Best Thanksgiving Decorations: Fall in Love With These Ideas

Thanksgiving decorations- the day is more than just turkey and pie—it’s about creating a warm, welcoming space that brings everyone together.

Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or keeping it cozy with a few loved ones, the right decor can really set the mood.

I love decorating for this holiday in particular because you don’t have to break to the bank to make a big impact. Think about it, pumpkins aren’t that expensive and a few of them strategically set out – instantly makes the place lool like fall!

We’ve rounded up the very best Thanksgiving decorations to make your home feel extra special (and seriously Instagram-worthy).

Let’s deck the halls—Thanksgiving style!

Setting the Scene for your Thanksgiving Decor

• Start by decorating the front door with a warm and inviting autumn-themed wreath to set the tone for your Thanksgiving celebration.
• Use mini pumpkins, gourds, and other seasonal vegetables to create a beautiful holiday display on your porch or in your entryway.
• Use fall colors like orange, brown, red, and gold into your decorating scheme to warm up your space.
• Consider adding some candles or other lighting to create a welcoming feel for your loved ones.
• Explore different types of decorations, such as DIY projects or store-bought items, to find the perfect fit for your Thanksgiving decor budget.

Table Thanksgiving Decor

• Create a pretty Thanksgiving setting with a beautiful centerpiece—mix different elements like flowers, fruits, and candles for a fun look, or use a classic cornucopia or a vase filled with fall flowers and fruits.
• Welcome guests with a Thanksgiving-themed charcuterie board like I enjoy making each year!
• Use decorative plates, napkins, and other tableware to add a pop of color.
• Incorporate turkey-themed decorations, such as turkey-shaped candles or figurines. This is especially fun if you’ve got kids!
• Add seasonal elements, like pumpkins or apples, to your decor.
• I love to make live floral centerpieces using real pumpkins. They come out beautiful and a little different each year!

Outdoor Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Outdoor Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

1. Harvest-Themed Porch Display

• Use hay bales, corn stalks, pumpkins, and gourds to build a rustic space
• Add lanterns or battery-powered candles for cozy glow.

2. Thanksgiving Wreaths

• Choose a wreath made of fall leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, or burlap bows.
• Customize with a wooden “Give Thanks” sign in the center for extra charm.

3. Welcome Signs and Wooden Decor

• Oversized vertical porch signs that say “Thankful,” “Gather,” or “Blessed” add a farmhouse touch.
• DIY wooden turkeys or hand-painted pumpkins can personalize your yard space.

4. Festive Front Door Mats

• A fun Thanksgiving-themed doormat with phrases like “Gobble Gobble” or “Welcome to Our Harvest Home” is a subtle but sweet addition.

5. String Lights & Fall Garland

• Wrap porch railings, columns, or fences with faux fall leaf garlands and warm white fairy lights.
• Perfect for adding ambiance to an evening gathering.

6. Inflatable Turkey or Thanksgiving Yard Stakes

• For something playful, grab an inflatable turkey or yard stakes with pilgrims, pumpkins, or messages like “Happy Thanksgiving.”
• Great for family-friendly neighborhoods or adding humor to your décor.

7. Cornucopia Centerpiece on an Outdoor Table

• Set a cornucopia filled with real or faux fruits, veggies, and fall florals as a seasonal focal point for outdoor dining or display. If you’ve got a cart or wheelbarrow that would be cute to incorporate as well.

8. Outdoor Thanksgiving Banner or Flag

• Hang a festive banner on your porch or fly a garden flag with a seasonal greeting.
• Easy to switch out and store year after year.

9. Wooden Crates with Fall Florals

• Stack wooden crates filled with mums, mini pumpkins, and fall leaves.
• Arrange near the steps or walkway to create layers and texture.

10. Cozy Touches for Outdoor Seating

• Add plaid or fall-toned throw blankets and cushions to patio chairs or benches.
• Practical and pretty for chillier November weather!

Indoor Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Indoor Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

1. Cozy Thanksgiving Tablescape

• Use a burlap or plaid table runner.
• Layer with neutral chargers, ceramic plates, and gold or brass flatware.
• Add mini pumpkins, votive candles, and eucalyptus sprigs as a centerpiece.
• Make pumpkin flower arrangements using real flowers and gourds.

2. Fall-Themed Entryway

• Decorate the foyer table with a small basket of pinecones, a scented candle (pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon), and a framed “Give Thanks” printable.
• Add a rustic wooden sign or a wreath with autumn foliage.

3. Pumpkin & Gourd Display

• Cluster a mix of real and faux pumpkins in various sizes on a console table or mantel.
• Paint or decorate some in metallics like gold or copper for a chic touch.

