Color Palettes

Thanksgiving color palettes

Thanksgiving colors come straight from the harvest: pumpkin, cranberry, wheat and dried leaves. These 12 palettes range from traditional orange and brown to modern neutrals and moody tables, so you can set a table that feels warm without looking dated.

Classic harvest

Pumpkin, rust and brown; the traditional Thanksgiving look.

Cranberry and cream

Rich and elegant; cranberry shines in napkins, candles and flowers.

Sage and pumpkin

A softer, modern pairing; sage greenery balances the orange.

Modern neutral

Linen, oat and walnut; calm and easy to style with white dishes.

Golden wheat

Wheat sheaves and gold flatware; warm and glowing in candlelight.

Moody autumn

Dark, dramatic table with deep brown and copper; great for evening dinners.

Terracotta table

Earthy clay tones with olive; pairs well with stoneware.

Apple orchard

Red apples, golden pears and leaves; cheerful for family gatherings.

Velvet plum

Plum and gold add a dressy, unexpected twist.

Copper and evergreen

Copper accents with deep green; carries over nicely into December.

Cozy cabin

Plaid, flannel and wood; relaxed and homey.

Butternut and blue

Dusty blue cools down the orange; a fresh choice for dishes and linens.

Tap a color to copy its hex code. The pencil icon opens the palette in the editor so you can change it.

Build from your dishes

Look at your plates, platters and table first. If they're white, any palette works; if they're patterned or wood-toned, pick colors that match them and use the palette for napkins, candles and flowers.

Use real produce as decor

Mini pumpkins, pears, pomegranates, wheat stems and fresh herbs give natural color and cost less than fake decor. Group them down the center of the table on a runner.

Coordinate cards and place settings

Use the palette for printed menus, place cards and invitations so the whole meal feels planned. Kraft paper with cranberry or rust ink is an easy, cozy look.

Colors in these palettes

Antique whiteWalnutFloral whiteAlmondLinenSage greenSandy brownOff-whiteBoneKhakiTaupeOld laceVanillaDark brownMatte blackEspresso

Frequently asked questions

What are traditional Thanksgiving colors?

Orange, brown, deep red, gold and yellow, inspired by fall leaves and the harvest. Green from sage or evergreen is a popular modern addition.

How do I make a Thanksgiving table look modern?

Choose a neutral base like linen and oat, add one accent such as sage or terracotta, and skip cartoon turkeys in favor of natural elements.

What colors should I wear for Thanksgiving photos?

Warm neutrals, rust, olive, cream and burgundy photograph well and look cozy without clashing with the table.

More palettes: US holidays & events

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