How Joanna Gaines Blends Styles For The Perfectly Decorated Thanksgiving Table

Preparing and decorating for a Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work, but with these tips from Joanna Gaines, your holiday setup will be as beautiful as it is functional. Gaines, star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" and a New York Times bestselling author, has offered simple yet elegant ideas for Thanksgiving table décor on her blog, Magnolia. By implementing contrasting styles, keeping your centerpieces short, and layering your setting, your table will be simple and leave enough room for your fall feast.

"There are two things that I think truly welcome the season of entertaining: good food and a set dining table. I really believe the table should be a reflection of the celebration, and I love dressing up my Thanksgiving table with pieces both old and new," Gaines wrote on Magnolia Blog. Utilizing different textures, like with a table runner or uniquely folded napkins, will help any table setting look more sophisticated without being too over the top.

Rather than covering the entire table in a cloth, Joanna Gaines suggests using only a runner, leaving the rest of the surface bare. This can look especially good if you have a wooden dining table, giving the space a more rustic and relaxed feeling. Once the runner is in place, Gaines likes adding simple decorations, such as candle sticks of different heights, along the length of the table. Using shiny candle holders, such as silver or copper, can also give the space a sophisticated aesthetic.

While many people choose big, vibrant centerpieces that go directly in the middle of the table, Gaines avoids this: "When we're gathering around the table I like to keep the centerpiece low, this way guests can easily see everyone at the table and there is plenty of room to place the food," she wrote. Instead, she implements garlands, either fresh or faux. Not only does this provide more space for people to talk with each other, but it also ensures that the centerpiece enhances the entire table rather than just a spot in the center. If you use neutral colors, like white and brown, for your runner and dishware, the green garland will add a bit of color and complement your other decorations. The contrast of the bare table with the cloth runner, fancy candle sticks, and greenery is an easy way to blend styles and make your setting pop.

At the heart of every Thanksgiving dinner table is the dishware. In her blog, Joanna Gaines explains that layering different types and styles of dishes can make your table look more balanced and appealing. "I'm a big believer in blending styles in general — especially when it comes to setting the table. Layering contrasting looks like rustic chargers with modern plates, antique flatware, and vintage-inspired glassware, gives the table some character and makes for an interesting overall aesthetic," Gaines explained.

If you don't have plate chargers, you can still utilize this advice by layering larger plates of one color or style with smaller plates of another. You could also make your own seasonal dishware by decorating inexpensive plates from stores like Dollar Tree. To add more texture and avoid needing to Google where each piece of silverware is supposed to go, try wrapping your forks, knives, and spoons in a cloth napkin and laying them over the stacked plates. You could also simply put a folded or bundled napkin on top of each plate and leave the flatware on the sides. Using dishware made of various materials, such as crystal glasses and china plates, is a great way to combine styles and create a unique look. With Gaines' Thanksgiving tips, your dining table will look as good as your feast.