Did you know we eat with our eyes first? Our senses then gauge smell and, finally, taste. Create a superb Thanksgiving experience by layering sight, smell and taste into your dining table decor.

Whether you prefer traditional, modern or quirky style, anyone can create an opulent, sensory dining experience with these holiday décor tips.

Invoking a refined elegance and velvety calm, purple is perfect for this year’s holiday table.

Purple is easy to combine with traditional décor. Shades of purple, plum, violet and lavender make a lavish complement to traditional Thanksgiving colors such as orange, yellow and green. Adding an unexpected color gives a fresh, updated look to the time-honored Thanksgiving palette.

Bring the Outdoors In

Novembers in Utah make a cozy backdrop for Thanksgiving. Remind your guests to be grateful for the earthly beauty Park City and Salt Lake City have to offer by using natural elements in your Thanksgiving table. Wood accents, colorful fruits, rich vegetables and plants add to the beauty of the table and home décor.

Use Potted Plants
Introduce different shades of green through the use of plants. Replace large floral centerpieces with untraditional floral surprises: mossy green mini-pots, potted succulents, bulbs and fresh herbs. Plants add color, texture and pleasant smells to a dining table.
Use fresh herbs for both meal prep and as decorations. Incorporating fresh herb plants into the table décor nicely layers sight, smell and taste, creating a brilliant sensory experience.

Don’t Just Eat the Vegetables and Fruit

Seasonal gourds, vegetables and fruits make excellent table accents. Select interesting-looking vegetables and leave them in their natural state, use them to add a pop of rich color wherever you need one. Combine pumpkins and gourds with cranberries, apples and pomegranates to incorporate the traditional holiday colors. Try using fruits and vegetables that are on the menu.

Create Warmth with Wood Accents

Wood accents are all the rage. Raw cut wood creates a beautiful juxtaposition with fine china and crystal stemware. Layer in lush evergreens with raw wood accents to create a lush setting. If you are hosting visitors from out of town, try using wood found locally (credit patrick). This will offer a nice touch and give the guests something to remember about Utah.

Woven Baskets and Natural Grasses

Woven baskets and natural grasses help to add texture to the table. Use baskets to house dinner rolls, display beautiful organic vegetables or as decorative elements. The woven pumpkins below add a pop of color and texture.

Use the tops of natural grasses in the napkin holders, in the centerpiece or as the centerpiece. Layer natural grasses with gourds, fruit and natural plants to create a bountiful harvest table.

Use Copper instead of Gold or Silver

Copper offers a new take on the traditional Thanksgiving color scheme, offering warmth and sophistication. Not to mention, copper is often used in the highest quality cookware. Use any copper cookware you already have to adorn the serving table or use copper sheets as napkin holders. Use copper vases to house natural grasses or fresh herbs.

Make Place Cards

A DIY place card can keep Aunt Sue from arguing with Grandpa Joe, but it’s also the kind of personal touch that makes guests feel welcome. You won’t regret spending some time on this one as your visitors are sure to appreciate a creative idea with their name on it.

Excited to start cooking and decorating for Thanksgiving? Check out our Pinterest board for more ideas on how to decorate your home for Thanksgiving by layering the sights, smells and tastes of the season.