Photography by: Shelby Bella Photography

This year is definitely unique, to say the least. So this Thanksgiving, I decided to just go with it and go non-traditional with my color scheme. That’s why, while I was at my local craft store, I ventured outside of the orange-focused Fall Decor aisles to get inspired. Luckily, I came across a beautiful cranberry fabric, and my head was immediately full of ideas for how to use this gorgeous and bright color, combined with some cozy gold tones and calming mint, to create a warm and inviting Thanksgiving setup. 

Despite not being able to host the large Thanksgiving dinners we are used to this year, I believe it’s still important to surround ourselves with beauty and warmth, and this cranberry setup is perfect for an intimate and meaningful dinner with my family.

How to Set Up a Warm and Inviting Cranberry Thanksgiving

Read on for all the inspiration you need to create the fresh fall fruit look yourself, and don’t forget to grab your FREE Printable “Gather and Gobble” Thanksgiving Table Art and Thankful Cards, designed by the amazing Audriana from Invited by Audriana, by subscribing below.

I was so excited when Audriana reached out to collaborate with me, and was willing to provide my subscribers with these freebies. All of her additional gorgeous cranberry Thanksgiving printables can be found in her shop here.

Backdrop

First, I created a backdrop using the inspiration fabric. I purchased embroidery hoops in a variety of sizes, and additional fabrics in coordinated colors and styles to create a fun mix of textiles. In the largest hoop I used bright cranberry colored fabric with some warm golden faux florals in the middle, to serve as a focal point.

Dessert Table

Under the backdrop, I set up my dessert table. I personally feel that desserts should always have a special place at events, and dessert tables are a must in my setups!  For this one, I had a beautiful salted caramel cake by Dream Bakery Austin, skillfully decorated with the same fabric print. Additionally, there was cheesecake, and course, my favorite - flan. 

You might be wondering where the pies are but, confession time - I’m not a fan of pumpkin pies! And since I was already going against tradition this year, I decided to order cookies that look like pies instead! The incredible Kristen at Westlake Bakes created these and other gorgeous cookies inspired by the inspiration fabric.

Bar Cart

A bar cart can be a beautiful and practical way to serve drinks. I set up glasses and a large drink dispenser with an earthy wooden base, filled with refreshing cranberry punch. I added fresh cranberries and fruit for more flavor and aesthetic appeal. 

On the bottom of the cart, I set out a few succulent favors for my family on a wooden cake stand, with lovely “Grateful for You” tags from Invited by Audriana. Then I placed cozy fabric pumpkins, candles, faux florals, and pinecones around to enhance the fall feel.

Dinner Table

Then, onto the main event - Thanksgiving dinner! I started by draping some golden fabric across the table for a runner - this color blends perfectly with the bold cranberry color throughout this setup, and creates so much warmth. A couple of mint candles were added for some contrast, and to provide a lovely glow once we began eating. 

The rest of the center of the table was strewn with tons of delicious food, all prepared by Alegrias Catering! She did an amazing job incorporating cranberries and other bold red fruits into the main and side dishes to instill the cranberry color theme throughout.

Place Settings

For my place settings, I set modern white plates onto wooden chargers. I used gold cutlery, and alternated using bright cranberry and cool mint napkins, tied with golden faux florals and cranberry greenery. Pretty place cards designed by Invited by Audriana (psst...these can also be used for food labels!) and wooden Thanksgiving word decor from KM Prints Designs rounded out my thanksgiving place settings.

I love the way the whole cranberry Thanksgiving setup turned out. It feels refreshing, while also still maintaining the warm and cozy feel. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! 

And as always, if you’re in the Austin area and need some help planning any sort of celebration, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Happy Thanksgiving, from the MINT Event Design family to yours!

Pin for Later

P.S. For more Thanksgiving inspiration, check out the Cozy and Rustic Thanksgiving table I styled last year!