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Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas

Last week I dedicated an entire post to planning the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.  While I did mention making desserts, I didn’t exactly go into detail…what was I thinking?!  Desserts are the very best part of any holiday.  Having a few Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas will always make the holiday better.  Keep scrolling for all my tips!
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Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

I always think that it’s nice to have a spot to highlight the desserts.  Somewhere guests can easily see them and access them but away from the other food.

I actually chose the table behind my sofa because it looks into my kitchen and just seemed like a natural spot.  But there are lots of other places that will work.  Do you have a hutch?  Separate counter area?  Maybe even set up a small table somewhere.

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Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas: Set the Scene

Now it is time to set the scene.  I like to start with a table runner or some kind of linen on the table or counter.  This time I went with a orange and white buffalo plaid runner because the colors were seasonal and fun.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas: Go for Traditional Desserts

Now you get to begin adding the deliciousness!!  Tradition is important on Thanksgiving and what could be more traditional than pumpkin pie?  Placing it on a cake plate gives it some elevation and a sprinkle of cinnamon on the whipped cream adds another layer of flavor and interest.

The Thanksgiving napkins are a nice touch.  Not only for guests to take as they dish up but they also add a fall element to the table.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

Adding a combination of store bought and homemade desserts is a nice plan because taking a little help lets you work on other things.  In this case, I bought the pumpkin pie but by adding the whipped cream and the cinnamon sprinkle you would never know.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

In my opinion, any good dessert table isn’t complete without COOKIES and variety is always important.  By going with a Soft Snickerdoodle and a Hostess Chocolate Cupcake Cookie there is something for everyone.

Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas: Use a Wooden Crate to Add Texture

To keep the table rustic I used a wooden crate turned over as the plate.  It adds height and texture which is super fun!

If you want to make the cookies even more exciting then use a small cookie scoop and do mini versions of your favorites.  Everyone loves mini desserts because they are so cute and also because you feel like you can eat 20.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

A small bowl of candy pumpkins {or candy corn} is a nice store bought addition to any Thanksgiving dessert table.  Not only are they adorable but they also add a great pop of color.  A grapevine pumpkin keeps with the theme.

Bar cookies are also a tasty option.  These Banana Blondies are the bomb {recipe coming next week}.  All they needed was to be stacked on a white plate.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

No Thanksgiving table, dessert or otherwise is complete without a turkey.  This little guy almost looks like he is keeping watch over all of the sweets {HEY! That’s my job!}.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

Finally, on the other end of the table is a Pecan Upside Down Bundt Cake.  It is such a great play on the traditional flavors of pecan pie.  Anchoring each end of the table with the larger desserts works nicely.

I always like to repeat desserts on a table.  Adding a couple of Hostess Chocolate Cupcake Cookies to a cupcake plate is unexpected and who doesn’t want more chocolate?

Another grapevine pumpkin brings the table together and adding a serving utensil is super important for guests to be able to dish everything up.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

If you are serving a big crowd then just set up a bigger version or maybe your family is all about pie.  Create an entire table of Thanksgiving pies but make it interesting by adding serving pieces with some height.

Festive Thanksgiving Dessert Table Ideas featured by top US dessert blog, Practically Homemade

One big thing to remember is to delegate.  Have guests bring desserts so that you aren’t having to make everything.  Either assign them what you need or have them tell you ahead of time what they are bringing.  That way you can have the Thanksgiving Dessert Table set and ready ahead of time.  All you have to do is add desserts as they come.

Wishing you a sweet holiday!

 

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2 Comments

  1. I made the peanut butter pie for a family dinner, and Keith’s family and my dad loved it. I made over the weekend at Kirk’s and they all loved it.

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