A Cozy Thanksgiving Table With No Open Flame: What We Actually Use

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Our house has four cats, a puppy, a big dog and two kids. Every year I want that candlelit Thanksgiving table. And every year I picture a tail swishing right through a flame.

So this year we went flameless. I filmed what we actually used on our table, and I'm sharing my honest take on each one.

Who this is for: the busy host with pets or little ones who still wants the table to feel special. No fancy skills. No open flame.

Quick look: 3 things from our house (with my real verdict), 2 picks to finish the look, and one Walmart collection if you'd rather shop there.

1. Red flameless pillar candles that look best at night

These are the centerpiece of our table now. Three pillars in three heights, each wrapped in tiny string lights.

Real life verdict (my video, gifted): "When I first opened these, I thought, okay, these are cool, but they're just not what I expected. Then I turned them on at night and I was like, oh, now I get it. The flickering flames, the little lights around each, they are awesome. We've got four cats, a puppy, a dog, two kids. So having no real flame to knock over is a pretty big plus. We still got our cozy family dinner by candlelight, and I got to sit down and enjoy it."

Retailer info: Fanzir lists this as a set of 3 battery-operated LED pillar candles (4", 5" and 6") with string lights and a remote.

The pick: Fanzir red flameless candles, set of 3. Best for: a dinner table you'll actually sit at after dark.

See the red flameless candles on Amazon →

2. Flameless taper candles for the "real candle" look

Tapers are what make a table look dressed up. These are ivory with a spiral texture, and they light up with no flame at all.

Real life verdict (my video, gifted): "I love the cozy farmhouse look these candles bring to a room. They're battery operated, so I can get that warm candlelit feel around my home decor without adding any open flame. Each one takes two AAA batteries, and turning it on is simple, just twist the bottom. They look beautiful as everyday decor, and they're especially nice when I'm setting the table for dinner."

Retailer info: Mwizbyot lists this as a 6-pack of ivory LED taper candles with a remote and timer.

The pick: Mwizbyot LED taper candles, 6 pack. Best for: down the middle of the table, or tucked into glass holders (see pick 4).

See the flameless taper candles on Amazon →

3. A little pumpkin and leaf mold for after-dinner cocoa

Here's a fun one for the kids' table, or for the grown-ups after pie. This silicone mold makes tiny pumpkins and maple leaves.

Real life verdict (what I did in my video, gifted): The cavities were too small for muffins, so I made chocolate cocoa toppers instead. I melted one chocolate bar with a little butter, stirred it smooth, spooned it into the dry mold and let it firm up in the fridge. Bend the silicone and they pop right out with the leaf detail still there. Then whipped cream on the cocoa and a chocolate leaf on top. Not for muffins. Perfect for cocoa.

Retailer info: HKNMTT lists this as a 2-piece set of 6-cavity pumpkin and fall maple leaf silicone molds.

The pick: HKNMTT pumpkin and maple leaf silicone molds. Best for: a no-stress activity while the turkey rests.

See the pumpkin and leaf molds on Amazon →

Two picks to finish the table (not tested by us)

These two aren't in our house yet. I picked them because they pair well with the candles above. Check each listing for size and details.

4. Glass bud vases that hold taper candles. Glasseam lists these as a set of 6 glass bud vases, 7.87" tall, made to work as taper candle holders. Drop a flameless taper in each and line them down the table.

See the glass taper holders on Amazon →

5. Faux eucalyptus garland for a table runner. Dolunvo lists this as a 4 pack of 6 ft artificial eucalyptus garlands. One or two strands down the middle of the table, candles on top, and you're done.

See the eucalyptus garland on Amazon →

Rather shop Walmart?

I put together a Thanksgiving Table and Hosting collection on my Walmart storefront: a plaid runner, cream stoneware plates, cloth napkins, gold candlesticks and ivory tapers. These are similar pieces I picked, not ones I've tested.

See my Thanksgiving Table collection on Walmart →

The one-minute table plan

1. Garland down the middle. 2. Pillars in the center. 3. Tapers in glass holders on each side. 4. Turn everything on before guests arrive, and leave it. That's it. You get to sit down too.

Hosting this year? These might help: Thanksgiving hostess gifts under $25 and kitchen tools that make hosting easier. Already thinking about Christmas? Try the Christmas Gift Finder, and keep an eye on my Black Friday deals page. I update it as deals go live.

Cooking the big meal? See my small kitchen fixes under $25.

Want more ideas like this? Follow along on Pinterest and Instagram, or shop my Amazon storefront and my Walmart storefront.

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