Thanksgiving Garland: The Ultimate Guide to the 9 Best Ideas
Thanksgiving garland ideas – Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and bringing some coziness into your home—and one of the easiest ways to do that is with a beautiful Thanksgiving garland.
Whether you’re dressing up your mantel, creating a welcoming entryway, or adding charm to your dining table, the right Thanksgiving garland can pull your whole fall look together.
I feel like this is one of the simpliest ways to quickly, and cheaply, bring your home from spring to fall.
It’s also one of the best Thanksgiving decorations because you can easily buy one or just DIY it if you’re crafty!
From leaves and pumpkins to farmhouse-style beads and personalized touches, we’ve gathered the best Thanksgiving garlands to help you decorate with heart and style this season.
Introduction to Thanksgiving Decor
Discover the art of Thanksgiving decor with unique and creative garland ideas to elevate your fall celebration.
Explore the world of thanksgiving decorations and find inspiration for your home decor.
Think about what you already own and how you can incorporate that into your Thanksgiving decorations for the fall. This is a great way to stay within your budget but still get your home Thanksgiving ready.
DIY Garland Projects
Create your own mini pumpkin garland using twine and natural materials for a perfect fall decoration
Make a pretty Thanksgiving garland with fresh leaves, greenery, and fall colors to hang on your door or wall
Use DIY garland projects to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving decorations and decor
Find easy and creative ways to decorate your space with garlands, twine, and nature-inspired elements
Thanksgiving Decorating Tips
1. Layer It on the Mantel
Use your garland as a base layer across the mantel, then add candles, mini pumpkins, or framed seasonal art on top. Let parts of the garland drape over the edge for a cozy, cascading effect.
2. Dress Up Your Dining Table
Instead of a traditional centerpiece, run a garland down the center of your Thanksgiving table. Weave in LED tea lights, pinecones, or name cards for an easy yet stunning tablescape.
3. Frame a Door, Window or Porch
Highlight entryways or kitchen pass-throughs with a festive garland. This adds visual interest and helps extend your fall decor beyond just the main room.
4. Combine with a Banner
Layer your garland with a “Give Thanks” banner or wooden sign for a fun, meaningful touch. Mixing garlands with word art creates a personalized and inviting feel.
5. Accent a Staircase
Wrap your garland around the railing of a staircase for a warm fall welcome the moment guests walk in. Bonus points for adding ribbon, twinkle lights, or leaf cutouts.
6. Use Decorations in Unexpected Places
Think beyond the mantel—try adding a small garland to the back of dining chairs, around a mirror, or across a kitchen shelf to carry the Thanksgiving vibe throughout your home.
7. Add Personal Touches
Tuck in photos of loved ones, handwritten gratitude notes, or meaningful trinkets into the garland to make it feel truly special and heartfelt.
Fall Color Inspiration
- Classic Harvest Tones: Rich shades for fall like burnt orange, deep red, golden yellow, and warm brown bring that traditional autumn feel everyone loves.
- Muted Neutrals: Soft creams, taupe, dusty sage, and faded rust create a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look that feels calm and elegant.
- Moody & Modern: Think forest green, plum, charcoal, and copper accents for a more dramatic, elevated take on fall decor.
Creative Ideas and Techniques for Thanksgiving Decorations
- Gratitude Tags or Leaves: Cut out paper leaves or tags and let family and guests write what they’re thankful for. Tuck them into your garland or hang them nearby for a meaningful, interactive display.
- Mini Pumpkin Place Cards: Paint or decorate mini pumpkins and add name tags to use as place cards on your table. Coordinate the colors with your garland for a cohesive look.
- DIY Candle Holders: Wrap mason jars or glass votives with burlap, twine, or pressed leaves. Place them along your garland on the mantel or table for a warm, rustic glow.
Thrifting Ideas for Thanksgiving Garlands
1. Vintage Fabric Finds → Fabric Garland
Look for fall-toned shirts, flannels, or linens at thrift stores. Cut them into strips and tie them onto twine or jute rope for a cozy, rustic garland that feels totally homey.
