Sweet Thanks: Ideas for a Stunning Thanksgiving Dessert Table
Thanksgiving is all about coming together with family and friends to give thanks, share stories, and enjoy a big meal. One of the sweetest ways to celebrate this holiday is by creating a stunning Thanksgiving dessert table that will leave your guests in awe.
Whether you’re a seasoned hostess or this is your first time putting together a dessert display, a beautifully designed table can set the tone for your Thanksgiving celebration!
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There are things about a Thanksgiving dinner that are just iconic.
The turkey and stuffing…mashed potatoes and gravy…
And dessert!
Pumpkin pie…apple pie…pecan pie…possibly all three!
If you are like my family, very often there is more than one dessert in an effort to satisfy everyone’s favorite!
So I decided to style a Thanksgiving dessert table that is exclusively for all the sweets!
There are some things to consider and some tips that I’m happy to share. Let’s get to it!
I’m thrilled to be joining a group of talented bloggers to “Celebrate the Season”! Special thanks to Carol from Blue Sky at Home for being our host. If you just came from her blog, didn’t you love her Wheat Bundle Centerpiece? So beautiful! Be sure to read to the bottom to see all of the amazing ideas for your Thanksgiving table!
If you are new to Sonata Home Design, WELCOME! My name is Missy and I love anything to do with decorating, creating, and sharing all the joys of home!
Choosing Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table or Surface
First things first: you need to find the right table or surface for your dessert display.
Take a look at the available space in your dining room or kitchen.
You might choose a dining table, sideboard, or even a kitchen island. If you’re working with a small space, consider using a narrow console table to maximize your area.
It doesn’t have to be a large space. This is the front entry table in our foyer. It is small but it is perfect for a dessert table!
Even the tiniest table can be beautifully styled to showcase a family favorite dessert. This little accent table is able to hold all that is necessary to serve yummy slices of pie!
Just make sure there’s enough room for dessert plates, serving dishes, and most importantly, for your guests to move around comfortably. Nobody wants to feel cramped when reaching for a slice of that classic pecan pie!
Planning the Dessert Table Design
Before the Thanksgiving desserts arrive, it’s a great idea to establish your table layout.
This planning will not only save you time but will also ensure your dessert table looks cohesive. Leave some room for any guests who might bring their homemade desserts, like traditional pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie.
As a child, one of my daughters was well-known for not liking Thanksgiving pies. (Can you imagine?) So including a spot for a plate of cookies or bars is a great idea for possible finicky eaters.
While making sure there is room for various plates and trays, always balance style and functionality. It’s important to have an eye-catching display that’s also practical.
Color Palette Ideas
Your Thanksgiving table or fall home decor can be your best guide in choosing colors that you will love for your Thanksgiving dessert table.
When it comes to choosing a color palette, you can use traditional Thanksgiving hues like warm oranges, browns, and golds.
Or you can shake it up with some surprise color palettes!
Consider a neutral palette with pops of fall color or even a modern twist using metallic accents or jewel tones.
This can create a beautiful way to bring seasonal charm to your dessert table. And there is nothing like color to evoke the cozy feelings of the holiday season.
Displaying the Desserts
The way you display your Thanksgiving pies and sweet treats can make all the difference!
Layering trays and pedestals can create depth and interest on your tabletop. If you have space, a tiered tray is a great idea for serving smaller sweets and treats. Plus, it gives height and visual interest to the table display.
Use cake stands, tiered platters, or risers to vary the height for visual appeal.
You can also group your desserts by type or flavor for easy selection. Imagine a tiered tray filled with mini cheesecakes, chocolate cake, and apple crisp.
I always love to include small containers of mixed nuts for those of us who love to mix sweet and savory!
Thanksgiving Dessert Table Styling Ideas
Styling a dessert table is where you can really have fun and show your personality. Here are a few suggestions:
Incorporate organic elements like fresh greenery or seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and cranberries.
Seasonal décor like pumpkins, leaves, and acorns adds that perfect fall touch.
And don’t forget about the little details! Dessert labels, mini signs, and themed napkins can be a nice touch that enhances your table’s charm.
I’m happy to share this printable with Thanksgiving dessert table tent labels.
You can click and download here to print. I would suggest printing on a heavy cardstock. Then cut and fold the table tents and place them on your table near the designated dessert.
There are labels for some of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts. But there is also a blank label so you can write in your favorite great-uncle’s requested dessert!
Thanksgiving Table Dessert Ideas
Now for the most exciting part…the dessert!
There are, of course, the holiday favorites like traditional pumpkin pie, apple pie, and classic pecan pie.
If you want to try something new, consider adding pecan pie bars or bar cookies that are easy to serve. Bite-sized treats are a great way to encourage sampling without overwhelming guests—everyone loves an easy Thanksgiving dessert!
And let’s not forget about the beauty of an apple crisp—it’s the perfect fall dessert that can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Here are some of my favorite twists on Thanksgiving dessert!
End on a Sweet Note
As you set up your Thanksgiving dessert table, remember to keep it fun and personal. Whether you’re incorporating homemade desserts or picking up some goodies from a local bakery, the idea is to create a memorable experience for your guests.
This Thanksgiving day, encourage everyone to indulge in your beautiful dessert tables, filled with sweet treats and holiday favorites.
And as you gather around the table with a hot cup of coffee and a slice of pumpkin pie, take a moment to reflect on all the joy and gratitude of this very special holiday!
Don’t forget to check out all of the other inspiring Thanksgiving tablescape ideas. Head over to Masterpieces of My Life where MaryJo is sharing a beautiful Thanksgiving Monochromatic Cornucopia!
Cheers!
Celebrate the Thanksgiving Season
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
A Little About Missy…
hi! I’m missy. so nice to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness!”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends for a delicious meal.
Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers! –
Some of My Favorite Finds
Missy you always inspire me with your informative posts. This is no exception. Literally so many good ideas from soup to nuts and dessert!!!
I can think of some of your desserts that would be beautiful on a Thanksgiving dessert table!
Missy I love all your dessert table ideas. And now, I’m hungry! lol. It’s so nice to share with you today. XO- MaryJo
Its always fun to share with you, MaryJo! Thank you!
You can’t have Thanksgiving without delicious desserts, and you’ve created such a beautiful display for this very important part of the meal! I love the adorable dessert label cards!! Beautiful job, my friend!
Thank you so much, Kim! It’s always fun to share a day with you!
I’m always trying to come up with better ways to display and serve desserts for Thanksgiving, and you have given me lots of pretty ideas. 😊 Your tiered tray and cake stands are lovely! Pinning for inspiration!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I usually don’t think about Thanksgiving this early but now I want it to come soon!
Missy, I adore all your table dessert suggestions. It makes me want to start styling my Thanksgiving table. Your dessert ideas sound yummy and I love those cute printables. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you, Carol for organizing all of us!
What a great post, Missy! So many inspiring ideas. Love all the color you use, too!
Thank you, Kim! I’m a sucker for color! Wishing you a fantastic week!
Great tips Missy!!! You are so talented and great photos too. !
Thank you, Diane! I really appreciate you!