Hosting friends and family for Thanksgiving might seem costly, but it doesn’t have to be! Discover how to effortlessly impress your guests by creating a stunning, and budget-friendly Thanksgiving table setting.
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Let’s Celebrate The Holidays!
The countdown to Turkey Day is on, and today, I’m excited to join a few friends for a “Celebrate The Holidays” blog hop hosted by Carol at Bluesky at Home.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for a crowd of twenty or planning a cozy holiday meal for two, today’s post is filled with ideas to help inspire you and make your Thanksgiving prep a bit easier.
Because, let’s face it, hosting family and friends for the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be!
From DIYs to table styling tips, seasonal recipes, and more. Don’t miss out on any of the Thanksgiving ideas. You can find all the posts linked at the bottom of the page.
Welcome To Midwest Life and Style
If this is your first time visiting MWLS, welcome! I’m so glad you are here. And an extra big “hello” and welcome to those of you joining me from my friend Renae’s blog, Peacock Ridge Farm.
If you’re new here, I’m Jen. A born and raised Midwest gal who plans events by day and blogs by night. Here at MWLS, you’ll find budget-friendly entertaining ideas, simple DIYs, and delicious, seasonal recipes.
If you love all of these things too, then be sure to subscribe and become a member of the MWLS family. As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to know about new posts, AND you’ll gain exclusive access to my library of free printables, including my Thanksgiving place cards.
How To Style A Thanksgiving Table On A Budget
As an event planner, naturally, I love to throw a party any chance I get. And nothing brings me more joy than hosting friends and family for gatherings. Especially during the holiday season.
A beautiful and inviting table setting is the perfect way to set the mood for your Thanksgiving celebration. While setting a gorgeous Thanksgiving table might seem like a daunting (and expensive) task, I promise it doesn’t have to be!
I’m sharing my expert tips and tricks to help you effortlessly create a beautiful and budget-friendly Thanksgiving table like the pros.
Here are five simple steps to help you style your Thanksgiving holiday table this year while staying on budget.
Start With A Simple Foundation
When it comes to setting the stage for Thanksgiving dinner, start with your table linens.
A neutral-colored tablecloth or runner will provide a clean canvas for your table setting. You can find inexpensive table linens like a white tablecloth or a burlap table runner at most home goods stores.
And, as a bonus, a white tablecloth and burlap runner are both great, neutral linens that can be used year-round for other holiday tablescapes.
Add In Some Autumn Colors
No matter how limited your budget is, my next tip for styling a simple and traditional Thanksgiving table setting is easy.
Add subtle fall touches to your table by layering napkins, placemats, and rustic chargers in warm and inviting autumn colors.
Shades of burnt orange, golden yellow, and deep chocolate brown instantly create a cozy atmosphere.
Some inexpensive rustic faux wood chargers layered on top of rust-colored placemats create a colorful and festive base for each place setting.
Then I paired the chargers and Thanksgiving placemats with a floral table runner and coordinating paper napkins.
To finish the look, I tucked some basic white fringe napkins into gold Thanksgiving napkin rings.
If you don’t already own any of these items, check out local thrift stores or discount retailers for affordable options. Believe it or not, some of my most cherished decor has come from thrift stores.
Shopping secondhand is one of the best ways to find beautiful and unique pieces for your Thanksgiving table that align with your budget goals.
Pro Tip: On the hunt for Thanksgiving linens and tableware? Check your local thrift stores early and often to find the best and most affordable Thanksgiving decor before the seasonal rush begins.
Ditch The Fancy China For Disposable Plates
When it comes to design, disposable plates have come a long way, so skip the fine china and holiday-themed dishware, and opt for pretty disposable plates instead.
Not only are they easy on your budget, but they make clearing the table after your Thanksgiving meal a cinch, allowing you more time to enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.
Elevate Your Tablescape With An Elegant Thanksgiving Centerpiece
An elegant centerpiece can instantly transform your Thanksgiving table. To keep things budget-friendly, gather decor from your home, like vintage brass candlesticks, and use items from nature, like pinecones, acorns, pumpkins, or dried fall florals to make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
A little creativity can go a long way in creating a beautiful centerpiece without spending a fortune.
You can also make your own Thanksgiving decorations like these inexpensive DIY Thanksgiving candle holders, or try these other Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas:
Add a Personal Touch With Printable Place Cards
Make your guests feel extra special by adding a personal touch with printable Thanksgiving place cards.
These free place cards are the ultimate budget-friendly addition and the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving table.
