Thanksgiving Decorating & Hosting Tips & Recipes
On Thursday we hosted our Instagram Live from the Farm Thanksgiving Edition! Click here to watch the whole event. I had the best time sharing some of my favorite easy Thanksgiving decorating ideas adn recipes that are perfect for relaxing after the big meal at lunch.
Today I am sharing all of my Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, Thanksgiving table decorating ideas, and my favorite holiday hosting tips to help you create a table that feels beautiful and effortless. These light and delicious appetizers are simple to make and just right for Thanksgiving evening when everyone is ready to snack and unwind.
Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas
You can make your Thanksgiving evening look amazing, taste delicious, and still have time to enjoy your guests!
Don’t stress over a perfect table. With a few easy touches, you can use what you already have to make it cozy and beautiful.
Let me show you how! Keep reading…
Bring the Garden to the Table
Fresh greenery always brings a table to life.
For a centerpiece, I like to mix potted cabbages, kale (we used Miss America Kale but Tommy calls it Russian Kale), rosemary, or herbs in simple terra cotta pots are some of my favorites.
They smell wonderful, look fresh, and can be planted outside when the event is over. Irish moss, heuchera and Irish moss with cut grocery store flowers like alstroemeria that will last for weeks.
Nestle in some heirloom pumpkins with candles in hurricane glasses for extra cozy touches, and you’ve got the easiest and beautiful Thanksgiving table centerpiece!
Quick Tip: I like to keep a stash of terracotta pots sitting outside in the shade so they get that natural weathered patina over the years and I can use them in my decorating.
Mix Fancy and Easy for a Quick Table Centerpiece
I love mixing the pretty with the practical. A few real silver platters mixed with a stack of paper plates, and copper or rattan chargers underneath make the table look pulled together without much effort. You can use real napkins or paper… paper is easier but I prefer the feel of a real cloth napkin. The different textures give it charm and personality. Guests can grab-n-go with a plate on a sturdy charger, sit wherever they like, and relax without worrying about anything formal.
The Best Snack Ideas for Thanksgiving Night
After a big Thanksgiving meal, nobody really wants another heavy plate of food. Keep things light and fun with simple snacks that take almost no time at all.
Cheese fondue is SO easy to whip up and everyone loves it served with pretzels and baguette pieces.
Salami and cucumber stacks for a crisp, fresh bite.
Pimento cheese and chips because it is not a Southern gathering without it. I just buy mine at the grocery store then put it in a pretty serving platter with some chips.
Apricot Havarti appetizer baked until bubbly and gooey inside. This is DIVINE and everyone loves to dig into hot cheeses of all varieties, trust me!
Fresh bakery carrot cake dressed up with foil-wrapped chocolates or little turkeys for a festive touch. I LOVE my Ballard cake dome because it’s huge and all the decor fits nicely underneath without getting smushed.
Amaretto cookies with chocolate ice cream is one of my favorite childhood treats. Pour a bit of amaretto over the whole thing if you want a fun adult treat!
Everything looks pretty on the table, smells delicious, and keeps everyone happy without any extra work.
baked Apricot havarti APPETIZER RECIPE
Fresh popcorn with hot buttered rum sauce.
I found this gravy boat with a stand for a candle underneath to keep it hot but instead of gravy, I’m using it for a sweet treat!
Pour this hot buttered rum mix in and allow the candle to warm it up, then let guests drizzle it over fresh popcorn.
It is AMAZING!! If it gets too hot, you can blow out the candle so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Use Everyday Items in Unexpected Ways
If you have an umbrella stand, you’ve got the perfect container for a tall fall centerpiece! Clip some branches in all their fall glory, add them to a glass vase inside the umbrella stand. Keep them in water and they’ll last.
Be sure to line it with a trash bag to prevent leaks.
Shop around your house to see what you may already own that can be incorporated into your party decor!
Whatever it is, being creative can make all the difference.
Put together a Fun Cocktail Moment
Keep the drinks easy and pretty. For the kids, I fill this big glass pumpkin drink dispenser with two jugs of fresh apple cider and put a little plate under the spout to catch any drips.
I always provide ice water and guests can grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or make themselves a cocktail at the bar.
If you’re looking for a fun way to entertain the men, gift him this bourbon smoker and he will be the biggest hit of any party!
ALways give your guests a Sweet Send-Off
Before everyone heads home, I always like to send them with a little sercy or a “happy”. A sercy is a little favor that’s a Southern way to say “Thank you for coming”. Easy ideas for thankgsiving favors would be a chocolate turkey, mini candle, wrapped cookie, or jar of jam is the perfect way to end the evening. It is a small gesture that lets guests know how much you appreciate them. Since Thanksgiving kicks off the Holiday season, I like to give my nieces and any children in attendance an advent calendar so they can start their countdown to Christmas when they get home.
Quick Takeaways
Reuse potted plants for table décor now and containers later.
It is perfectly ok to mix textures and metals like paper, rattan, silver, copper, crystal and greenery. In fact, I prefer NOT to be too matchy-matchy.
Keep snacks light, easy and portable with a beautiful paper plate on a charger.
Turn off the overhead lights and use candles and lamps for a soft, cozy glow.
Don’t forget music! Every party needs light music in the background.
Offer one simple cocktail along with a kid-friendly cider and ice water.
Always send your guests home with a gift (I call them a sercy) as a token of your appreciation.
HAPPY THANKSGIVIng, Y’all!!
It does not have to be perfect to be beautiful. Mix what you love, add something green, and enjoy your company. That is what a Thanksgiving table after the feast is all about.
Watch the Full Thanksgiving Live Event here:
Looking for the Easy Cheesy Fondue Recipe?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set a Thanksgiving table that feels festive but easy?
Start with layers and mix natural textures like greenery, rattan, and glass. Add one standout element, such as a patterned plate, then finish with warm lighting from candles or lamps.
What are the best easy Thanksgiving appetizers?
Cheese fondue, pimento cheese with chips, and salami-cucumber stacks are my top picks. They are simple, light, and always crowd-pleasers.
How can I make cocktails look special without a full bar setup?
Use pretty glassware and a fun garnish like rosemary or apple slices. Pre-mixed drinks in a dispenser let guests serve themselves.
What is a sercy, and why do Southerners love them?
A sercy is a small, thoughtful gift that shows gratitude. It could be a sweet treat, a candle, or a jar of jam. It is a lovely way to thank your guests.
How do I decorate affordably for Thanksgiving?
Use what you already have. Herbs, fruits, or small potted plants from your garden make beautiful and affordable centerpieces.
Want more of my favorite Recipes?
Want more cozy recipe ideas? Be sure to check out my collection of simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring family and friends together around the table for every occasion.
Pin these recipes for later!
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