30 Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas You’ll Love
Updated: Dec. 04, 2019We guarantee you'll be grateful for these beautiful Thanksgiving decorations.
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Create a Chic Theme
For cohesive Thanksgiving decor, pick a simple theme to help guide your designs. We love the look of country farmhouse, funky bohemian, or simply elegant, but pick a theme that complements your style and the rest of your home. We’ll help you pick the perfect Thanksgiving theme based on your personality.
Deck out a Planter
When the weather turns cold, don’t put away your pretty planter. Instead, arrange a collection of decorative feathers ($10) in the planter, being careful to vary heights, colors and textures.
String Cozy Lights
String lights aren’t just for Christmas. Use a strand of the twinkling beauties ($25) to give warmth to any space. When paired with a cozy throw, the calming atmosphere is perfect for a post-dinner nap. Speaking of Christmas, it’s OK if you want to put your holiday decorations up early. Science actually supports it.
Give Thanks
Embrace the true meaning of Thanksgiving while also creating a cute decorative accent. All you need is a white pumpkin (real or faux) and some permanent markers. Write “I’m thankful for” in large print and let guests fill in the rest. That white pumpkin would look right at home on this classic Thanksgiving tabletop.
Prepare a Festive Wreath
Most Thanksgiving decor embraces natural elements, and your fall wreath is no exception. Turn to sprigs of fresh greens, oranges, kumquats, cloves and other harvest bounty to bring a festive feel to any space. Get more easy fall crafts here.
Replace Art
Add seasonal flair to your home by swapping out family photos and other artwork for Thanksgiving-themed prints. Find a photo or illustration you love, print it out and pop it in a frame. Don’t miss these gorgeous fall decorations you can buy at Sam’s Club.
Use Homey Hues
If you have a neutral space, add warmth with seasonal colors like red, orange and yellow. When used in small doses, these hues will make your space feel more inviting.
Mix and Match
The purpose of Thanksgiving is to spend time with loved ones—not to stress over holiday table decor. If your dining area lacks enough room to comfortably fit all of your guests, look to a thrift store for mix-and-match seating. We’re obsessed with these colorful benches and chairs. Now that your table is ready, fill it with one of these traditional Thanksgiving recipes.
Make a Gratitude Tree
Display thanks with a gratitude tree. To make one, gather boughs and branches in a large burlap-wrapped vase, then add ornaments or photos of the people and things you’re most thankful for.
Transform a Bundt Pan
You know that old bundt pan gathering dust in the back of your pantry? Turn it into a darling turkey wreath. You’ll need to spray paint the pan red or orange to create the body, glue a stuffed turkey ($25) in the center of the pan for the head and legs and splay a mixture of feathers and wheat sprigs to make the feathers. Find more creative ways to use a bundt pan here.
Display Vintage Finds
Whether they’re family heirlooms, thrift store finds or recently made crafts, put your favorite festive tokens on display. We love the look of this embroidered pumpkin tucked in front of a window, but you could also nestle it in a bookcase or on the mantel.
DIY a Feather Garland
Searching for cheap Thanksgiving decoration ideas? Look no further than a DIY feather garland. All you need are twine, feathers and hot glue. If desired, dip the top edge of each feather in metallic paint ($7) for a little touch of glam.
Build Your Own Centerpiece
Thanksgiving decorating ideas don’t have to break the bank. A lot of great accents can be made with items you already have or that you can buy for cheap. This centerpiece, for example, only requires wood slices, candles and some fresh flowers. Check out a local lumberyard for wood scraps, and most thrift stores carry candles for a fraction of retail price.
Create a Timeless Display
Thanksgiving isn’t known for being an over-the-top decorating holiday, so simplicity is key. Neutral Thanksgiving wreaths, like this breathtaking magnolia display, are perfect for pairing with pumpkins and other autumn decor.
Set a Rustic Table
Are your Thanksgiving decorations corny? In this scenario, it’s a compliment. Dried corn husks and a weather-worn quote sign combine for an effortless table display. Like the look? Find more rustic Thanksgiving table decorating ideas here.
Add Color with Fall Foliage
Show off the beauty of fall foliage with a colorful wreath. Simply arrange clusters of leaves on a wooden wreath form and secure with hot glue. You can use either real or faux leaves for this project, but keep in mind that fake leaves will let your Thanksgiving wreaths live on for years to come. Check out more front door ideas you can DIY.
Pluck Pretty Pears
This gorgeous mantel display starts in your kitchen. You’ll need a collection of fresh yet firm pears and a jar of whole cloves. Use the cloves to write a letter on each pear, then align the pears in a row to spell out your chosen word. “Together,” “thankful” and “grateful” are all good choices. Leftover cloves? Use them to make this warming coffee drink.
Stick to a Color Scheme
One of the easiest ways to decorate for Thanksgiving is with a color scheme. Pick a handful of colors that complement one another, and use them for table linens, serving pieces, artwork and more. Here, sage green, orange and beige create an elegant tablescape.
Frame Nature
Nature is beautiful, so why not show it off as part of your Thanksgiving decor? Just stick natural elements, like feathers, wheat stalks, seed pods, leaves or berries in neutral frames, then display on a mantel or entry table.
Add Miniature Accents
Gather together sweet seasonal elements for a whimsical Thanksgiving table. Look how cute these tiny pumpkin salt and pepper shakers look in an itty-bitty wagon! And these little pilgrim napkin rings will make everyone smile. Playing with your food is allowed when these charming accents are involved.
Pretty in Plaid
Keep your Thanksgiving decor clean and classic, with a plaid table runner, matching napkins, and brown paper packages hiding favors for each guest. Scatter pine cones and nuts around white votive candles for an elegant centerpiece.
Happy Harvest
Give thanks for farm-fresh food and decorate with a fall harvest theme. Fill mason jars with sunflowers for a pop of color, stack up mini straw bales and pumpkins, and collect colorful leaves. Burlap fabric makes a homey table runner. Try these recipes to make the most of your fall harvest.
Display of Gratitude
Criss-cross twine through an open frame. Ask guests of all ages to write what they’re thankful for on colorful paper leaves. Then attach the leaves to the twine with tiny clothespins for a reminder of what’s most important about Thanksgiving. Keep the kids busy while the turkey is cooking with these fun Thanksgiving crafts.
Cider and Spice
Warm up apple cider in your slow cooker. Serve a tray of drinks to your guests in these adorable rustic mugs, wrapped in pretty ribbon and accented with patterned craft paper leaves. Pop a cinnamon stick into each mug to let guests stir in the fall flavor.
