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40+ Inexpensive Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas for 2024

Looking for the perfect inexpensive Thanksgiving table decorations? Here are a TON of ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving table runner, centerpiece, place settings, and more!

Thanksgiving reminds you a lot of what to be thankful for. It is a wonderful thing to have family and friends gathered around a table to share a delicious meal. You might also want to decorate your table so it’s beautiful and seasonal, too.

Thanksgiving reminds you a lot of what to be thankful for. It is a wonderful thing to have family and friends gathered around a table to share a delicious meal. You might also want to decorate your table so it’s beautiful and seasonal, too.

But, decorating can seem overwhelming and expensive. It doesn’t have to be! There are tons of easy DIY Thanksgiving table decorating ideas.

Don’t miss my best DIY Thanksgiving Wall Decoration Ideas!

When guests arrive at your home on Thanksgiving dinner and see a beautifully decorated table, they will feel the love and welcoming that you poured into it.

Check out my favorite cheap Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas.

I think I would rather set a beautifully decorated table and serve store bought food, but that’s just me!

Here are some great easy Thanksgiving table decorations!

When setting a Thanksgiving table, some things to keep in mind:

  • Color scheme – whether you go for a traditional “Fall” color scheme, neutral colors, or something else, try to keep it cohesive throughout your decor.
  • Place cards – make each guest feel special and welcome with personalized place cards. Keep a few blank ones on hand in case someone brings an unannounced guest!
  • Natural Elements – flowers, branches, and greenery are an easy way to add a welcoming feel to your home without having to purchase decor that you have to store the other 364 days a year.
  • Candles – candles can add a luxurious feeling to your dinner experience. Tea lights or pillar candles, you can’t really go wrong, though I suggest unscented candles during the meal.
  • Table runners – Table runners are usually less expensive than full table cloths, and still make a big impact. They are a great way to add some color to your table!
  • Tie it up – a great way to transform a place setting from everyday to holiday is to tie something around the napkins and silverware. A ribbon or string with a piece of rosemary, a fall leaf, or a place card really feels like a present for your guests.
  • Keep centerpieces low – Tall centerpieces can be striking but they limit visibility and conversations across the table.

What are the traditional Thanksgiving colors?

Thanksgiving is usually associated with tans, reds, browns, and orange – Autumn colors. That being said – go wild and decorate with any color scheme! You can never go wrong with a color scheme that flows with your existing home’s decor.

easy DIY Thanksgiving table decoration ideas

Thanksgiving Table Runner Ideas

A simple way to make a custom Thanksgiving table decor is by adding a table runner. The benefit of a runner is that it is low lying and can be used on any size table without taking up any tabletop space.

A fun idea for a Thanksgiving table runner is to run a roll of brown paper and add markers so people can share what they are thankful for!

Fabric also works well. Burlap lends itself to a Thanksgiving-y feel. Or, any textured, earth tone material.

Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas

A more dramatic way to decorate a Thanksgiving tablescape is with a centerpiece. Centerpieces take up more tabletop space in the center of the table, but definitely can make a statement.

Consider using vases or jars for your centerpiece. You can fill clear vases with things like dried beans or corn and then add flowers, stalks of grass, or even sticks to add height.

Candles are another great addition to a Thanksgiving centerpiece. Candlesticks have a more formal feel while stand alone candles are more casual!

What is the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece?

The most traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece is a cornucopia overflowing with food items! You can actually buy plenty of cornucopia type baskets this time of year if this is the look you are going for!

40+ thanksgiving table decor ideas

Thanksgiving place card ideas

Another way to make guests feel special at Thanksgiving is with place cards. Finding your name at a table setting is fun and it also encourages people to mix up their seating arrangements.

Prep place cards in advance but ALWAYS have a few blank ones on hand in case someone unexpected shows up. You want them to feel welcome, too!

You can use a paint pen to write people’s names on anything – a leaf, a mini white pumpkin, ribbon, a stone, a cup, or even a card tucked into a pine cone as a card holder!

Here are some of the best Thanksgiving table decorating ideas from some of my favorite blogger friends.

How do I decorate my Thanksgiving table on a budget?

The best way to stay on a budget with Thanksgiving table decor is to focus on natural elements. Sticks, leaves, or pine cones can be gathered for free and are great easy Thanksgiving table setting ideas.

Use things you already have on hand – clear jars can substitute as a free vase!

Keep it simple to save cash and appear more elegant, anyways!

Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas

A beautiful table can make your guests feel welcome and cherished. Here are some fabulous DIY Thanksgiving table decorating ideas!

How do you decorate your table for Thanksgiving?

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But, decorating can seem overwhelming and expensive. It doesn’t have to be!

How do you decorate your table for Thanksgiving?

Looking for something?

We’ve been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips

Charleston Crafted logo banner