15 Friendsgiving Decor Ideas In Black, White And Orange

Friendsgiving is my favorite excuse to set a pretty table for the people we love. These are the Friendsgiving decor ideas I used for our black, white and orange table, and I’m walking you through every layer so you can copy the parts you like.

Friendsgiving decor ideas with a black and white striped runner, white feather pumpkin and orange velvet pumpkin

This is the table I set for our guests. Our friends flew in from out of town to celebrate with us and our family, so we called it a Friendsgiving. I’m going to walk you through each step so you can style a pretty table for your own friends and family this Thanksgiving.

My Black And White Thanksgiving Table Colors

Black and white Thanksgiving table with orange flowers, white pumpkins and orange taper candles

The easiest place to start is the colors. For this table I went with black and white, then added orange and a little gold. The striped plates and runner do most of the work, and the orange pumpkins and flowers keep it feeling like fall.

If black and white isn’t your thing, the same idea works with any two colors plus one accent. Pick your plates or your runner first and build everything else around them.

15 Friendsgiving Decor Ideas For Your Table

1. Start With A Tablecloth

Friendsgiving table setting ideas with a white tablecloth, striped runner and orange velvet pumpkins on each plate

The first thing everyone notices on a Thanksgiving table is the tablecloth. I like to choose one that works with the rest of my Thanksgiving decorations and lets the food look good too.

There are so many tablecloths out there, so go with one that suits your style. Here are some tablecloth ideas for your Friendsgiving party:

Solid Tablecloth

Friendsgiving plates with an orange velvet pumpkin on a white salad plate next to a harlequin pumpkin

I personally like to stay away from busy pattern tablecloths, especially if I’m going to style a big centerpiece. I don’t want the pattern to compete with all of the other decorations on the table.

Since my plates have a black and white striped design, I decided to go with a simple white tablecloth for this table. For a solid tablecloth, you can choose colors like white, orange, beige, brown, burgundy or navy blue.

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Thanksgiving Tablecloths And Napkins

If you prefer a Thanksgiving harvest pumpkin print tablecloth or a cute turkey print tablecloth, there are many great choices. As I mentioned above, if you choose one of these busy patterns, try to keep your centerpiece simple.

Floral Tablecloth

I personally prefer to use a floral tablecloth for my spring tablescape. However, I have seen some people use a floral tablecloth for their Friendsgiving celebration, and it looks so pretty.

Flowers are a fun way to add some color and femininity to your table, and they help set the mood for the evening. The good news is flowers and pumpkins look so good together. So you can consider a floral tablecloth if that is what you prefer!

Tablecloth Size

The size of the tablecloth should be proportional to the size of your dining table. A drop of about 8 to 12 inches on each side hangs nicely without landing in anyone’s lap.

2. Add A Thanksgiving Table Runner

Thanksgiving table runner in black and white stripes with a harlequin pumpkin and orange flowers

Table runners add an extra layer of design, color and texture to your table setting. They can set the tone for the whole dinner party, and they’re easy to find at a good price.

I chose a black and white striped runner and matching napkins to complement my black and white striped plates. When choosing a table runner, I try to create a contrast with my tablecloth.

For example, if you choose a solid orange tablecloth, try a solid brown table runner. It’s an easy way to create contrast on your table.

Also, keep in mind that your runner should work with your dinnerware. Play around with different combinations of place settings and see what looks best on your table.

3. Decorate Your Centerpiece With Flowers, Leaves And Berries

Friendsgiving decorating ideas with a white pumpkin and an orange flower in the centerpiece

I think one of the best Friendsgiving decorations for your table is a pretty centerpiece. To me, the centerpiece is the most important part of any tablescape, no matter the holiday or occasion.

Start With Leaves Or Decorative Branches

Friendsgiving centerpiece ideas with white feather pumpkins, harlequin pumpkins and orange taper candles

After placing the table runner, add leaves in various sizes and shapes down the center of your table. You can choose yellow and orange foliage or green leaves. Either one will look great! Use greenery sparingly so it doesn’t overpower everything else, but make sure there is enough to be noticed.

I used a long floral garland made with leaves, flowers and decorative branches. It was such an easy way to fill the center of the table.

Choose Your Flowers

Fall table centerpiece with white hydrangeas and a white velvet pumpkin on a striped runner

You can always go with fresh flowers for your centerpiece. However, there are many artificial flowers these days that look so real! One of my favorite flowers for a centerpiece is hydrangeas.

They are so beautiful and great for “filling up” the space on your centerpiece. This is how I used Hydrangeas on our last year’s Thanksgiving table centerpiece. This year I decided to use orange and white flowers.

These two colors complement my orange and white pumpkins as well as our dinner plates. Choose flowers that you love and that work with your dinner plates and other decorations.

Thanksgiving tablescape from above with a floral garland down the center

Add Berries

Although I did not add any berries to my Thanksgiving table setting this year, I think berries are such a pretty and colorful addition to your table.

Depending on the flowers and fall leaves you choose, a few berries can add a festive touch to your centerpiece. They work on any fall table. I love using berries on my Thanksgiving and Christmas tablescapes.

