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6 Ways to Set a Special Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving outside for the first time or having a more intimate celebration with your immediate family, this year will be different—smaller and quieter, with a focus on appreciating our loved ones. Bring a sense of celebration to the day by setting a casual, elegant table to make the day feel special.

Embrace the setting

If you’re hosting an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner, make armfulls of wildflowers and tall arrangements of foraged branches your centerpiece. If it’s dinner for two this year, set an intimate, candlelit table with small arrangements of fall florals. Pair those natural accents with tableware in deep, autumnal colors.

Create a golden glow

Shine a warm light on the faces of the people you love. Mix candles at varying heights—from tea lights to tapers—for a soft, flattering glow. If you’re hosting outside, go for flameless candles, wind-proof lanterns and string lights.

Don’t skip the linens

Nothing elevates a casual meal like table linens, and warm-hued napkins signal the fall season (not to mention the fact that linen napkins create less waste). Add dimension by combining linens with other warm-toned tableware and decor such as brass serveware, wood accents and plenty of candles.

Break out the special flatware

This year, the holidays are all about the little details. Modern, sculptural flatware plays well with stoneware dishes and accents in fresh fall colors.

Mix up the menu

If the idea of making a full-on feast for a smaller-than-usual group isn’t working for you, take inspiration from these chefs’ holiday tables and try pairing your traditional Thanksgiving side dishes with a downsized entrée. If you can’t stand the thought of Thanksgiving without a turkey, go for it. If it’s your first time cooking the bird, it can be daunting—our guide will tell youhow to roast a turkey, from how to brine to what to do with the leftovers.

Add a little whimsy

Don’t be afraid of holiday motifs. Stoneware pumpkins, subtle turkey details and harvest-inspired decor are playful and festive, yet elegant.

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