Emily Post’s informal place setting guide puts the dinner plate at the centre, forks on the left in outside-in order, the knife directly right of the plate with its cutting edge turned inward, spoons to the right of the knife and glasses at the top right of the plate. That layout is the foundation of any Thanksgiving table, however elaborate the centrepiece.
This guide combines that etiquette with centrepiece tips from Williams-Sonoma, a retailer whose 2025 centrepiece page shows no publication date: match the centrepiece to your table size, add height with branches, use candles for a warm glow and choose pieces that are easy to move during the meal. The decor ideas beyond these sources are ours. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Centerpiece Ideas and Tips
Williams-Sonoma’s page lists flower arrangements in soft fall colours, decorative objects such as sculpted pumpkins, lit decor such as candle holders and glowing branches, and natural elements such as faux eucalyptus, berries and succulents. Its practical tips are below. The page gives no advice on arranging fresh produce.
| Tip (Williams-Sonoma) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | A tall vase with branches in the centre adds height and drama |
| Scale | Match the centrepiece to your table size to avoid crowding |
| Colour and texture | Mix textures; gold and brown with soft greens and whites is one combination |
| Low accents | Scatter small bundles of flowers or berries along the table |
| Candles | Lit candle holders create a warm glow that encourages conversation |
| Coordination | Choose colours that complement linens and dinnerware |
| Practicality | Pick pieces that are easy to move during the meal |
Layout by Table Shape (Our Suggestions)
These suggestions are ours. The main rule is that guests should see each other across the table.
| Table | Idea (ours) |
|---|---|
| Round | One low arrangement in the centre |
| Long rectangle | A row of small vases or candles down the middle |
| Small table | A single candle cluster and a folded napkin detail |
| Buffet | Height at the back, low accents at the front |
Keep centrepieces low enough, or narrow enough, that nobody has to lean to talk.
The Place Setting
Emily Post’s informal layout is easy to copy. Forks follow an outside-in order based on when they are used, a bread plate sits above the forks with the butter knife across it, and dessert utensils can go above the plate or beside it.
| Item (Emily Post) | Position |
|---|---|
| Dinner plate | Centre; napkin may sit on top |
| Forks | Left of the plate, outside-in by use |
| Knife | Right of the plate, blade facing in |
| Spoons | Right of the knife; soup spoon outermost |
| Glasses | Top right of the plate |
| Bread plate (optional) | Above the forks, butter knife across it |
| Salad plate (optional) | Left of the forks |
| Dessert utensils (optional) | Above the plate or beside it |
Layering the Table (Our Suggestions)
Start with a tablecloth or runner, then add chargers or plates, napkins and small touches such as place cards. Keep colours to two or three, as in the Williams-Sonoma example of gold and brown with soft greens. Our guide to minimalism is a useful reminder that fewer items often look better.
| Layer | Idea (ours) |
|---|---|
| Base | Neutral cloth or runner |
| Plates | Simple white or cream |
| Napkins | One accent colour |
| Place cards | Handwritten, so guests know where to sit |
| Lighting | Candles at varied heights, with the lights dimmed |
Candle and Safety Notes
Our own cautions: keep candles away from dry leaves, branches and napkins, never leave flames unattended and choose unscented candles near food so they do not compete with the meal. Battery candles are a safer option if children or pets will be near the table.
