How to Style a Thanksgiving Table with Aqua, Chocolate, and Cream Accents
Let's talk turkey, well, turkey tables at least! Today I'm sharing a Thanksgiving tablescape with aqua, chocolate, and cream which brings a fresh and unexpected twist to holiday decor, blending whimsical elements like a Target turkey pillow centerpiece with elegant layers of vintage-inspired china and cozy textures. Sometimes it's fun to be a little playful at the table! You can see more of my Thanksgiving inspiration here.
Before I jump into How to Style a Thanksgiving Table with Aqua, Chocolate, and Cream Accents, I want to say a giant “Thank You!” to Rita from Panoply for inviting me to be part of her Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop! I am delighted to party with these ladies! You'll find beautiful Thanksgiving table inspiration from 17 table stylists and bloggers at the bottom of this post.
Whimsical Turkey Centerpiece
When I first saw this amazing Turkey Pillow from Target, designed by the incredibly talented John Derian, I wasn’t quite sure how I’d use it – but I knew I wanted to! The more I looked at it, the more it made me smile, and I realized it could make a fun and slightly humorous centerpiece. This turkey became the inspiration for the entire tablescape, leading me to create a unique Thanksgiving table with accents of aqua, chocolate, and cream. I love how it brings a whimsical touch to the holiday while keeping the look elegant and inviting.
How to Make a Centerpiece from a Pillow
While the pillow on its own is very pretty, it doesn't quite say centerpiece. To fix that you can do this:
- Pick a large platter – this will be your base.
- Place some faux greenery on the platter – this adds color and looks like a bit of garnish!
- Place the turkey pillow on top of the greenery.
- Finally, add some mini velvet pumpkins for a bit more color.
Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Thanksgiving Tablescape
While brown, reds and oranges are very beautiful for Thanksgiving, I was completely enthralled with the beautiful aqua colors of the turkey pillow and wanted to draw those out. I think that this color palette of aqua, chocolate, and cream adds a refreshing and unexpected twist to Thanksgiving decor. It feels both calm and festive, blending classic autumnal tones with a touch of something new.
Adding Height and Warmth with Brass Lamps
Another favorite element of mine on this table are the little brass lamps! I saw a similar looking lamp on a designer's website whom I really, really admire, but the price per lamp was almost $400. So I put on my thinking cap and got to digging around online. I ended up finding these little battery-operated lamps on Amazon for a teeny-tiny fraction of the price of the other lamps! I kept digging and found these cute little wicker lampshades too and I just love how they turned out! And they were waaaaaay less expensive! And even though they don't put out a ton of light – I definitely wouldn't want to try read by them – they add the exact aesthetic that I was hoping for.
Shop these lamps on Amazon:
These lamps not only bring a lovely golden glow but also add height and interest, framing the centerpiece and creating a cozy ambiance. Love them!!
Elegant Place Settings with a Vintage Touch
The place setting is layered with luxurious textures and timeless patterns to create a look that’s both elegant and approachable. Here’s how it’s built, layer by layer:
- Burnt Copper Charger: This rich, warm base sets the tone for the whole place setting.
- Carved White Charger: Adds a touch of texture and sophistication with its intricate design. You can find the charger here.
- English China Transferware: The brown and white dinner plate and soup bowl are in the classic “Melrose” pattern, bringing an English charm and a sense of heritage to the table.
- Soft Aqua Napkin with Crochet Edges: This aqua napkin adds a pop of color and a soft, inviting feel. The crochet edging enhances the vintage-inspired look.
- White Pumpkin Soup Bowl: Topping it all off, this adorable white pumpkin bowl is both functional and festive.
SHOP THIS LOOK
CLICK to shop each piece on my LTK and create a memorable holiday setting of your own!
Final Touches for a Thanksgiving Tablescape with Aqua, Chocolate, and Cream
I created a table runner out of a beloved piece of cut fabric that I have had for years. The classic floral pattern incorporates the color scheme beautifully, adding depth and richness that I love.
Gold flatware complements the brass accents and adds a touch of elegance, while the vintage brown glassware brings warmth and a nostalgic feel. These final touches pull everything together, making the table feel complete and ready for guests to gather around.
PrintableThanksgiving Placecards
The final touch at each place setting is a personalized place card in a pumpkin holder. This small detail adds a personal touch, making each guest feel special and welcome. As a thank-you, I’m offering these printable place cards as a free download to my email subscribers, so be sure to sign up if you’d like to use them at your own Thanksgiving table.
Free Place Card Printable
Email subscribers get access to my VIP Printable Library filled with all kinds of beautiful printables like this set of 6 Pumpkin Placecards just for being a subscriber!