2. Beaded Necklaces → Farmhouse Bead Garland
Those wooden or plastic bead necklaces you see at secondhand shops? String them together or paint them in warm fall tones (burnt orange, mustard, cream) to make a stylish, reusable garland.
3. Faux Florals or Leaves → Leaf Garland
Check thrifted wreaths or old floral arrangements for faux leaves, pinecones, or berries. Disassemble them and re-string into a lush fall garland using floral wire or twine.
4. Old Book Pages or Sheet Music → Paper Leaf Garland
Grab old books or sheet music and cut them into leaf shapes. You can lightly stain the paper with tea or coffee for a vintage look, then string them into a charming literary garland.
5. Cookie Cutters or Mini Utensils → Kitchen-Themed Garland
Thrift stores often have fun, quirky kitchen tools. String together mini pie tins, cookie cutters, or measuring spoons for a Thanksgiving garland perfect for your kitchen or dining room.
Upcycling Ideas for DIY Garland at Home
6. Paper Bags or Cereal Boxes → Cutout Garland
Use brown paper bags or cardboard boxes to cut out pumpkins, acorns, or leaves. Paint or decorate them, punch holes, and string them together with yarn or twine.
7. Scrap Yarn or Ribbon → Tassel Garland
Use leftover yarn or ribbon scraps to make tassels or pom-poms in fall colors. Tie them onto string for a textured, cozy garland that adds instant charm.
8. Clothing Buttons or Spare Hardware → Eclectic Garland
Got a jar of buttons or leftover drawer knobs? Mix them with felt leaves or paper pieces to create a fun, quirky garland with personality.
9. Broken Jewelry → Glam Fall Garland
Take apart broken necklaces or earrings and use the sparkly bits to embellish a basic garland. It adds a touch of shimmer perfect for a more glam Thanksgiving vibe.
10. Dried Oranges & Cinnamon Sticks → Natural Garland
Dehydrate orange slices and mix them with thrifted twine, bay leaves, or cinnamon sticks for a fragrant, all-natural garland that looks (and smells) amazing.
FAQs for the Best Thanksgiving Garland
1. What materials are best for Thanksgiving garlands?
It really depends on your style and other Thanksgiving decorations! Faux leaves, mini pumpkins, felt, wood beads, burlap, and even dried oranges are all popular options. Look for materials that complement your existing fall decor and will hold up throughout the season.
2. Where should I hang a Thanksgiving garland?
Garlands look great on mantels, stair railings, dining tables, entryways, or even draped across a window or mirror. They’re super versatile decor—don’t be afraid to get creative with your ideas and try a few spots until it feels just right!
3. Can I reuse Thanksgiving garlands year after year?
Yes, especially if you choose quality materials like faux foliage or sturdy fabric. Store them in a cool, dry place and handle with care when packing them away to keep them looking great for seasons to come.
4. Are there any DIY options for Thanksgiving garlands?
Definitely! You can easily make your own using items like twine, paper leaves, felt shapes, or even real dried foliage. It’s a fun way to personalize your decor—and a great activity to do with kids, too.
5. How long should a garland be for a mantel or table?
For mantels, aim for a garland that’s about the same length or slightly longer than the mantel itself so it drapes nicely. For tables, you can go shorter for a centerpiece-style garland or longer if you want it to trail off the ends for a dramatic look.
6. Can I mix different types of garlands together?
Absolutely! Layering different textures—like a leafy garland with string lights or a bead garland with mini pumpkins—adds depth and interest. Just stick to a cohesive color palette to keep the look balanced and intentional.
7. When should I put up my Thanksgiving garland?
Anytime after Halloween is fair game! Most people decorate in early November to enjoy the fall vibes all month long. If your garland leans more autumn than turkey-themed, you might even leave it up through the end of the season.
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Conclusion
No matter your style—rustic, modern, farmhouse, or full-on festive—there’s a Thanksgiving garland out there that can add that perfect finishing touch to your fall decor.
It’s such a simple way to bring warmth, texture, and a little seasonal magic into your home.
So whether you’re hosting the big dinner or just love getting into the cozy spirit, don’t underestimate what a well-placed garland can do.
Happy decorating and happy Thanksgiving!
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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!
