4 Gorgeous Ways to Style Your Thanksgiving Table

2020 has, let’s admit it, been a bear. So if you are leaning towards skipping the visual luxury of Thanksgiving… reconsider, if you can. There’s something about real candles, a few gorgeous items on the table like a runner or some special plates, and seasonal colors that make the whole body relax. It’s the dinner equivalent of staring at fall foliage in New England.

Even if you’re setting the table for a small gathering this year, creating something beautiful can make even your favorite macaroni and cheese feel like a celebration. Don’t you deserve that this year in particular? We think so. Here are four approaches to consider; there’s still plenty of time to shop our Thanksgiving dinnerware, flatware and glassware.

1. Traditional

You’re more “Norman Rockwell” than “Jackson Pollock.” Great; this is the collection for you. Think: brooding birds in high state, sweet dogs, classic gravy boats and Old Fashioned glasses with ducks on them.

Our Plymouth collection is beloved for a reason. It’s got the table runner you want, and it works with almost any of our flatware collections in silver or gold. You’re going to want glassware to fit the mood; vintage elegance all the way.

2. Modern

If you tend towards a slightly more dialed-back aesthetic but love the romance of Japanese screens and the like, consider our Walden line. Tablecloths will make you feel like you’re at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; dinnerware is so elegant you’ll be tempted not to eat off of it. Proof is in the pudding:

The whole line is here, and so as not to distract too much from it, you’ll want some modern glassware with clean lines. Same goes for flatware: Consider eschewing elaborate engraved silverware in favor of simple silhouettes.

3. Seasonal

You look for the American Impressionist wing at the museum, gazing at the Singer Sargents. One of these options is the plateware you’re going to covet:

You want pumpkins aplenty, thank you very much, because as you’ve told everyone you know, this is your favorite time of the year. Our botanical pumpkin collection was designed with you in mind. (It’s durable porcelain that’s dishwasher and microwave-safe, so there you go!)

If it’s a bit too bold for you, our classic Plymouth line also has a few botanical, seasonal options for you. Either way, it’s charming all season long. We tend to love these oranges and fall tones with gold flatware, and simple, classic crystal, but that’s just us.

4. Classic Whites

Every year, the visual cacophony of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas only months apart give you a headache. You want white, with maybe a splash of gold, thank you very much. You need a break. We’ve got you covered: You can do a white and silver or white and gold table right down to the linens and flatware. Maybe you throw in a plaid charger or two; maybe not.

If you’re doing white plates and a white tablecloth, maybe you add shimmer in the form of silver napkin rings, gold-rimmed plates for just a touch of color, or glittering flatware. Maybe you need hand-cut glass to up the ante, such as these extraordinarily eye-catching Martini glasses.

No matter how you give thanks this year, we’ve got your back. Please come visit us for more ideas. Thanks for winding down 2020 with kindness.

Find Thanksgiving table ideas at the Williams Sonoma Thanksgiving Headquarters.