Sign up below to get yours today!
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SHOP THIS LOOK
CLICK to shop each piece on my LTK and create a memorable holiday setting of your own!
Shop the Look
Don't forget you can shop this table on my LikeToKnowIt shop and the lamps are available in my Amazon Storefront.
This Thanksgiving table is all about bringing beautiful colors, textures, and layers together to create a holiday table that feels both special and welcoming. I hope this tablescape inspires you to add a creative twist to your Thanksgiving decor this year!
Don’t forget to download your free printable place cards and tag me on Instagram if you recreate this look – I’d love to see your tables!
You Might Also Like
Visit the Thanksgiving Table Blog Hop!
I’m thrilled to be part of a blog hop with seventeen talented bloggers who are also sharing their Thanksgiving table inspiration. Be sure to visit their posts for even more ideas on how to style your table for this special holiday!
Panoply – Thanksgiving Fowl and Feast
Hyacinths for the Soul – Fine Feathered Friends
Everyday Living – Counting Our Blessings
Home is Where the Boat Is – Giving Thanks Lakeside
Pandora's Box – Thanksgiving Table for Two
Life and Linda – Enchanted Woodland
The Cat's Whiskerz – A Simple and Thankful Tablescape for Thanksgiving
My Thrift Store Addiction – A Cornucopia of Blessings for Thanksgiving
Me and My Captain – To Be Thankful is to Recognize God in All Things
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – So Much To Be Thankful For
The Painted Apron – Thanksgiving Blessings
Thrifting Wonderland – A Thrifty Thanksgiving Table
Dinner at Eight – Thanksgiving in the Meadows and Ponds
Belle Bleu Interiors – A Table of Blessings
Red Cottage Chronicles – Thanksgiving Harvest Tablescape
Mantel and Table – How To Set a Rich and Luxurious Thanksgiving Tablescape
Celebrating Everyday Life – How to Style a Thanksgiving Table with Aqua, Chocolate and Cream Accents
Good Morning Jennifer, You are a master stylist and photographer! I adore your John Derian turkey pillow as a centerpiece for your table. You and Sarah both have me rethinking not adding one to my shopping cart a couple of weeks ago. 😉 Your fabric is beautiful and provides the perfect foundation and table inspiration for your aqua, cream and chocolate accents. Beautiful printable placecards you created too. You, Rita and Linda have me wanting to pick up some LED table lamps to add some instant ambiance. Happy November! 🦃🧡
You are so kind, Mary!! Thank you for your compliments!!! I’m so glad you like the Turkey!! He’s a fun addition to my Thanksgiving decor – it’s not too late for you to adopt one! I couldn’t resist playing with him on the table! I’m so glad you like the details – I really enjoyed pulling this table together with these colors and pieces. And, yes! I highly recommend the lamps! I’m completely obsessed with mine. You’ll be seeing them again! 😉 ~ Happy November, my sweet friend!! 🦃🧡
Hi Jennifer! Your aqua and chocolate tablescape is absolutely gorgeous! I love the turkey centerpiece and the subtle layers of color–pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
This is a gorgeous color combination, Jennifer! John Derian truly added some oomph to the Target offerings. I adore this Thanksgiving line. You even found salt & pepper and covered dish to coordinate with your color scheme! Love the fabric you used as your base, and those little table lamps with added shades are super versatile. I think I’ve kept mine in the dining room ever since I bought mine.
Thank you for participating in this hop with the other stylists. Happy Thanksgiving season!
Jennifer, I love the John Derian pillow as the centerpiece. Who would have thought it was a pillow? The color palette is perfectly charming. I remember the fabric from a few years ago. The table lamps are certainly all the rage and the ambiance they created on your table is beautiful! Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving season!
Jennifer, aqua, chocolate, and cream are the perfect color combination with our handsome Tom Turkeys. I’m thrilled to see that your Tom is the focus of this beautiful setting. My guy is strutting his stuff in an arm chair in our dining room. The John Derian collection really speaks to me. I fell down that rabbit hole last fall, and found myself whirling down again as soon as the collection appeared. Your gold flatware and brass accents are stunning details that pop. The Melrose pattern is a perfect choice. Really like it on the stacked white and copper chargers. You’ve thought of every detail. Your photos are stellar! Happy Thanksgiving!
