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Thanksgiving-hosting trends for 2025

ByLynne Greene Interiors

Here are some of the top Thanksgiving-hosting trends emerging for 2025 — what people are doing differently, what’s in style, and what’s resonating emotionally. (If you like, I can break it down by décor, food, entertainment, and guest experience.)

Thanksgiving Hosting Trends in 2025

  1. Sustainability & Nature-Inspired Decor
    • Hosts are leaning into natural, eco-friendly materials: think linen napkins, burlap table runners, dried leaves, pinecones, and wildflowers.
    • Recycled or reclaimed elements (wood, glass) are more popular — reflecting a desire to reduce waste.
    • There’s a stronger focus on reusable tableware (cloth napkins, ceramic dishes) rather than disposable holiday decor or throwaway items.
  2. Warm, Layered Tablescapes
    • Tablescapes are becoming more intimate and sensory-focused: layered textures (wool, linen, rattan), soft lighting, and earthy color palettes.
    • Candlelight is a big deal: clusters of varying-height candles, mixed with natural accents like fruit or nuts, to build warmth and depth.
    • Tonal color schemes are trending: for example, a base color (like mossy green) layered with similar shades, rather than stark contrasts.
    • Alternatively, luxe-modern touches are showing up: geometric candle holders, brass flatware, jewel-toned accents.
  3. Nostalgia Meets Heirloom & Personalization
    • There’s a resurgence of “nostalgic charm”: vintage or heirloom tableware, mismatched silverware, embroidered napkins.
    • Instead of mass-produced décor, more hosts are using personal or thrifted items.
    • Thoughtful place settings, personalized place cards, or hand-written notes of gratitude are more common — it’s about making the space feel meaningful.
  4. Global & Inclusive Menus
    • Thanksgiving menus are becoming more globally inspired: think Korean-flavored turkey, Latin or Mediterranean side dishes, spiced mash, etc.
    • Plant-based or alternative proteins are increasingly popular. Lentil loaves, mushroom wellingtons, tofu roasts — even among non-vegans.
    • Flexibility for dietary needs is more common: hosts are creating menus that accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-sensitive guests without making them feel like an afterthought.
  5. Intimate, Cozy Gathering Over Grand Scale
    • Rather than huge formal dinners, there’s a tilt toward cozy, warm gatherings: smaller spaces, soft lighting, gathering corners (not just the dining table).
    • Hosts are designing “whole-home cohesion”: the same aesthetic flows from the dining room into living room nooks, entryways, and kitchens.
    • Ambient touches like soft instrumental playlists or the crackle of a fireplace are being used to enhance the experience.
  6. Textural Play & Layering
    • Texture mixing is very on-theme: velvet cushions + linen napkins; cotton + wool; chunky throws paired with sleek ceramics.
    • Layered serving: wood cutting boards used both for plating appetizers and as beautiful serving pieces.
    • Multifunctional décor: pieces that serve practical purposes (like cutting boards or serving platters) but also contribute to the table’s visual story.
  7. More Meaningful Gifting as Part of Hosting
    • Host gifts are not just “something nice”: they’re meaningful, functional, and heirloom-worthy (wood boards, handcrafted platters, woven placemats).
    • Packaging is also becoming more thoughtful: reusable wrapping (linen, cloth) rather than disposable paper.
  8. Return to Quiet or Minimalist Aesthetic
    • Rather than maximalist holiday overload, many are embracing “quiet decorating” — a more refined, understated vibe.
    • Neutral or calming palettes (creamy whites, soft browns, deep greens) help the space feel relaxing and grounded.
    • Minimalist settings don’t mean boring — simple dinnerscapes, but layered and warm, not stark.
  9. Multi-Sensory Hosting
    • Beyond visual design, hosts are thinking about how the meal feels (textures), smells (scent layering with candles), and sounds (ambient music) to create a more immersive experience.
    • Scent zoning: using different candles/scents in different rooms (dinner table vs. living room) to subtly shift mood.
  10. Growing Popularity Outside Traditional Markets
  • Interestingly, Thanksgiving is gaining more traction in places you might not expect. For example, in the UK, there’s a rising interest in U.S.–style Thanksgiving celebrations.
  • This means more culturally-themed or experience-based celebrations are emerging, even outside the U.S., fueled by younger generations.

Implications for Hosts

  • Plan for comfort and connection: Create cozy corners, use candles, and design the flow so guests feel they can linger and mingle, not just sit at the table.
  • Be thoughtful with materials: Use reusable linens, natural decor, and heirloom pieces. It’s not just about aesthetics — there’s a sustainability and meaning component.
  • Diversify your menu: Offer both traditional and globally inspired dishes. Consider plant-based mains to accommodate different dietary preferences.
  • Invest in multi-purpose décor: Things like wooden boards, textured textiles, and natural elements work before, during, and after the holiday.
  • Engage the senses: Think about scent, sound, and touch. A well-layered sensory experience makes the gathering more memorable.

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