How to Set Your Table for Thanksgiving

Last Updated on November 19, 2025

A festive thanksgiving table with 4 place settings.

When you walk into a dining room or kitchen on Thanksgiving, how it’s set up can truly put a smile on your face and get your meal off to an amazing start. On the other hand, something that’s just thrown together could just as easily make things go off the rails. Let Ocean State Job Lot give you a key, quick tip to make sure all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Essential Elements

Tablecloth: Choose a tablecloth that complements your Thanksgiving theme. Opt for a classic white for a timeless look, or a fall-inspired color like orange or brown for a more festive vibe.

Placemats: Placemats can add a layer of protection and style to your table. Consider using fabric placemats with Thanksgiving-themed patterns or natural materials like jute or cork.

Flatware: Lay out the flatware in the correct order: fork on the left, knife on the right, and spoon to the right of the knife.

Dinnerware: Use your best china or a set of sturdy, matching dinnerware for an elegant look. For a more casual and eclectic look, mix and match pieces from different sets. Ocean State Job Lot is the best place for savings and great looks.

Glasses: Provide glasses for water and wine. For a festive touch, consider using wine glasses with etched designs or stemless glasses for a modern look.

Napkins: Fold napkins in a stylish manner and place them on the left side of the plate or in a napkin ring.Your guests can then easily use them in their lap when they eat.

A variety of fall-themed placements available from Ocean State Job Lot.

An illustration of a table setting on a red tablecloth.

Setting the Table

Start with the tablecloth: Lay the tablecloth on the table, ensuring it hangs evenly on all sides. This will begin that Thanksgiving table setting that’s easy on the eyes.
Place the placemats: Place a placemat at each seat, leaving enough room for the dinnerware and flatware. Allow enough room so that each guest isn’t too crowded when they eat.
Set the dinnerware: Place the dinner plate in the center of each placemat.
Add the flatware: Place the salad fork to the left of the dinner plate, followed by the dinner fork to the salad fork’s right. On the right side of the plate, place the dinner knife with the blade facing inward, followed by the soup spoon to the knife’s right.
Place the glasses: Place a water glass to the right of the dinner knife. If serving wine, place the wine glass to the right of the water glass.
Add the napkins: Place the napkins to the left of the salad fork, or in a napkin ring and placed on top of the plate.
Set the serving dishes: Arrange the serving dishes on the table, ensuring there is enough space for guests to serve themselves.
Have a spot set up for spices: Ocean State Job Lot has over 100 spices like sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley for turkey and stuffing.

A close-up of a thanksgiving table setting with floral decor, mini pumpkins, and a place card.

Additional Tips

Disposable Aluminum Pans: If you’re serving a buffet-style dinner, let your guests choose from our selection of disposable aluminum pans.

Centerpiece: Create a festive centerpiece using seasonal flowers, fruits, or candles. A simple arrangement of pumpkins and autumn leaves can add a touch of nature to your table.

Decorations: Decorate your table with Thanksgiving-themed decorations, such as small pumpkins, cornucopias, or fall foliage.

Place cards: If you have a large number of guests, consider using place cards to assign seats. This will help to avoid confusion and ensure everyone has a place to sit. It will also keep away the awkwardness of your family and friends trying to figure out who’s sitting next to who.

Lighting: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by using soft lighting. Consider using candles or string lights to add a touch of ambiance but don’t make the room too dark to make things confusing for your guests.

By following these tips, you can create a beautifully set table that will impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving dinner even more memorable. For more ideas, don’t forget to visit your local Ocean State Job Lot. Happy Thanksgiving!