’s there for: the food. An all-white table makes the mouthwatering natural colors of each dish pop and look even more enticing.
ANTONIOTRUZZI//GETTY IMAGES
6
Black and White
If all white is a bit too stark for your taste, add in pops of black for a graphic yet minimalist Thanksgiving table. Incorporating elements of brown keep the fall spirit without looking too formal.
CAVAN IMAGES//GETTY IMAGES
7
Burgundy, Orange, and White
Brighten up the often dreary fall weather by adding an abundance of white to your Thanksgiving colors. By using burgundy and orange as the only accent hues, you have a light and airy table that still feels seasonally appropriate.
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8
Brown and Burgundy
Mimic the fall foliage this Thanksgiving in a naturalistic way. Deep browns and burgundies offer a rich, cozy feel. We recommend using actual fallen leaves to accent your food display, as seen here.
GETTY IMAGES
9
Brown and Orange
Embrace the fall season (and your meal’s built-in color palette) with a brown and orange tablescape. Brighten up the hues with white or light-colored plates. Feel free to skip a tablecloth and let a natural wood table show through. It looks beautiful, and you’ll have less laundry to take away from your Black Friday shopping time.
ANNABOGUSH//GETTY IMAGES
10
Teal and Gray
For a muted color pairing that won’t distract from your delicious meal, opt for gray and teal. The combo pairs perfectly with orange pumpkin pie, brown crispy turkey, and even your green salad.
MARK D. SIKES
11
Blue and White
A classic color pairing for a reason, blue and white puts a timeless spin on your Thanksgiving table. Take a note from designer Mark D. Sikes and mix patterns for a dynamic look.
PHIL MANSFIELD
12
Earthy Neutrals
Go for a naturalistic look with clay cups on a low wooden table without a runner. Incorporate pops of deeply saturated pink, purple, and burnt orange in the form of taper candles and fruit as Creatures of Place did on this dining table in the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse for 2022.
PAIGE RUMORE
13
Gray and White
If you prefer a simple tablescape, go with crisp white dinnerware. In this dining room by designer April Tomlin, a white tablecloth embroidered with gray leaves adds detail and complements a stone bowl filled with white flowers in the center.
TREVOR DIXON
14
Bright Blue and Coral
Put a cheerful, summery twist on your Thanksgiving colors by highlighting pops of bright blue and coral as Eddie Ross did in this dining room. A few pumpkins in orange and white enhance the table’s autumn feel.
DAVID A. LAND
15
Cherry Red, Tan, and Black
Go for a color combination you can reuse come Christmas: bright red, tan, and black. On this table designed by CB2 and Jessica Turf Design, small bouquets of red flowers and brown pinecones make the table feel full but not overwhelming. Black accents give the setting a moody aura.
SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY
16
White, Yellow, and Pink
Create an airy, bright display by using a white tablecloth with a grid pattern formed by thin red lines. White plates layered on yellow ones add a subtle pop of color, as do the pale pink and caramel-colored taper candles and white and yellow napkins—much of which is featured in Brooke & Lou’s current holiday collection.
COURTESY OF SUGAR AND CHARM
17
Pink and Gray
Pink doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when you think of Thanksgiving colors. But when paired with gray and white and accented with gold, it’s seriously elegant.
See more at Sugar and Charm.
CASEY ROBINSON
18
Shades of Pink
For a bolder take on Thanksgiving colors, incorporate various shades of pink with subtle, fall-themed accents. This tablescape by stylist Eddie Ross features loads of pink in the extravagant floral arrangement, drinkware, tablecloth, and candles. The white turkey-shaped candle holder adds a festive touch.
SUGAR AND CHARM
19
Copper and Gray
Copper works for just about any season, and you can never go wrong with gray. Plus with this palette, you can easily incorporate warm wooden accents. Barely blue thistle keeps the gray from feeling too stark.
See more at Sugar and Charm.
TREVOR DIXON
20
Mixed Jewel Tones
Nothing looks as elegant as a jewel-toned palette. Pull classic fall decor in reds and purples, and pair them with deep blues, greens, and pinks. Want to make it even chicer? Incorporate gold accents.
BRAD HOLLAND
21
Blue and Orange
Set the scene for a moody and elegant Thanksgiving by going with a blue and orange color combo. Former House Beautiful style director Robert Rufino draped this table in vintage paisley print fabric and then layered blue patterned plates on top.
JULLIE BLANNER
22
Pale Green and Plaid
This color combination leans a little casual, a little fancy. The plaid napkins pick up the pale green and soft neutral colors of the gourds for an understated but lovely display. You can use any plaid and then work one or more of the colors in with other your tableware.
See more at Julie Blanner.
COCO KELLEY
23
Orange and White
Pair typical Thanksgiving colors like orange with white for a clean and colorful table. Then accent it all with fresh greens. They’ll pop even more against the bright palette.
See more at Coco Kelley.
BEST FRIENDS FOR FROSTING
24
Gold and White
Simple but effective, this combination of all-white dishes with gold flatware and chargers makes for a beautiful, low-key table.
See more at Best Friends for Frosting.
COURTESY OF HOMEY OH MY
25
White and Purple
All white is clean, classic, and so easy to personalize. Add in pops of deep purple and maroon, and your table will instantly become bright and lively.
See more at Homey Oh My.
JULIE BLANNER
26
Burgundy and Hunter Green
The deep burgundy hues of autumn pears, eggplants, grapes, and beets play off dark green artichokes and other greenery beautifully. Brass candlesticks set off the look, while neutral plates bring it all together.
See more at Julie Blanner.
COURTESY OF STYLE ME PRETTY
27
Coral and Hot Pink
For a happy Thanksgiving spread that’s energetic but still seasonally relevant, mix orange with pink. It’ll look even more rustic on a reclaimed wood table.
See more at Style Me Pretty.
HPS Magazine 