30 Quick and Easy DIY Place Cards for Your Thanksgiving Table

So we’ve helped you choose the perfect bottle of wine to pair with your turkey, and we’ve given you the Ultimate Thanksgiving Checklist to assist you in preparing your feast. Now you just need to put the finishing touches on setting your Thanksgiving table! Since we have an over-the-top obsession with organization, and Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to designate a seat for each and every guest ! And over here at Brit + Co., of course we’ve found some fun ways to do this!

1. Pantone-Inspired Place Cards The gorgeous colors of the season, like orange and red changing leaves, are what make fall and Thanksgiving so special. These pantone-inspired place cards bring these fabulous colors right to your Thanksgiving table! (via Frolic!)

2. Dried Leaf Place Cards Since fall is all about the falling leaves, why not incorporate them into your Thanksgiving table setting. These dried leaf escort cards won’t cost you a thing and will look just gorgeous on your Thanksgiving table as place cards. (via OnceWed)

3. Chalkboard Cloth Place Cards Keep things simple. Here’s an idea from yours truly. Cover your table with chalkboard cloth, label the food and then write “I’m thankful for _______” and your guests name next to each place setting. (via Kristi Murphy)

4. Gilded Harvest Place Cards These Gilded Harvest Place Cards will make your Thanksgiving table sparkle! We’re in love … how about you? (via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

5. Rosemary Wreath Place Cards Who doesn’t absolutely love the smell of rosemary. These place cards double as a table fragrance. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

6. Dip-Dyed Place Card Holders We cannot wait to dip my food into some gravy this Thanksgiving. You can dip these place cards too … into some paint that is! (via Design For Mankind)

7. Leaf Cut Out Place Cards We’re obsessed with the way the white pops with these leaf cut out place cards. These leaf silhouettes would look chic directly on the plates too. (via Silhouette Blog)

8. Gold-Dipped Pear Place Cards These are one of my favorites of the group. We definitely love a good white and gold combo here at Brit HQ! (via Almost Makes Perfect … Don’t you just love this blog name btw?!)

9. Ombre Wooden Pumpkins It’s impossible to ever get sick of ombre. It is so chic and classy. (via Oh Happy Day)

10. Silhouette Place Cards This might be the most creative of the bunch! Create an actual silhouette of your guests using photos of them! (via Camille Styles)

11. Mini Pumpkin Place Cards This pop of pink is so refreshing when included in a Thanksgiving tablescape. The swirly wire stem is the perfect touch! (via A Fabulous Fete)

12. Industrial Wooden Place Cards These place cards would be wonderfully unique for a Thanksgiving table setting. They are also super simple to make which is always a plus! (via Hipp Anonymous)

13. Feather-Tied Place Cards Feathers are so in right now! This little number will make your Thanksgiving table totally on trend. (via Design Improvised)

14. Lemon Succulent Place Cards Succulents are all over my house right now. This is the perfect excuse to pick up a few more! (via Cheryl Style)

15. Printable Acorn + Leaf Place Cards Printables always make things easy. Just print these labels, and write in the names of your guests. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

16. Mixed Metallic Place Cards These mixed metallic leaves are just gorg for place cards. We can’t get enough of this blush, neutral, and gold mix! (via Make Merry!)

17. Rosemary Sprig Place Cards These rosemary sprig place cards look as simple as they do chic. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

18. Clay Conifer Place Cards Everyone loves clay! You can involve your little ones in this place card project. (via Design Sponge)

19. 3D Apple Place Cards 3D isn’t just for the movies! Bring your place cards to life with these 3D apple place cards. (via Studio DIY)

20. Neon Pine Cone Place Cards These neon pine cone place cards will make your table setting pop. It’s a unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving prop. (via Camille Styles)

21. Cocoa Pear Crisp Place Cards Since Thanksgiving is all about the food, why not make your place cards edible! The recipe for cocoa pear crisps and the DIY tutorial is included. (via Food 52)

22. Gilded Pear Place Cards These gilded pear place cards are so warm and inviting. They are super cost-effective too! (via Freutcake)

23. White Pumpkin Place Cards White is so crisp and fresh. These white pumpkin place cards will add another layer to your Thanksgiving tablescape. (via Sugar and Cloth)

24. Wishbone Place Cards Do you remember breaking the wishbone when you were younger? You can bring that memory back to your guests with these wishbone place cards. (via Style Me Pretty Living)

25. Turkey Feather Place Cards Shake your tail feather with these fun turkey feather place cards! These will definitely be a hit with the kiddos too! (via Almost Makes Perfect)

26. Wheat Sprig Place Cards The wheat sprigs are such a nice touch on these place cards! These are perfect for an elegant Thanksgiving affair. (via Camille Styles)

27. Thankful Place Cards Having your guests write down what they are thankful for is a great conversation starter. It’s also a great way to bring in the Thanksgiving spirit while people are committing gluttony ;-) (via Almost Makes Perfect)

28. Kraft Feather Place Cards These kraft feather place cards are adorable.We love a good paper stitch. (via Terra Savvy)

29. Mini Kraft Bag Place Cards Fill these mini kraft bags with “I’m thankful for ___________” cards for guests. Adding this to our to-make list! (via Frolic!)

