Just like a natural landscape, tablescapes must have depth to be visually interesting. As we embark on a few days of festivities centered around family, friends and giving thanks together, here I will help you curate the most inviting, cozy, welcoming scene to invite your tribe to enjoy.

The layering effect is perfect in this scene - although I might opt for shorter candles, the narrow body of the candle holder helps it not feel like an impediment to making eye contact across the table. Sourced from Pinterest

To create depth, here are my four must-haves. Easily adaptable to any style, taste, size or shape of table, with these four elements present, you are sure to have a gorgeous setting for a delightful get together.

1) Textiles & Texture

Perhaps you´re not a fan of table cloths, and that’s okay, but a few linens/textiles present adds warmth. This can be achieved in the form of a table runner, placemats, chargers and/or cloth napkins. Texture appeals to our sense of touch which brings us a feeling of calm. Consider playing with a blend of soft cotton and linen, and/or more rugged textures like burlap. Even just a simple velvet ribbon tied around each napkin at each setting is such a sweet way to incorporate more texture.

2) Layers

Tastes vary drastically for what to display on a table - some prefer pumpkins and pinecones, others like small decorative turkeys. Whatever your preference is, as long as you layer in a few variations of things you like, you will have achieved strong depth. Here are a few pointers though, as you prepare to gather trinkets and other pieces of decor for the table.

Keeping everyone’s line of sight clear to fully engage with one another is SO key for creating a welcoming, interactive table. Often you´ll see giant dramatic flower bouquets or ostrich feather displays take center stage on a table, which are gorgeous don’t get me wrong, but I highly recommend accessorizing with a few complimentary accents that won’t interfere with eye contact. When you go to sit down, remove the giant bouquets from the table to open up the space for conversation.

Small details such as greenery wrapped in twine around a linen napkin is such a sweet touch. Sourced from Pinterest

For any shape of table (circular, square, oval or rectangular), I suggest placing the decor in such a way that each seat/guest has a special view. Meaning, instead of one or two pieces strictly in the center of the table facing one direction, consider adding more pieces of decor (or greenery, see below) in an abstract pattern that stretches to all sides of the table. With a rectangular table, for example, scatter things throughout the center fully down to both ends of the table so those seated at the head can enjoy the look too.

Vibrant colors and natural fruit and greenery and candles are layered into the look, perfectly stretching to both ends of the table. Sourced from Pinterest.

3) Greenery

The thing I love most about this time of year is - this time of year. The air is crisp and cool and winter greenery is so unique and vibrant in its own way. I love to take full advantage of pine trees, pine cones, berries, magnolia leaves, wreaths, garlands, bare branches, it’s all festive. Adding a layer or intertwining greenery into your tablescape offers such a nice reminder of how special this time of year really is. A few bits of natural greenery tucked beneath some other trinkets of your choosing helps fill out the look.

4) Candlelight

I probably should have I started with this one, but it’s such a common theme in my posts that I figured I’d try to change it up a bit :) I cannot stress enough the incredible warmth created through candlelight. Tea lights, votive candles and/or tall pillar candles - it all works. (The best is when you blend a few different sizes & shapes!)

If you’re battling harsh overhead lighting and want to try candlelight instead (YAY!) I recommend bridging the difference with some backlighting (aka lamps or hall lighting, etc.) It’s hard to stay non-specific but each dining area is so different from the next… my only advice is, real candles will achieve the soft warm glow I talk about endlessly. I’m yet to find battery-powered ones I like (send me your recs if you have some!) and quick tip for tea lights: add some water in the bottom of the holder for easy removal and a nice little floating effect, and they tend to burn out halfway through a night so keep replacements closeby so you can swap them out/re-light as needed.

And voila! You are well on your way to creating a stunning table.

With respect to serveware and dish/glassware, everyone’s personal preferences differ as does the menu being served… All I’ll say is, it makes for a really nice experience when you serve with multiple dishes (ie appetizer plates, dinner plates, dessert plates), as it does with glasses. Often cocktails turn to wine for dinner, and some prefer white over red, etc… having a table set to accommodate different preferences (or having on hand to serve with initially) is a very special touch.

And, pro tip; set your table 24-48 hours ahead of your guests arriving to both make your space look and feel extra glam, but also to take one major thing off your to-do list well in advance!

For additional inspiration, check out my Tablescapes Pinterest Board here.

Happy Hosting and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am incredibly grateful for each of you.

LG