Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and gathering around the table. The colors you choose for your tablescape can set the mood just as much as the food you serve. This year, consider the timeless pairing of yellow and red. These hues not only echo the rich tones of fall leaves but also bring a festive, inviting energy to your home. Here’s how to use yellow and red to create a Thanksgiving table that feels both cozy and celebratory.
Why Yellow and Red Work for Thanksgiving
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Yellow symbolizes warmth, joy, and abundance — a perfect nod to harvest season.
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Red brings depth, passion, and vibrancy, grounding your table in a bold, festive spirit.
Together, they create a palette that feels traditional yet cheerful, ideal for celebrating with family and friends.
5 Ways to Style Yellow and Red at the Table
1. Start with the Table Linens
Anchor your table with a neutral tablecloth, cream, beige, or soft gray, then layer in red napkins or a yellow runner. This keeps the colors from overwhelming the space while letting them pop against a calm background.
2. Mix in Flatware for a Modern Touch
If you want to elevate your look, add red-toned or golden-hued flatware. Metallic accents in gold or brass also pair beautifully with both colors, tying the palette together with a touch of shine.
3. Play with Plates and Glassware
Stack yellow salad plates on top of deep red dinner plates for a striking layered look. Or, use red glassware to add a subtle pop without taking over the table.
4. Bring in Natural Elements
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Red apples, pomegranates, or cranberries make excellent edible décor.
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Yellow squash, gourds, or sunflowers add texture and harvest charm.
Scatter these down the center of the table or tuck them into napkin rings for a fresh, seasonal touch.
5. Accent with Candles and Centerpieces
Add red taper candles in brass holders, paired with yellow florals like mums or marigolds. The candlelight will enhance the richness of the palette, making the entire space glow.
A Balanced Palette
When working with bold colors like red and yellow, balance is key. Use one as your dominant color and the other as an accent. For example:
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Mainly yellow table with red details → bright, cheerful, and inviting.
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Mainly red table with yellow highlights → warm, dramatic, and cozy.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is about creating memories around the table, and your décor can help set the stage. By blending the warmth of yellow with the richness of red, you’ll create a tablescape that feels festive, abundant, and perfectly in tune with the season.
At ANNOVA, we love using colorful flatware to bring a modern twist to traditional holiday settings. Whether you choose to highlight bold red, warm yellow, or a playful mix of both, your Thanksgiving table is sure to shine.
