Friendsgiving means nobody's chairs match. Somebody brings folding chairs, somebody else a bench, and the kitchen stools get dragged in. Don't fight it.
Push two tables together under one long cloth, let every chair be different, and roll a kraft paper runner down the middle. Candles in wine bottles, clementines scattered along the paper. It's a vintage tablescape in the best sense: everything on it already had a life somewhere else.
Two tables, one cloth
Most people don't own a table for twelve. Push two tables together, even different heights if necessary (shim the shorter one with a folded towel under the legs), and cover them with one long cloth or two overlapping ones. The cloth hides the join.
Mismatched chairs
Bentwood, ladder-back, a bench, folding chairs, kitchen stools. Mix them all. To tie them together, put the same napkin or a small cushion on each seat.
Kraft paper runner
A roll of brown kraft paper down the center is cheap, protects the cloth from spills and looks great. Some hosts write each guest's name on the paper at their seat instead of place cards.
Clementines and dried flowers
Scatter clementines, small dried flowers and a few walnuts along the runner. Cheap, colorful, and people can eat the clementines.
Candles in wine bottles
Empty wine bottles with taper candles are the classic Friendsgiving candlesticks. Remove the labels by soaking the bottles in warm water.
Mixed plates
Friendsgiving is the perfect time for mismatched plates. Ask guests to bring one plate each, or use a mix from your cabinets and thrift stores.
Food on the table
Friendsgiving is usually potluck and family-style. Leave room down the center for serving dishes by keeping the centerpiece low and narrow.
A timeline
- The week before: borrow chairs and a second table, buy kraft paper and candles.
- The day before: set up tables and cloth, soak bottle labels.
- The morning of: lay the runner, place chairs, set plates.
- An hour before: add clementines, flowers and candles.
Cleanup
Kraft paper rolls up with crumbs inside. The cloth goes straight into the wash.
Seating a crowd
Plan for about 24 inches of table width per person, a little more at the corners. If you run short, add a bench on one side. It seats one more person than chairs would and slides under the table when you need walking room.
Put a name card on each plate if the group mixes friends from different parts of your life. A folded piece of kraft paper with a name written in marker is enough and matches the runner.
Making it feel planned on a budget
Pick one color for the flowers, candles and napkins and repeat it along the table. Rust, mustard or deep green all work in fall. The plates, glasses and chairs can all be different because the repeated color pulls them together.
Borrow what you are short on. Ask two friends to bring four plates each and you have a mixed set that looks collected rather than rented.
What it costs
- Kraft paper roll: $10 to $20.
- Tapers: $10 to $20.
- Clementines and dried flowers: $15 to $30.
- Cloth: $30 to $100, or use a flat sheet.
Under $100 for a table for twelve.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to match everything.
- A tall centerpiece. Leave room for food.
- Candles near the paper. Keep bottles steady and clear of the runner edges.
- Forgetting enough seats. Count twice.
Friendsgiving table FAQ
How do I set a Friendsgiving table?
Push tables together under one cloth, mix chairs, add a kraft paper runner, candles in bottles and clementines.
How do you decorate a Friendsgiving table on a budget?
Use kraft paper, wine bottles as candlesticks, clementines and borrowed plates.
What can I use as a tablecloth for a long table?
A long linen cloth, two overlapping cloths or a flat bedsheet.
How do I make mismatched chairs look good?
Put the same napkin or a small cushion on every seat.
