Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas for a Rustic Holiday

Is a Thanksgiving food table really necessary? No, not really. But think about your fancy meals.

You've got a gorgeous table top set for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner and not a lot of space for all those trays, dessert plates, pies, and appetizer baskets.

Enter Thanksgiving buffet table ideas to solve the food congestion problem.

Ate {8} Days of Thanksgiving

Thank you so much for joining me for the first edition of the Ate {8} Days of Thanksgiving! Get it!? Ha ha. I crack myself up. 😂

I’ll be bringing you fun Fall party and Thanksgiving inspiration for the next few weeks and I hope you follow along. Today it’s Day 7 and all about Thanksgiving Food Tables.

Thanksgiving Food Table Decor

During the season of gratitude it's wonderful to display signs and art that portray our thankfulness.

Pull your pretty Thanksgiving decor out and see what you already have. Make sure to ALWAYS shop your house first before heading out to purchase new seasonal decor.

I love new decor as much as anyone, but eventually our houses will fill up and it'll end up causing stress instead of bringing happiness. So carefully decide what you'll purchase to get the most bang for your buck AND your storage space.

I love this decor:

• Harvest Blessings from Hobby Lobby
• If You love what you have you have all that you need {similar}
• Red Truck from Tai Pan Trading
• Mini Pumpkins from Michaels

Thanksgiving Table Flowers

Using flowers to decorate both the dining and the Thanksgiving food tables is always a great idea! Choose flowers with deep colors and lots of texture for maximum impact. I added some feathers to this already stunning florist arrangement.

Then choose edibles to accent your decor like pomegranates, sweet potatoes, and nuts. I love using uncut food as decor because you are still able to eat it later.

Serve Your Thanksgiving Appetizers

Using the food buffet server to start the Thanksgiving meal with appetizers is a great way for guests to help themselves during last minute meal prep.

And you can provide some free Thanksgiving fact cards from Ministering Printables too for people to enjoy while they wait.

We served my favorite butternut squash soup in a pumpkin tureen {similar} for guests to leisurely sample with crusty bread and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Autumn Snacks

Accompanied by corn chips shaped like autumn leaves {Trader Joes}. These make a great starter, especially if joined by some spinach artichoke dip!

*Side note: I also love mixing faux and real flowers for a rich look that lasts for weeks.

Thanksgiving Dessert Details

Mixing the different wood servers with wooden maple leaves and vintage squirrel salt and pepper shakers created a very cozy rustic feeling.

Pairing the squirrels with paper acorn dessert plates made for a little whimsy but cleared the table of extra plates until needed.

Portable Thanksgiving Treats

Using a wood divided server {similar} piled high with treats makes it easy to serve around the table or serve yourself from the buffet table. Maple cookies and cranberry scones are both a great idea for Thanksgiving!

Dressed up Pumpkin

This store bought pumpkin pie is best at room temperature and can sit out and be pretty with it's little extra fondant pumpkin decor. When you're ready it's easy to slice, serve, and pass out on the prepared dessert plates.

Thanksgiving Food Leftover Boxes

Thanksgiving leftovers are increasingly gaining attention. They'll always been an issue so provide a few take out boxes {similar} for families to pack up as they leave.

Or pack up your boxes and deliver meals to elderly, struggling, or lonely individuals or families.

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Food Table

When you put together all these elements of a great Thanksgiving food table it'll make your job easier and the meal flow more smoothly. Plus it just looks really pretty!

I hope you found some Thanksgiving dinner inspiration here. Not that you will do it exactly like I did but please take pieces of this and make it your own! Then let me know in the comments how it went!

And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love celebrating all your hard work! 

Follow

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Pin it for Later

ATE Days of Thanksgiving

Coming up for Day 8…..

Little Pumpkin Baby Shower

All About Apples

• Day 1: Apple Cider Bar Ideas for a Harvest Party
• Day 2: Fall Family Activity Apple Tasting Night
• Harvest Party Girls Night Ideas

Thanksgiving Ideas

• Day 3: Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: How to Easy Recipe
• Day 4: Sweater Pumpkins DIY Dollar Tree Pumpkin Decor
• Day 5: Ideas for Rustic Thanksgiving Table Top Decor
• Day 6: Fall Gnomes! DIY Gnome Instructions
• Global Chic Thanksgiving Holiday Tablescape

Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas

• Day 7: Thanksgiving Food Table Ideas for a Rustic Holiday
• Day 8: Fall Baby? Little Pumpkin Baby Shower Ideas

From the Autumnal Archives

Girls Night Harvest Party Ideas

Peacock Table Decorations for Thanksgiving

Farmer's Market Harvest Brunch