Today let's talk about this easy Friendsgiving table setting that looks challenging but is pretty simple. This Thanksgiving table made for friends can be used for any fall or autumn occasion, but we are focusing on friends for this post.
Last year my niece borrowed my Thanksgiving table decorations for her Friendsgiving party so this year, I thought it would be fun to create a Friendsgiving table setting that looks fancy and includes easy cleanup.
Friendsgiving Table Setting
This year I enlisted the help of Joanna Gaines' Hearth and Hand foliage for this table, battery-powered candles, and Spode china paper plates. But before we look over the shopping list, you might ask what is Friendsgiving?
What is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving celebration with friends rather than a traditional family gathering. Typically the decor and food are similar, but the only difference is the guests. This time of year is perfect to celebrate good friends. No matter who is on your guest list, this table setting will be a hit.
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Friendsgiving Table Setting Supplies
- Gingham tablecloth (sometimes called Buffalo check)
- Dollar Tree chargers painted white (I used Dixie Belle chalk paint)
- Spode Thanksgiving paper plates (I found mine at TJ Maxx, but they are on Etsy too)
- Silverware (I used Michael Angelo by Oneida)
- Clear drinking glasses (I used stemless champagne flutes, but you can use anything)
- Wall hanging basket
- Fall foliage (I used Hearth and Hand from Target)
- Sheer 1 1/2″ white ribbon
- Brass candlesticks
- Battery powered taper candles
- Wooden swan (I found mine at Goodwill, but here is a similar swan set)
- Faux fur rug
How to Set a Friendsgiving Table
Friendsgiving Tablecloth
If you've been following me for a while, you know I often use blankets as tablecloths, but this time, I chose to go with a lovely Gingham tablecloth, sometimes called buffalo check, in beautiful fall colors. You can layer your tablecloth with another set at a diagonal or table runner. I decided to go with the single layer for this particular table setting.
Friendsgiving Centerpiece
Your guests' eyes will be drawn to the center of the table and your Friendsgiving table decor. I created this beautiful centerpiece using items I already had on hand. I used this hanging basket from my front door and laid it on the table. Then I took the fall foliage from my mantel, placed it in the basket, and let it flow out. Look around your home, you're likely to find just what your need for your table decor idea.
I placed sheer 1 1/2″ white ribbon through and over the basket to the other side. These little details are what make your centerpiece stand out.
I finished the look with some mini pumpkins on either side, placing two on the end that don't have the foliage to create interest. I sprinkled a few acorns that I picked up with my little nephew on our walk. We had so much fun! It's a great way to get the kids involved.
Finally, I added brass candlesticks and battery powered taper candles. I love these battery powered taper candles because I can leave them on as long as I like, and the best part is I don't have to worry about messy wax.
Did you notice the little swan? I found him at Goodwill and just fell in love. He's such a sweet addition to the centerpiece. You can find similar wooden swans here. I love fun decor pieces like this!
Friendsgiving Place Settings
I started with a white charger that I got at Dollar Tree. For those unfamiliar, a charger takes the place of a place mat. The chargers were gold when I bought them, and I painted them white (I used Dixie Belle chalk paint). If you do this, don't worry about making it perfect. Even if you can see some gold through it, it gives it a nice distressed look.
I found these beautiful Spode Thanksgiving paper plates and matching decorative napkins (I found mine at TJ Maxx, but they are on Etsy too). It's an easy way to achieve an elegant look. I trailed the napkin off the side and placed the paper dinner plate in the center of the charger. Not only are these plates and napkins beautiful, but they also make cleanup a snap.
I used my Mother's Michaelangelo silverware. The design on it really complements the design on the plates. I finished off the place settings with stemless champagne flutes. The simple, slender glass is perfect next to the busy plate design. Each place setting is simple yet elegant.
One Last Detail
I love to finish off my table design with something on the bench. This year, I'm using a white faux fur rug. It's the perfect way to keep your guests cozy. It's soft and comfortable and is warm to sit on. The little details like this are what make your Friendsgiving dinner special.
Final Thoughts
I hope you've found this Thanksgiving table setting helpful and that it's given you ideas for your own Friendsgiving celebration or Thanksgiving dinner party this holiday season. It's sure to make this special occasion feel extra special. I love that this set would work just as well on an outdoor table as your dining room table. Here are a few other beautiful table setting designs I think you'll love:
- Easy Thanksgiving Table Decorations that Pilgrims will Love
- Farmhouse Thanksgiving Dinner Table Ideas
- Dollar Tree Fall Decorating Ideas for a Cozy Thanksgiving Table
- Heartwarming Thanksgiving Table Decorations DIY to Try
- Easy Thanksgiving Table Decorations for a Fabulous Feast
- Outdoor Thanksgiving Table Decor that Gives a Cozy Feeling of Hygge
I'd love to hear about your Friendsgiving table ideas or Thanksgiving day traditions. Whatever you do to celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Happy decorating!
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mary
Saturday 19th of November 2022
love paper plates, etc., but what does swan have to do with thanksgiving, lol.
Linda McDonald
Monday 21st of November 2022
That is a very good question. Truth is, I didn't have a turkey figurine to put on the table, so I picked the next best thing, and that is a swan. The swan color scheme fits in nicely but did you know, according to Ripley's website, one of the foods possibly served at the first Thanksgiving was swan?