Jennifer, the pillow makes a stunning centerpiece! And you have styled a lovely tablescape around him. It’s always fun to stretch the boundaries of holiday tables that usually lean toward the traditional colors and decor. The color choices go well together and let the turkey star. I can imagine the beaded pillow will really shimmer in the lamp light. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jennifer This is a wonderful color combination and your John Derian turkey is perfect. I like this Thanksgiving line. Your little table lamps with added shades are a wonderful addition. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving season! 🦃🦃🍁🍁🐿️
What fun Jennifer! I am seeing John Derian’s turkey pillow all over the place, but I would have never thought to use it as a centerpiece! It looks fantastic! I love how you took the colors from the pillow and used them for the other elements on your table. The transferware plate stacks look great on the burnt copper chargers and carved white chargers. I love the way you styled the aqua napkins on top with a pumpkin. The fabric you used as a table runner had the perfect colors to tie everything together. The vintage brown stemware is so pretty and the little pumpkin place card holders are so cute. Love it all, thanks for sharing so many great ideas!
Hi Jenifer, So many think to love about your table! The addition of aqua was inspired I love those accent lamps too. Have a wonderful November.
Jennifer, your Thanksgiving table is lovely. I adore the colors, chocolate, aqua and cream. John Derian collections are so fun and pretty. Love the turkey pillow. How fun to use it as a centerpiece. The plate stack is wonderful. Beautiful fabric sets the mood of the whole table. I adore using my re-chargeable table lamps. Always a pleasure seeing your pretty tablescapes. Thanksgiving blessings.
Jennifer, I love your aqua, chocolate, and cream take on the Thanksgiving table – it is perfect for the entire season! The turkey pillow is gorgeous and how I wish we had Target in Canada. The fabric table runner is so pretty and the plate stack is wonderful; the Melrose pattern is gorgeous and looks great paired with your vintage glassware. I’m loving your brass lamps and wondering if they might solve part of my very dark dining room problem. Thanks for sharing your sources. It was fun hopping with you and wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!
Oooh what a great color combination Jennifer – I love this! Such a fun way to use the turkey pillow! That may be the first time I’ve seen a pillow as a centerpiece, but it’s totally perfect! Love your lamps, pumpkin place card holders, and pumpkin soup bowls too. Just a lovely grouping of beautiful and fun elements. And your place cards are darling. What a nice gift! Thanks for all the inspiration – I’m going to try several of your ideas. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Good Morning, Jennifer, your John Derian turkey definitely sets the scene for your lovely thanksgiving table. He really struts his stuff on the colorful aqua runner. They really pair well together. The lamps add a lovely glow to the table and are a nice change from simple candles. Loved the copper chargers layered with the white chargers. Brown transferrer is a favorite and looks great in your tablescape. The aqua napkin provides a great pop of color in the plate stack. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Lynne
Unique and pretty color scheme! Love the turkey centerpiece, very clever! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jennifer I love these colors together… John Derian truly added some unique pieces and I have a few of them. I really like this Thanksgiving line and you have done a wonderful job with this table.. This is my second attempt at commenting. I hope this one publishes, the other one said it needed moderating and there was an error. It is a pleasure table hopping with you. Happy November 🦃🍁🐿️🍂
Jennifer, your Thanksgiving table is gorgeous! I love floral fabrics and your runner provides such a lovely anchor for your table. The turkey centerpiece is beautiful. I never would have known that was a pillow. It looks ceramic. The color palette you chose for your table is so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jennifer, Target should use your blog post to sell this turkey pillow!!! Such gorgeous styling and beautiful photos!!! The turquoise napkins and the tablecloth caught my eye as the perfect complements to the centerpiece. Your amber glassware looks so pretty as well, All so lovely!!!🧡🦃
Jennifer, such a colorful table! You’ve styled the perfect antidote to my week+ of seemingly unending overcast days. Mr Turkey was quite a find and I can see why you gave him pride of place on the table. Browns and aquas are a pretty combination on him and in your other table elements. The cordless table lamps are an interesting variation on candlelight; switching the shades was a good choice. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Jennifer, your table is lovely with the John Derian turkey pillow. I just received mine that I ordered. The aqua, brown and cream is so pretty together. Love your stacked plates The gold flatware along with the brass is so elegant. I love using table lamps. The fact, you can also change out the shades is fun. A pleasure hopping along with you.
Oh my goodness Jennifer! I had to do a double take when I read “pillow”! That is so fun. Setting him on the platter with the greenery and pumpkins was a genius idea. I wish we still had Target here in Canada. I love the chocolate and aqua together. They compliment each other very well. I really like the idea of layer the larger and smaller charger plates too. Makes for an eye-catching presentation! Love the battery operated table lamps! I will have to go have a look at those. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jennifer I love these colors together… John Derian truly added some unique pieces and I have a few of them. I really like this Thanksgiving line and you have done a wonderful job with this table.. This is my third attempt at commenting. I hope this one publishes.