30. Photo Place Cards Try putting a photo of each guest on the table. We also love how Kim from the TomKat Studio wrapped these around napkins with some beautiful ribbon. (via TomKat Studio)

How do you plan to decorate your Thanksgiving table this year? Be sure to share in the comments below!

Tablescaping has become a bit of an art form — a fun way to show off your creativity while getting everyone in the holiday mood. From stunning centerpieces to charming surprises at each place setting, these Christmas tablescape ideas will make your holiday table festive and cozy, whether you prefer to DIY or shop for the perfect accents. Plus, your guests will be totally impressed!

Disco Balls

Rose and Grey

Rose and Grey Braided Pink Napkin Rings

This tablescape is the sweetest with ric rac napkins, braided rings, colorful candles, and disco balls, because why not make it a dance party?

Velvet Bows

Norsu

Same Time Tomorrow Napkin Ring

Velvet bows are on trees, tables, and wreaths this holiday and the more the better. Add them to your napkins, your glassware, even your candles!

Ribbon-Tied Candles

cottonbro studio

Here's a DIY to try, a simple ribbon-tied candle.

Prelit Garland

Pavel Danilyuk

Crate & Barrel Pre-Lit LED Norway Spruce Christmas Garland

Fresh or faux, add some Nordic vibes to your table with greenery and starry white lights. Add candles and vintage baubles to upgrade the look.

Vintage Baubles

cottonbro studio

Williams Sonoma Gilded Champagne Ornament Faux Centerpiece

Metallic or colorful, adding vintage-inspired glass ornaments to your table centerpiece is sure to feel festive.

Dried Oranges

Sueda Dilli

This garland DIY is a seasonal element to add to your table and gives a woodsy Christmas vibe we love. Try this easy DIY from Call Me Cupcake.

Festive Kid's Table

Meri Meri

Meri Meri Christmas Character Garland

I'm dying over the hanging lamp idea, so cute!

Honeycomb

Etsy

Etsy Honeycomb Handmade Decoration

These honeycomb ornaments would make adorable napkin rings.

Red Stripes

The Cross

The Cross Red & Pink Stripe Ruffle Linen Napkin

Go for full-on candy cane with red and white stripes or a more subtle look with these red and dusky pink striped napkins. A little ruffled edge doesn't hurt. Look for ruffled tablecloths too!

Gingerbread Centerpiece

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Ceramic Gingerbread Train

You can add your own Gingerbread creation or use this delightful train again and again.

Ric Rac

Bubblegum Market

Believe Christmas Ric-Rac Fringe Paper Cocktail Napkins

Ric rac always adds a playful accent to your holiday decor. Try it on napkins, tablecloths, and runners.

Cordless Lamps

Amazon

Amazon Cordless Table Lamp

Make it an intimate affair by embracing the cordless table lamp trend. These red scalloped ones are also super holiday and sweet!

Glitter!

Meri Meri

Meri Meri Candles Christmas Tree Glitter

Make or add glittery elements, like these adorable glitter trees, to your table!

Handmade Crackers

Etsy

Etsy Personalized Christmas Crackers

Velvet crackers are perfect for your elegant holiday table.

Tapers

Etsy

Etsy Christmas Tapers

Tall Christmas candles add a touch of whimsy to your table. Look for a vintage style candelabra too!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Hosting this year's Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving? Since the big meal day can be kind of stressful between scouring the Internet for the best turkey recipe and baking one or two (or three) pumpkin pies, we’ve rounded up all the tablescape inspo you’ll need to make your home feel cozy and festive. Scroll through our fave centerpiece ideas that will make this year’s feast *that* much better.

Creative Table Runners And Tablecloths

Photo by Andrea Imre

Get Creative With Your Centerpiece

Shutterstock

Use Seasonal Tableware

DIY Ideas

Use mini pumpkins at your place cards. (via Brit + Co)

Or gourds as your serving dish and save on washing dishes! (via Brit + Co)

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.