The food gets all the attention on Thanksgiving, but the table is what people see first. A few thoughtful Thanksgiving table printables turn an ordinary table into something that feels special, without spending a fortune on décor.
In this guide you’ll make four simple pieces: place cards, a printed menu, gratitude cards and a coloring placemat for the kids. Everything uses icons from our Thanksgiving Icons 01 collection, and you can print all of it at home.
Why printables beat store-bought décor
- They fit your table. You choose the colors, the size and the words.
- They’re personal. Guest names, your family’s menu and your own traditions.
- They’re budget-friendly. One pack of card stock covers the whole table.
- They double as keepsakes. Guests often take their gratitude cards home.
Choosing your color palette
Thanksgiving palettes work best when they’re warm and muted. Try one of these:
- Classic harvest: burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep brown and cream
- Modern neutral: sage green, terracotta, oatmeal and charcoal
- Rustic farmhouse: kraft brown, black and white, with one accent color
Pick your palette first, then recolor the icons to match. If you’re using SVG files, you can change every color in a couple of clicks in Canva, Inkscape or Illustrator.
What you need
- Icons from Thanksgiving Icons 01 (turkey, pumpkins, leaves, pie and more)
- Canva, or any design app you like
- Card stock (200–300 gsm) in white or cream
- Kraft paper for a rustic look (optional)
- Scissors or a paper trimmer, a bone folder or ruler for scoring
1. DIY place cards
Place cards solve the “where do I sit?” shuffle and make every guest feel expected.
- Create a 9×10 cm rectangle (it becomes 9×5 cm when folded in half).
- Place a small icon, like a leaf, acorn or mini pumpkin, on the left side of the bottom half.
- Add the guest’s name in a clear, elegant font.
- Print, cut, score down the middle and fold.
Idea: give each guest a different icon. It makes the table look playful, and kids love finding “their” pumpkin or pie.
2. A printed Thanksgiving menu
A printed menu builds anticipation and helps guests with dietary needs plan their plate.
- Use a tall format, like 10×21 cm (a third of an A4 or Letter page).
- Put a larger icon at the top, such as a turkey or a cornucopia.
- List the courses: starters, mains, sides, desserts and drinks.
- Add small leaf or wheat icons as dividers between sections.
Place one menu on each plate, or print one larger version and put it in a frame at the buffet.
3. Gratitude cards
This is the printable guests remember. Place a small card and a pen at each setting with a prompt like:
- “This year I’m thankful for…”
- “My favorite memory from this year…”
- “One thing I’m looking forward to…”
Collect the cards during dessert and read them out loud, or keep them in a jar and read them again next year. Use a simple icon border so the writing space stays clear.
4. Kids’ coloring placemats
Keep the little ones happy while the adults finish their pie.
- Use an A3 or Tabloid page if your printer supports it (A4 or Letter works too).
- Convert icons to outline versions, or use outline-style graphics.
- Add a few simple activities: “Color the turkey”, “Count the pumpkins”, a word search with fall words, or a “draw your plate” box.
- Print in black and white and put crayons in a jar on the table.
Our Coloring Pages section has more outline designs you can drop in.
Extra touches for the table
- Napkin rings: a 4×15 cm strip of card stock with a leaf icon, wrapped around the napkin and taped at the back.
- Wine glass tags: small circles with a guest’s initial and a mini icon.
- Leftover labels: stickers for take-home containers (“Stuffing – Aunt Kate”).
- A welcome sign: a large “Give Thanks” print at the door. Use the SVG so it stays sharp at poster size.
For more fall and winter ideas, have a look at Cottage Line Art and Simple Wildflowers 01. Both pair beautifully with harvest icons.
Printing tips
- Print one test page first to check alignment and color.
- Matte paper hides fingerprints better than glossy, which matters at a dinner table.
- Batch your printing: put 8 place cards on one page to save paper and time.
- Print a few extras for last-minute guests.
FAQ: Thanksgiving table printables
How far ahead should I print everything? A week before is ideal. That leaves time to fix typos or add late guests.
Can I print on kraft paper at home? Most inkjet printers handle lighter kraft paper. Dark colors print best on kraft; light colors can disappear.
Can I use these icons for a restaurant or café menu? Yes, with a Pro subscription, which includes a commercial license and no attribution requirement. See Pricing for details.
Set the table in an afternoon
A few pieces of card stock and some good icons are all it takes to create a table your family will remember. Browse Thanksgiving Icons 01, pick your palette and start printing. Happy Thanksgiving!