4. Use Decorative Pumpkins For Your Centerpiece

Velvet pumpkin decor with a white feather pumpkin, a harlequin pumpkin and orange flowers

I don’t think you can have a Thanksgiving tablescape without having a few beautiful decorative pumpkins on your table!

Adding decorative pumpkins to your Friendsgiving tablescape brings some fun to the celebration.

Place your decorative pumpkins on the leaves and next to the flowers. I love velvet pumpkins, especially the ones with feathers! They make your table look so pretty for Thanksgiving. You can get something similar to mine here:

No matter what is on the menu for your Friendsgiving dinner party, a traditional Thanksgiving meal usually includes pumpkin pie or another pumpkin dish. A few decorative pumpkins on the table tie the decor and the menu together.

5. Use Placemats Or Chargers

Thanksgiving place setting with a gold trim glass charger, striped dinner plate and white salad plate

Now is the time to bring out your placemats or chargers! I personally prefer chargers over placemats. I think chargers look more polished and take up a lot less space on your table.

In recent years, more and more people style their tables with chargers instead of placemats. However, there are many pretty placemats out there. So do not hesitate to choose a placemat over chargers if this is what you prefer!

I chose simple glass chargers with gold trim for our plates. Since our plates have patterns, I chose to go with simple chargers. If your plates are simple, then choose a charger or placemat with more patterns or textures.

6. Layer Plates In Different Finishes, Colors Or Textures

Layered Thanksgiving plates with black and white stripes and an orange velvet pumpkin

My black and white striped dinner plates are designed by Vista Alegre which you can purchase from Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s or the Vista Alegre website. I love them!

One of the best ways to make your Friendsgiving table look stylish is by layering plates in different finishes, colors or textures. This adds personality to a standard Thanksgiving table setting.

You can go with sleek and simple designs, or you can get a little more creative and mix colors, patterns and textures.

For example, for this table setting, I used glass chargers with gold trims, and black and white striped dinner plates, and I added plain white salad plates to this layering design. This will help to create a visually stimulating table that you and your Friendsgiving guests will love!

Ideas For Layered Plates

Black and white harlequin velvet pumpkin on a striped dinner plate

Some ideas for layer plates that you can use to create a stylish Friendsgiving table include:

Use fun prints and patterns that never go out of style (stripes, checkerboard, polka dot, floral).
Use bright finishes like orange and yellow to add some energy to your table.
Try textured finishes like wood grain or marble for extra interest.
Use metallic finishes like gold plates, silver plates or chargers for some shine.
Choose natural materials like linen or wood for a rustic and earthy feel.

7. Place A Decorative Pumpkin On Each Plate

Thanksgiving table setting idea with a mini orange velvet pumpkin on a white salad plate

After layering your chargers, dinner plates and soup or salad plates, it is time to finish the look with either napkin rings or a pumpkin on each plate.

I love decorating my cloth napkins with napkin rings for most of my table settings. For a Thanksgiving tablescape, I like to finish the look by placing a pumpkin on each plate.

I think pumpkins are such fun and festive decorations for the fall season. If you choose not to place a pumpkin on each plate, you can finish your plates with napkin rings, which I cover below.

8. Coordinate Your Napkins With Your Tablecloth Or Runner

Friendsgiving tablescape with black and white striped napkins, a striped runner and orange pumpkins

For this specific table setting, I coordinated my napkins with my table runner. However, I usually coordinate my napkin’s color and texture with my tablecloth. This is completely up to you and your table setup.

I think the best way to create great harmony on your table is by coordinating your napkins, tablecloth, and table runner together. I usually like to choose solid color tablecloths and napkins. However, I sometimes like to use patterns (like this Easter tablescape), or this year’s Thanksgiving tablescape.

The other idea is to mix and match the color and texture of your tablecloth and napkins! For example, for a Thanksgiving table setting, you can choose a solid orange tablecloth and go with brown cloth napkins and a table runner.

This is a great mix and match look! There are so many simple ideas on Pinterest that can help you decide which fall colors to choose for your Thanksgiving table setting.

Just remember these easy tips:

Pair your napkins with your tablecloth in a complementary color.
Use a neutral color for the tablecloth and go with bright napkins to add some fun.
Try using patterns or designs on the tablecloth as part of your decor.
Choose an eye catching design for your napkins that also complements the tablecloth.

9. Add Napkin Rings

Outdoor Friendsgiving table with stacked plates, orange pumpkins and orange taper candles

As you can see, since I placed mini decorative pumpkins on each plate, I did not use any napkin rings this year! However, napkin rings are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your Friendsgiving table.

I think napkin rings are one of those small things that make a table feel finished for special occasions. They help create a more pulled together look.

There are so many napkin rings to choose from, so pick the ones that work with your table. Gold or brass rings look great with black and white, and a beaded or leaf design adds a little fall feel.

I think napkin rings are a great addition to Friendsgiving parties, and they are an easy thing to reuse for every holiday.

