Hello friends! Today I’m sharing simple Thanksgiving table decor that is affordable and kid friendly. You don’t need fancy dishes or expensive flatware to set an elegant table. I’m teaming up with Kristi from French Creek Farmhouse and other design blogger friends to share inspiring Thanksgiving tablescapes all week. My Thanksgiving table incorporates gold plate chargers, melamine dishes, white mini pumpkins, and an olive branch centerpiece. Grab a cozy drink and come get inspired!
While you’re here, don’t miss our farmhouse fall home tour.
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1. Simple Thanksgiving Table Runner
As I began daydreaming about this Thanksgiving tablescape, I started with the perspective that I wanted to create something simple (mom with a newborn here!) that matched my existing decor. Our dining room is relatively neutral, but since our walls are a cool gray, I decided to warm up the space with a linen colored table runner. A runner grounds the tablescape and adds cozy texture to your table. Budget tip: you can also use a throw blanket or turkish towel as a table runner, like I did here!
2. Easy and Affordable Thanksgiving Centerpiece
For the centerpiece, I selected a simple white vase (this one is similar) and faux olive branches that I already had. Faux greenery and florals are perfect because you can save them to use again and again–ideal for decorating on a budget! Be sure to bend the faux branches outward and down a bit so that they appear more realistic.
3. Elegant Gold Fluted Plate Chargers
A simple way to add elegance to any tablescape is to use plate chargers. I never used them until last Thanksgiving, but now I’m hooked! A charger with a metallic look or interesting edge detail will give your table character and charm. Since many stores offer plastic chargers, they can be very budget friendly. These ones are similar to my gold fluted chargers.
4. Simple Thanksgiving Table Dishes and Flatware
Finally, I decided to use melamine plates and plastic flatware for a simple Thanksgiving table setting. Sometimes it is fun to use something different than your everyday dishes, and melamine (plastic) plates are a budget friendly option. Here are some similar stoneware look melamine plates from Target.
I also purchased inexpensive plastic gold flatware for our Thanksgiving table. All the fun of creating a completely new look, without the price tag!
Thanks so much for stopping by today friends! Please head on over to French Creek Farmhouse to see the other inspiring Thanksgiving tables on this blog hop. I would love to hear your budget friendly seasonal decor tips, or your favorite Thanksgiving traditions 🙂 Leave a comment below and say hi!
Your tablescape is so dreamy, Caitlin! I love the simplicity of the olive branches in the white vase, and the inexpensive gold chargers and plastic cutlery I never would have guessed were just plastic. Your photos are all so lovely! I’m going to go pin some images now so I will remember all your ideas!
Thank you so much for the comment sweet Kyla! I love trying to create a pretty and memorable look on a budget. So glad we met through this fun hop!
Caitlin, your tablescape is absolutely beautiful!!! I love the neutral and golds together! And I can’t believe that is plastic silverware!! It is all simply perfect. Your photography is beautiful as always!
Heather, thank you so much friend! I loved your pretty tablescape too! Such a fun time of year for decorating 🙂 Thank you for the sweet comment!
Caitlin, This is gorgeous!! I loved the olive branches and beautiful metallic touches!! So many wonderful ideas here!! Simple, yet elegant!! So happy to see your space, lots of inspiration!
Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words Deb!
Wowww, this is just woww! And I loved how you styled your Turkish towel ;)! Thanks for the tips on plastic silverware- love it!
Thanks so much Traci! So glad to be on this Thanksgiving hop with you! 🙂
This is breathtaking!I love your centerpiece along with the prints on the wall.
Thanks so much girl! I’m keeping it simple this year and it was fun to use things I already had 🙂
This is just beautiful. Neutral, warm, simple, and inviting. I’m honored to be in the company of women who create such beauty.
Thank you so much Kay! The feeling is mutual! 🙂
The olive branches are a nice touch. Who would know the plates are melamine and the flatware is plastic? The little white pumpkins are lovely in the bowls. It’s been quite fun seeing so many tablescape together for Thanksgiving.
Thanks so much Linda! I do love decorating on a budget! Plastic works great for kiddos too 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
I love the gold and white and the pop of your black chairs! Your centerpiece is gorgeous! Fun to tour with you!
Thank you very much Kristin! Honored to be on this fun hop with you!
Wow, Caitlin! This is absolutely stunning, and I love the simplicity of everything you’ve done. Also, how fantastic that those dishes are family friendly!! Gotta love one less thing to worry about when you have a full house, amiright? 🙂 xo!
Kristi, thanks so much! This has been such a wonderful Thanksgiving tour. Thank you for hosting! 🙂