I've spent many months collecting treasured tableware that I can't wait to show off at Thanksgiving – but at this rate, I'll hardly have any space left for the food. Although I love nothing more than planning spectacular tablescapes, I've been reminding myself of something I learnt years ago: Joanna Gaines' Thanksgiving table centerpiece tip.
Tucked away in an old Magnolia blog post is an invaluable nugget about Thanksgiving table decor ideas that I've never forgotten. While showing off her own Thanksgiving table from 2023, Joanna shares a raft of tips about style and decoration – including a reminder that low centerpieces are always a failsafe idea.
In Joanna's view, the centerpiece is the show-stopping finishing touch to a more understated look. 'I typically like to start with a minimal table and incorporate a lot of texture on top – usually in the form of a runner, napkins and the centerpiece,' she explains.
While it's the final flourish, however, Joanna reminds us that the centerpiece needs to work together with the rest of your table decor – and, crucially, your Thanksgiving meal itself.
'When we’re gathering around the table I like to keep the centerpiece low,' she states. 'This way, guests can easily see everyone at the table and there is plenty of room to place the food.'
This, it seems, is the consensus among designers on Thanksgiving table mistakes: get it right, and your centerpiece can act as a glorious focal point; pile things too high, and you'll inhibit conversation and disrupt the flow of your meal.
'Creating centerpieces that block sightlines across the table is a common decor faux-pas,' adds entertaining expert Fran Berger. 'Always test the height by sitting down at the table: if you can’t clearly see the guest opposite you, the arrangement is too tall.'
So, while creating a dramatic tablescape is still at the top of my Thanksgiving checklist, I'll be heeding Joanna's advice and keeping my centerpiece low. It's a timeless tip that I know will serve me well – and I'll likely return to it next year, too.
Shop Low Centerpiece Ideas
Joanna uses a faux olive garland to 'add movement and color' to her table – but I love this pre-lit option, since it feels particularly holiday-ready. It's a suitably low centerpiece, but it'll still provide plenty of visual interest.
Joanna uses copper touches to finish off her centerpiece, but I'm swooning over this gold garland: drape it across a crisp white tablecloth and your Thanksgiving tablescape will come to life.
For a more organic look, try piling pieces like pumpkins, faux leaves and pinecones into wide serving bowls – or simply scattering them across your table. I use vase fillers like these throughout the harvest season.
Joanna often uses fresh botanicals in her tablescapes, and this live centerpiece really celebrates the bounty of harvest. I love the rich fall color palette and the joyful yellow accents.
Bring your Thanksgiving craft ideas to life by fashioning your own cornucopia – or snap up a rustic, ready-made alternative like this one. Either way, it's a brilliant centerpiece idea that you can use for years to come.
I love to vary the height of the decor on my tablescapes, but this can feel risky if I'm trying to create a lower centerpiece – so pillar candles cam help me to ensure that I'm not blocking sightlines across the table.
Looking for more Thanksgiving wisdom? Check out our ultimate Thanksgiving hosting guide for tips on everything from lighting and seating arrangements to food prep and grocery shopping ahead of the big day.