10. Choose Your Flatware

Thanksgiving flatware placement with silver flatware next to black and white striped plates

Flatware is another important part of any table setting, and it is one of the easiest ways to dress up your plates.

Metallic flatware looks great on a white or ivory dinner table and adds some flair. Gold flatware is so pretty next to black and white plates.

Flatware is also something you will use again and again, so choose a set that works for more than one holiday.

For the setup, forks go on the left of the plate, and the knife and spoon go on the right with the knife blade facing the plate. If you are serving a salad course, add a salad fork on the outside of the dinner fork.

11. Place Water, Wine And Champagne Glasses

Thanksgiving table glassware with crystal wine and champagne glasses

Wine and water glasses are key parts of a table setting. They add a touch of class to any dinner party, and they also serve a practical purpose.

Glasses go on the right side, above the knife. Place the water glass first, then the wine glass to its right, and the champagne flute just behind them if you are serving a toast.

12. Add A Pumpkin Or Fall Place Card

I love place cards! For something more traditional, try a fall themed place card with leaves, acorns or little pumpkins. To make yours even more special, add a photo of your Friendsgiving guest to their place card.

13. Finish With Candles And Candleholders

Friendsgiving table decorations with orange taper candles, pumpkins and flowers

Candles and candleholders are a must for me! They add a touch of elegance to any room, and the soft light makes the whole table feel warmer.

I used a set of 6 candleholders and placed them on the centerpiece next to the pumpkins and flowers. If you do not like individual candleholders, choose pillar or votive candles in pretty glass or metal holders.

If you want something more festive, try candles in Mason jars around your table or living space. Flameless candles are a good choice near leaves and garland.

14. Set Up A Simple Drink Station

A drink station is one of the easiest Friendsgiving ideas, and it keeps everyone out of the kitchen while you finish cooking. Use a bar cart, a console or the end of your kitchen counter.

Set out glasses, an ice bucket, water, wine and one drink you can make ahead in a pitcher. Then add a small pumpkin or a little vase of the same flowers from your table so it all feels connected.

15. Carry The Decor Beyond The Table

Fall candle centerpiece with a white feather pumpkin and orange taper candles

Your table is the star, but a few small touches in other spots make the whole house feel ready for guests. A fall wreath on the front door or a couple of pumpkins by the entry is a nice welcome.

If you are serving buffet style, use cake stands to set dishes at different heights and tuck leftover greenery or mini pumpkins between them. Then turn the overhead lights down and let candles and lamps do the work. It’s a small thing, but the room feels so much cozier.

Friendsgiving Decor Ideas On A Budget

Fall flower centerpiece with orange and white flowers and white pumpkins

You don’t need to buy everything new. Basics like a white tablecloth, glass chargers and candleholders work for every holiday, so the only fall pieces you really need are the pumpkins and flowers.

Pumpkins from your porch or your Halloween decor can move right to the table. Grocery store flowers split into a few small vases look just as pretty as one big arrangement, and handwritten place cards cost almost nothing.

Bottom Line

Friendsgiving party table with white hydrangeas and a white pumpkin on a striped runner

From traditional to modern, I shared some of my favorite Friendsgiving decor ideas with you! Just grab your favorite things and start decorating.

Our friends flew in from out of town to celebrate Thanksgiving with us (along with our family), which is why we were excited to call it a Friendsgiving. Don’t forget to count your blessings on this special day!

Friendsgiving Decor Ideas FAQ

Friendsgiving table ideas with a white pumpkin, an orange flower and a harlequin pumpkin

What Is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving style meal you share with friends. It’s usually more relaxed than the family dinner, and a lot of people do it potluck style.

When Should You Host Friendsgiving?

Most people host it on a weekend in the week or two before Thanksgiving, and some do it the weekend after. We combined ours with Thanksgiving dinner since our friends were in town.

What Colors Work For Friendsgiving Decor?

Orange, rust, burgundy, brown and gold are the classics. I went with a black and white Thanksgiving table with orange and gold, and neutrals with white pumpkins are pretty too.

What Is A Good Friendsgiving Centerpiece?

Pumpkins mixed with flowers, leaves or a garland down the runner, plus candles. Keep it low enough that guests can see each other across the table.

How Do You Set A Friendsgiving Table?

Start with the charger, then the dinner plate, then the salad plate. Forks go on the left, the knife and spoon go on the right, and glasses sit above the knife. The napkin can go on the plate or to the left of the forks.

How Far Ahead Can You Decorate For Friendsgiving?

You can set the table the day before. Add fresh flowers that morning and light the candles right before guests arrive.

How Do You Decorate For Friendsgiving In A Small Space?

Use a narrow runner and a slim centerpiece, and move the food to the kitchen counter or a buffet. A wreath or a garland adds decor without taking up table space.

Do You Need Place Cards For Friendsgiving?

They’re optional, but they help when you have eight or more guests or friends who don’t know each other yet. They also count as decor.

Should You Use Real Or Flameless Candles?

Use unscented candles on the dining table so they don’t compete with the food. Flameless candles are safer near dried leaves and garland, or when kids are at the table.

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Sherry, xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving

Love,

Sherry