1. INCORPORATE TEXTURE
Thanksgiving is all about getting cozy and hunkering down indoors, so plenty of contrasting fabrics and materials are important in creating a beautiful layered effect perfect for a fall table decor. 'When Thanksgiving approaches, I look forward to feathering my nest with wool, velvet and suede,' says designer Anne Hepfer.
2. THINK ABOUT COLOR
A color scheme is hugely important when you plan your Thanksgiving decor. Pick a color palette, or a couple of hues that work together in harmony and stick to it, making impactful choices with your chosen tones throughout the home.
3. DECORATE WITH NATURE
Incorporate natural elements in your decor and work with what you have to hand. Look outside, taking to your local park to collect leaves to create a front door wreath or even to scatter artfully on the table. 'Using nature doesn’t need to be complicated, on the contrary as long as it’s well executed it’ll make a strong impression,' says designer Benji Lewis.
4. GO MAXIMALIST
It's all about going overboard this time of the year and really getting eccentric with your display, celebrating and reflecting the abundance of the season. 'Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, so a festive note is important,' says Ida. 'Candles, leaves and fruits as table decorations, few beautiful pottery pieces, vases and you can choose a beautiful tablecloth where the decorative elements will underline that special note,' she says. 'Mixing patterns it is important too, and napkins in contrasting and mix and match colors can be the binding element of the table.'
5. ADD GLIMMERS OF GOLD
'Accenting with warm metallics is a good way to add a bit of glamor to your Thanksgiving as well,' says Anne. Whether you have gone for dark, cool tones like greens and black, gold can add warmth, while red and purples are also colors that go with gold and make for combinations that look irresistibly cozy.
6. REMEMBER THAT LIGHTING IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Dining room lighting is so crucial in creating that perfect atmosphere, and for Thanksgiving you want a cozy golden glow to emanate from the room. Layer your scheme with floor lights and table lamps. Move your lighting around the home so your dining room is full of light radiating from all its different sources. 'Get plenty of candlelight into your room – it’ll provide a warm glow,' adds Benji. 'Use only table or wall lighting for a soft effect; if you want something overhead then ensure it’s on a dimmer switch so your room isn’t over-illuminated,' he adds.
7. TRY A RAISED CENTERPIECE
Try your hand at a chandelier centerpiece over the dining table, and even consider taking your table outside for real immersion into nature. Fix string or wire between two trees either side of your table, and attach some netting in the center so you can weave your chosen pieces of foliage and create a beautiful autumnal display that will no-doubt wow guests.
8. REMEMBER THE TREATS
Last but no means least, treat your guests. Thanksgiving is all about indulging your friends and family and celebrating a bounty of food. 'Bowls of treats are a great inclusion, sweeties in a pretty pot for example at each place setting,' says Benji.