You can easily print and cut them out at home in just a few minutes. Once you are finished, just write the name of each of your guests on a place card and put them at each place setting.
Personalized Thanksgiving place cards add a welcoming touch to your table, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
If you are already a subscriber to Midwest Life and Style, these place cards can be found by visiting the printables tab located on the main menu. The password is located at the top of each Sunday newsletter.
Download your free Thanksgiving place cards now to let your family and friends know just how thankful you are for them this year.
Bonus – Free Printable Menu Cards
To complete your Turkey Day table, I’m also offering matching free printable Thanksgiving menu cards.
These will help your guests know exactly what delicious dishes you’re serving, adding an extra level of elegance to your table.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
More Thanksgiving Tablescapes From Midwest Life and Style
If you enjoy this seasonal table setting, You’ll also love these Thanksgiving tablecapes.
How To Style An Elegant And Inviting Thanksgiving Table
Tips To Host A Friendsgiving Brunch
More Thanksgiving Ideas and Inspiration
And that’s it. I hope this post inspires you and shows you just how easy it is to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table on a budget.
With fall-colored linens, disposable plates, a budget-friendly centerpiece, and the personal touch of printable place cards and menu cards, you’ll have a Thanksgiving table that will wow your guests without breaking the bank.
Next, don’t miss Laura at Everyday Edits tips for setting a kid’s Thanksgiving table, and see all the holiday posts linked below.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Celebrate The Holidays: Thanksgiving Ideas and Inspiration
See more of each Thanksgiving post by clicking on the links below.
Bluesky at Home – 11 Thanksgiving Place Setting Ideas
Peacock Ridge Farm – Thanksgiving Tablescape for a Feast
Midwest Life and Style – Thanksgiving Table on a Budget
Everyday Edits – Tips for a Kids’ Thanksgiving Table
Hen and Horse Design – Thanksgiving Holiday Hash
Sonata Home Design – Easy and Colorful Thanksgiving Decor Idea
WM Design House – Thanksgiving Cornucopia
Masterpieces of My Life – Guide to the Thanksgiving Table
Perfecting Places – Easy DIY Thanksgiving Pinecone Wreath
Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
Wow so beautiful!
Thank you, Stacy!
Jen, I love the colors on your Thanksgiving tablecape. The orange and cream combination is lovely. Your Small ceramic pumpkins are so cute. Thanks for sharing at Celebrate the Holiday.
Such beautiful colors, tones and textures. Your ideas would make any Thanksgiving holiday table a special place for celebrating.
Thank you so much, Susan. I hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Jen, I love your budget-friendly table decorating ideas—especially those disposable plates and your darling pumpkin bowls. Sometimes, you just need to ditch the china!
Thank you, Wendy. Yes, I’m all about keeping it simple for the holidays. I love pretty dishes too, but sometimes easy clean-up wisn out over anythign else!
Your table is lovely Jen. I love the burnt orange color palette and your tips are great. It’s nice to be hopping with you today. Have a wonderful day. XO- MaryJo
Thank you so much, MaryJo. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Such a pretty table for the upcoming holiday, Jen!! LOVE all of the rustic and copper-y colors that you used!!
Thank you, Rachel.The colors remind me so much of fall and add a warm and cozy feeling to the table. I’m glad you like them too!
I love all of your tips and tricks, Jen! I especially love those Thanksgiving napkin rings. And your free printables are beautiful! I’ll need to pick your brain sometime on which thrift stores you like best in the area!
Thank you, Missy. We should grab coffee and go thirfting togehter sometime. How fun would that be?
Jen, your Thanksgiving table is so pretty!! Thanks for sharing so many great budget-friendly tips for setting a lovely table!!
Thank you, Kim. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Beautiful, my friend. I love your printables. Happy Fall!
Thank you, Renae. Happy fall to you too!
Hi Jen! Love it! Going back to Pin and to check out those donuts in your sidebar.
xo laura
ohhh…those donuts are one of my favorite guilty pleasures in the fall. Enjoy!
It’s such a beautiful tablescape and I love those placecards. I’ll definitely be saving them for next Thanksgiving.
I appreciate that, Shawna. Thank you!
Everything in this post is so amazing for Thanksgiving. I love those napkin rings too that’s a blast. And a free printable is amazing!!
Jen I love these! What a beautiful place card and beautiful table! Thanks for sharing this fun freebie!
Thank you so much, Kelly! I know many people are altering their plans this year, so I thought these were a fun way to still add an extra special touch to the holiday.