Lennar Resource Center

As the weather continues to cool down and dying leaves make themselves at home in piles on front lawns, we’re reminded of the approaching holiday season, typically beginning with Thanksgiving. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 25. 

If you’re planning on hosting, you may be starting to think of how you want to decorate your home for guests. But hosting and decorating can be a lot of work – between meal planning, coordinating out-of-towners sleeping arrangements, getting all the Thanksgiving décor from the basement, and reminding group chats for the hundredth time when dinner is going to be served, it can cause a lot of stress.

Your table setting should not have to be another thing that stresses you out. We’ve put together a list of six simple ways you can decorate your Thanksgiving table that will feel effortless but look intentional.

Warm-toned tablecloths

It seems so simple, but a warm orange, maroon or brown tablecloth will set the stage for Thanksgiving dinner and help provide a solid foundation for a themed table without having to put in much effort at all. 

Name plates

Name plates offer a thoughtful addition to your table setting – even if your guests are going to move them around to make themselves comfortable.

Cloth napkins and napkin rings

Cloth napkins in seasonal colors look great this time of year, but if you want to go for something that you can re-use outside of the holiday season, white always looks good.

A themed or simple napkin ring will tie the look together in a way that guests will really notice. If you don’t have napkin rings – or you simply don’t have enough for the number of guests joining you for dinner – a gold, orange or mustard yellow ribbon is a stylish and inexpensive alternative. Opt for velvet ribbon if you want to add a luxurious touch. 

Candlesticks

Long white candlesticks add warmth to a table setting with ease. With all the delicious smells radiating off your guests’ plates, unscented candles are the way to go.

If you can’t bear to part with the pumpkin-scented candles that you already bought, try lighting them when guests are arriving or during cocktail hour, and blow them out about an hour before dinner is served.

Natural elements

Mini pumpkins, warm florals and leaves are effortless additions and look great at a holiday table. If you’ve got a long table, a faux eucalyptus runner adds a warm touch of green, while cranberry vines add a pop of seasonal color.

Homemade crafts

Homemade touches (such as the eucalyptus runner) require a bit of work, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be the one putting it together. These are great opportunities for getting the kids involved, and typically, around this time of year, guests are more than happy to help the host in any way possible.

This is also a great task for the family members who aren’t very skilled in the kitchen but still want to contribute. Ask if anyone would want to add a homemade craft for the table and put some artistic skills to good use!

Holidays are stressful – but simple and thoughtful touches go a long way without taking time away from your busy hosting schedule. These are just some of the ways you can make your Thanksgiving table stand out this holiday season in your new Lennar home.