4. Thanksgiving-Themed Tiered Tray

• Fill a 2- or 3-tier tray with mini signs (“Thankful,” “Grateful”), faux leaves, tiny pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and acorns.
• Great for kitchen counters, coffee bars, or dining room accents.

5. Mantel Makeover

• Drape a fall leaf garland across the mantel.
• Add candlesticks, lanterns, and a banner that says “Thankful” or “Gather.”

6. DIY Thankful Tree

• Set up branches in a vase and provide paper leaves where family members can write what they’re thankful for.
• Great interactive decor that doubles as a meaningful tradition.

7. Warm Lighting with String Lights or Lanterns

• Weave warm white fairy lights into garlands or place battery-operated lanterns on shelves and mantels for a cozy glow.

8. Throw Pillows & Blankets

• Swap out everyday pillows for seasonal ones with sayings like “Hello Fall” or “Grateful Heart.”
• Add a plaid or knit throw blanket to sofas or armchairs for that comfy Thanksgiving vibe.

9. Scented Decor

• Use decorative bowls filled with potpourri (cinnamon, clove, dried oranges).
• Add cinnamon sticks tied with twine to napkin rings for a nice scent and look.

10. Thanksgiving Wall Art or Chalkboard

• Hang framed prints or use a chalkboard sign with a festive quote or your Thanksgiving menu.
• You don’t have to break the bank. I love making beautiful fall decor with Dollar Tree items.

DIY Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Best DIY Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

1. Thankful Tree

• Use a bundle of bare branches in a vase and craft paper leaves.
• Family members can write what they’re thankful for and hang them using twine or mini clothespins.

2. DIY Pumpkin Centerpieces

• Hollow out mini pumpkins and use them as vases for fresh or faux flowers.
• You can also paint pumpkins in muted or metallic tones for a modern twist.
• Last year I bought Dollar Tree pumpkins and fabric and covered them and they turned out super cute! Check them out here!

3. Hand-Lettered Place Cards

• Make custom place cards using kraft paper, stamps, or calligraphy.
• Add a small pinecone or mini pumpkin to hold the card at each setting.

4. Gratitude Garland

• Cut leaf or banner shapes from cardstock and write one thing you’re thankful for on each.
• String them together and hang on a mantel, across a window, or above the dining table.

5. Mason Jar Candle Holders

• Fill mason jars with popcorn kernels, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks.
• Place a tea light or votive candle inside for a cozy glow.

6. Burlap Table Runner

• Cut a length of burlap and stencil or hand-paint words like “Give Thanks” or fall leaves along the edges.
• Add a stitched or frayed edge for a rustic look.

7. Acorn or Pinecone Garland

• String together collected pinecones, acorns, or wood beads.
• Add in bits of ribbon or faux leaves for texture.

8. DIY Chalkboard Sign

• Use a small chalkboard or paint a thrifted frame with chalkboard paint.
• Write a festive message like “Gather & Give Thanks” or display the menu.

9. Painted Leaf Art

• Collect large leaves, paint them in metallic colors or pretty pastels, and frame them for seasonal wall art.
• Or use as part of a layered table centerpiece.

10. Corn Husk Wreath

• Hot glue dried corn husks to a wreath form in layers for a neutral, textured front door wreath.
• Add a burlap bow or mini pumpkins for extra flair.

11. Thanksgiving Napkin Rings

• Wrap napkins with twine and attach a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice.
• Or cut felt leaves and loop them into rings.

12. DIY Pumpkin Spice Potpourri

• Create a stovetop potpourri mix (dried oranges, cinnamon, cloves, cranberries).
• Package it in jars or sachets for decor and guest favors.

Additional Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

• Extend your Thanksgiving decorations beyond the dinner table to other areas of your home. Many decorations can easily transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving—Halloween-themed items like pumpkins or spooky signs can be repurposed.
• Use shelves and mantels to display seasonal decorations, like vintage Thanksgiving-themed items or decorative vases filled with fall branches. Our top pick for a standout decorative item is a festive pumpkin sign, perfect for both Halloween and Thanksgiving displays.
• Make things cozy by incorporating warm lighting, and comfy throw blankets into your decorating scheme.
• Consider hosting a fun and creative Thanksgiving craft session with your friends, where you can make your own decorations like handmade centerpieces.

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Conclusion on Thanksgiving Decor

No matter your style—there’s something magical about decorating for Thanksgiving.

It’s the little touches that make your home feel extra warm and welcoming for the people you love.

So light those candles, fluff those throw pillows, and don’t be afraid to go a little pumpkin crazy.

Here’s to a beautifully decorated holiday filled with gratitude, laughter, and second helpings of pie!

Oh and while you’re here, check out my post on DIY Thanksgiving Decorations as well as my ideas for awesome Thanksgiving charcuterie boards.

Erica Fox

Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!