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Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

As friends and family gather around the dining table, the centerpiece can set the mood of the meal. During Thanksgiving—one of the most anticipated feasts of the year—it’s important to choose the right centerpiece to create an atmosphere your guests will love. Whether you want to set an inviting, rustic tone or prefer an elegant, sophisticated feel, you’ll find an abundance of Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas with this helpful guide.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

Candlelight

Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at your Thanksgiving table with a glowing candle centerpiece. For an autumnal display, lay a seasonal wreath flat on the table and place a hurricane candle holder in the middle. Add a fall-scented candle to burn during the meal—woody, smoky scents set the mood. Another option is to place candle-filled lanterns on the table. Arrange one large lantern holding multiple candles of varying heights, or mix and match various smaller lanterns with one candle in each. For the final touch, surround the candles with autumn botanicals, such as acorns, pinecones or cranberries.

Natural Elements

Rich wood accents and natural elements foster a cozy, pastoral atmosphere. Use wooden cheese boards or serving trays as the foundation of your centerpiece. Atop the rustic boards, arrange mason jars filled with stalks of wheat, or place apples into a leafy garland. You can also try lining a long board with a chain of glass jars filled with acorns, dried corn kernels and leaves. Finish the look of your rustic table with textured, neutrally-colored table linens and wooden napkin rings.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

Seasonal Decor

Incorporate pumpkins and gourds into your centerpiece to create a table overflowing with fall charm. Place a long, narrow centerpiece basket in the middle of the dining table to display a selection of vibrantly-colored gourds in shades of red, orange, burnt umber and yellow. Alternatively, use a hollowed out pumpkin as a vase for seasonal blossoms, such as sunflowers. Choose a white pumpkin for a modern flair, or stick with orange to keep the look classic. If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving centerpiece idea and are feeling crafty, consider stenciling outlines of leaves or abstract designs onto painted pumpkins. Showcase them atop cake stands of various heights, and place candles and florals in complementary hues around the painted pumpkins to create a color-coordinated look.

Serving Dishes

Food, after all, is the highlight of the Thanksgiving holiday—why not also make it the focal point of your whole table? Use your home-cooked meal as the centerpiece by serving courses in artisanal cookware and standout seasonal dishes. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to show off some of your most exceptional serveware. A gleaming roasting pan with a crisp, juicy turkey looks glorious in the middle of a Thanksgiving table. Top the bird with a bouquet of fresh herbs to add a hint of greenery. Pair with pumpkin shaped serving dishes that are both festive and functional. Display the pumpkin bowls at the center of the table before everyone gathers to eat, tucking away non-perishable items, such as bread rolls, inside. Alternatively, consider using tiered serving trays holding an array of appetizers and desserts as a centerpiece. For truly ambitious hosts, bake a bread cornucopia filled with food to design an impressive, edible Thanksgiving centerpiece for the table.

In addition to a beautiful centerpiece, don’t forget to consider the place settings and table linens. A tablecloth can make the holiday dinner feel more sophisticated. For a casual look, consider adding a table runner, which will accentuate the centerpiece idea you’ve chosen.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas? Share them with us using the hashtag #CrateStyle.

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