Holiday Decorations for Your Thanksgiving Table and Feast
How to set a fabulous table on a budget for your Thanksgiving Feast! Most of my items came from Estate Sales, Consignment and Thrift Stores and Garage Sales.
Thanksgiving is such an amazing holiday, celebration and gathering of friends, family and loved ones. We come together to share a meal, our gratitude, create memories as we gather around a table brimming with delicious food.
This year, I'll show you how to elevate your celebration with a touch of creativity by embracing mismatched china and glassware for your Thanksgiving table. The best part is that almost all of this was picked up and purchased at consignment stores, thrift shops and garage sales!
See if this table doesn't feel warm, inviting, well put together, personal, and full of character—perfect for the holiday spirit.
Why Choose Mismatched Dishware
I've loved the look and feel of mismatched dishware since I dined at a renovated home turned restaurnt in Tempe in the 90s. It held a charm that no coordinated set could replicate. It felt transported in time and it evoked a sense of nostalgia, while revealing pieces of a story of bygone times. And, it adds visual interest.
A few of my pieces are inherited heirlooms, which are the 3 crystal wineglasses that don't quite match the gold ones.
The rest are thrift and consignment store treasures, and a mix of my everyday dinner dishes.
Each piece contributes to a one-of-a-kind table setting.
Create Layers
Layering is your best friend when working with mismatched dishware. Start with chargers or large dinner plates, add a smaller salad plate, and you could even top it with a decorative bowl or napkin. The varying patterns and colors will look intentional and dynamic.
Coordinate, Don't Match Glassware
Your glassware doesn’t need to match perfectly either! I used wine and water glasses to create height and a nuanced look.
Combine goblets, wine glasses, and tumblers in varying shapes and styles. For a cohesive touch, stick to one material—like all glass or a mix of glass and crystal—or unify the look by choosing glasses with a similar tone, such as amber, clear, or green.
Accessorize Simply, But Thoughtfully
Use your table accessories to tie everything together. A linen table runner or placemats in soft, neutral shades can ground the setting. Add cloth napkins in complementary tones (I chose gold), and you could secure with napkin rings or tie with twine and a sprig of rosemary.
For centerpieces, keep it natural and seasonal: pumpkins, gourds, candles, and foliage like eucalyptus or autumn leaves. Place the decor at varying heights to add dimension without blocking conversation.
My center piece is simply a colleciton of glass and ceramic pumpkins I've collected over time. Weave in fall leaves from a craft store, some pumpkin spice candles of course, and you are good to go.
Make it Personal, Embrace the Imperfection
Mixing dishware is inherently personal, so lean into that! Use a mismatched plate at each setting to reflect a different family member's personality or share the story of a special piece of china. Add handwritten place cards for an intimate touch.
The beauty of a mismatched table is its charm and authenticity. It’s not about perfect symmetry or matching sets—it’s about creating an inviting space where people feel welcome and at home. And, at such a low cost, if something breaks, it gives you a reason to take an excursion back to your favorite thrift and consignment stores! Have friends keep an eye out for specific items you want to add.
See all of my Thanksgiving Holiday Feast Ideas Here
I have an entire Thanksgiving Holiday Recipe playlist on YouTube, and you’ll find the recipes, cooking videos and more, here, as well!
My Thanksgiving Holiday Menu and One Month Out Prep Plan
My Thanksgiving Turkey - cooked two days ahead
Thanksgiving Curry Pumpkin Soup
Thanksgiving Recipe Healthy Hacks and Swaps
My Thanksgiving TableScapes and Holiday Decor
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