12 Simple Thanksgiving Decor Ideas to Try in 2024
Posted by The Ichcha Team on 18th Nov 2024
Looking for some easy Thanksgiving decoration ideas? We've got you! You see, Thanksgiving is an incredibly special holiday. It's a time when we get to step back and celebrate everything we're thankful for. However, the fact that it's crammed between two equally special festivals (Halloween and Christmas) often pushes it to the back seat. For many families, Thanksgiving decor is an afterthought. We can't blame anyone, though, knowing how demanding it can be to invest in redecorating your home three times in two months.
Well, that's why we've put together these super easy Thanksgiving decorations so you can get all set up without breaking the bank...or your hand.
Need Thanksgiving dinner table decor ideas on a budget? Going for DIY Thanksgiving decorations? These Thanksgiving decor tips we've put together won't put a strain or your wallet (or your energy levels in fact). We'll show you how to use simple yet elegant textiles to spruce up your home for Thanksgiving, from the tablescape to your front porch.
What to decorate with? Simple textiles like table runners, napkins, and seasonal throws can do wonders. Bonus points if you still have some leftover pumpkins from Halloween. You'd also want to consider decor accents that can easily transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
If you're eco-conscious, we threw in some sustainable Thanksgiving decor ideas for good measure!
Let's dive in!
1. Thanksgiving Decor with Block Print Table Linen
Okay let’s start where it matters most; the tablescape. One of my favorite Thanksgiving dinner table decoration ideas is to use a block print table runner and patterned napkins to add life and color effortlessly to your table setting. With beautiful floral patterns, these block print table linens literally embody the spirit of fall. If you’re feeling more daring, try out some fun napkin folds and watch your guest bathe you with genuine compliments.
If you’re leaning towards a sustainable thanksgiving celebration, this Thanksgiving table decor is ideal as block print table runners and napkins are eco-friendly and can be reused throughout the holiday season and beyond.
2. Mix Rustic and Chic for a Memorable Thanksgiving Table
There are a gazillion Thanksgiving table decorations floating out there, but this year, why not try something more…rustic? Layer your chosen table runner with natural placemats made from jute or woven seagrass for a rustic charm. For your dinnerware, combine solid-colored plates with patterned ones to create an inviting and eclectic feel.
Top it off with those block-printed napkins folded into elegant knots. And if you got time for some crafts, create your own napkin rings by wrapping small pieces of burlap ribbon around the napkins and securing them with dried flowers or mini pinecones.
3. Nature as Your Centerpiece
Dried leaves, pinecones, and miniature pumpkins or gourds can make beautiful centerpieces for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Scatter colorful fall leaves along the center of your dining table.
Or else arrange fall leaves and wildflowers in a glass vase, interspersed with pinecones and sprigs of fresh greenery like eucalyptus or rosemary. A perfect floral arrangement that captures genuine autumnal beauty. The best part? Once Thanksgiving is over, you can use the pinecones for winter decorations!
4. Use Seasonal Throws
Don't stop at the table! To spruce up your home for Thanksgiving this year, use seasonal throws to add a splash of color and texture to couches and armchairs. Opt for soft, chunky-knit throws or woven blankets in warm, earthy tones for an artisan appeal. There’s just something about these textiles that exude a cozy, welcoming appeal. Your guests might love having a soft, warm blanket to cuddle under as the evening winds down. I particularly love these sustainable throws!
5. Create Magic with Scented Candles
Spruce up your home this Thanksgiving with scented candles made from soy or beeswax. Choose candles in warm, autumnal scents like cinnamon, clove, or vanilla to infuse your home with that classic Thanksgiving aroma. To keep the look interesting, use candle holders of varying heights and materials like glass, metal, or wood.
You can also DIY some unique holders by hollowing out small pumpkins or gourds and placing tealights inside. Or simply put the candles in old glass jars.
6. Handmade Wreath with Seasonal Foliage
No Thanksgiving decoration is complete without wreaths. But they’re not just for doors! Incorporate seasonal greenery inside your home by placing a wreath on your dining room wall or above your fireplace. If you feel up to it, create a DIY wreath from foraged branches, dried flowers, or even wheat stalks to add a rustic and natural vibe. You don’t need to splurge on this. Christmas is coming.
7. Upcycled Décor for a Zero-Waste Thanksgiving Decor
Another Thanksgiving decoration idea is to use items you already have at home, such as old mason jars, wine bottles, or glass vases. Fill mason jars with dried corn kernels or cranberries and place tealights on top for an eye-catching display. Or, use empty wine bottles as vases for dried grasses or wildflowers—simple, effective, and budget-friendly! A simple Thanksgiving decor idea on a budget.
8. Gratitude Bread Wraps
Transform your breadbasket into an eye-catching Thanksgiving dinner table decor by wrapping loaves in paper. Use a calligraphy pen or paint marker to write words like Thankful, Grateful, or Family on each piece of paper. Secure the paper with twine or burlap string and tuck in a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an earthy finishing touch.
This little detail can elevate a simple bread display into an intentional and heartwarming Thanksgiving decoration idea guests will want to replicate next year.
9. Pumpkin Place Card Holders
Still got leftover pumpkins from Halloween? Add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving dinner table by using mini pumpkins as place card holders. Carefully cut a small slit at the top of each pumpkin and insert a handwritten place card.
Aside from helping to organize seating, this Thanksgiving decoration idea also acts as a charming, personalized souvenir that guests can take home as a keepsake. To keep things sustainable, choose natural pumpkins that can be composted afterward or used in autumnal displays around the house.
10. Hanging Garland of Thankfulness
Photo Credit: A Diamond in the Stuff
What better way to invoke the spirit of Thanksgiving than by spelling it out? For your Thanksgiving decoration this year, make a thankfulness garland to hang over your mantle, along a wall, or across a window. Decide whether to spell out HAPPY THANKSGIVING with each piece of paper having a letter, or write a word of gratitude on each piece.
You can also write on pumpkins and place them beneath the garland. Aside from this being a classic festive decoration idea, this decorative garland can help spread a feeling of warmth and gratitude that will be felt by everyone who walks through your door.
11. Gourds with a Refresh
Gourds are some of the most inexpensive Thanksgiving decorations because they’ve probably been lying around in your home since fall rolled in. Simply create a pile of them and some pumpkins in a large bowl. Consider painting them with different colors to create visual appeal, or paint a letter on each gourd (to form the word Thanksgiving). This makes for a fun DIY Thanksgiving decoration your kids will love to join in.
12. A Warm Welcome with an Entryway Display
A simple arrangement of pumpkins, lanterns, and a woven basket filled with pinecones or mini gourds can be an excellent Thanksgiving decoration for your entryway. Hang a fabric banner that reads “Give Thanks” or “Welcome” made from scrap fabric or old pillowcases for a charming, homemade touch. This is a must-try Thanksgiving decor idea for your front porch, and you don’t have to break the bank to set it up.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! 12 Thanksgiving decorations worth trying this year. But before we go, don’t forget the little details.
Sometimes, it’s the little details that make the biggest impact. Consider using small chalkboard signs for writing short, thankful messages. And you really should try the pumpkin place card thing if it isn’t too much trouble. As you probably have noticed, virtually all Thanksgiving decoration ideas in this list are budget-friendly. For most, you barely need to spend a dime--purely natural elements. Plus, they’re designed to reduce waste.
These Thanksgiving decor ideas will help you save costs and minimize waste while having enough energy left for the Christmas and New Year celebrations approaching at breakneck speed.