Traditional Thanksgiving decorations blend elements of nature. Pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves and the vibrant colors of autumn combine to create a beautiful setting. This year, give thanks for the abundance the earth gives us by decorating for the holiday with an environmentally friendly twist. Use recyclable, biodegradable and sustainable materials to set your table and reduce the amount of waste you produce. The planet will thank you.

This year, choose Thanksgiving table linens that will look as good to Mother Nature as they do to your holiday guests. This table runner, available at Blue House for $22, makes an attractive addition to a green table setting. It's made from vetiver, a tall grass native to India. Vetiver is sustainable due to its long lifespan and, because of its deep roots, it protects against soil erosion.

Set your Thanksgiving table with bamboo, a green alternative to hardwood and plastic. Bamboo plants are fast-growing and, therefore, highly sustainable. These durable placemats, available at The Travelled Home ($23 for a set of 6), make a nice backdrop for dramatic dishware. Best of all, they're incredibly versatile, so you can use them throughout the year.

Flowers naturally beautify a Thanksgiving table. This year, choose an eco-friendly arrangement that has been certified by VeriFlora, a sustainability certification program for flowers and potted plants. The VeriFlora label guarantees your flowers come from growers who practice environmental and social responsibility, so you can be sure your holiday blossoms are not only stunning, but grown and harvested with care. Find a VeriFlora-certified arrangement like this Thanksgiving centerpiece at Organic Bouquet ($95), or check with your local florist.

Multipurpose hemp is a great alternative to cotton because the fiber is easy to grow, harvest and develop into a wide variety of goods, from construction materials to skin-care products. Growing hemp has a lower impact on the environment than cotton because it grows quickly and requires less pesticide treatment. These simple hemp napkins, $5 from Little Green House, are soft yet durable and work well in any setting. You can use them year-round, but for your Thanksgiving table, dress them up with fun napkin rings or a twig of colorful berries.

No holiday centerpiece is complete without the glow of candlelight. The natural element of fire brings warmth to the table and creates a pleasant ambiance. Choose a candle made from natural soy and vegetable waxes like this Vegepure Pillar, $18 at Green Feet. Wrapped in a recycled plastic label that is hand-printed with soy ink, the candle burns clean with a comforting clove and cardamom fragrance that perfectly complements an autumnal atmosphere.

For more tips on how you can host a greener Thanksgiving, click here.