While Thanksgiving is a great time to fill your house with a warm and cozy atmosphere, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big project. Sometimes, just a few special touches are all it takes to turn your space into a festive haven without the overwhelm.
With that, here are some simple, low-key Thanksgiving decorations—things anyone can pull together—that can make a big impact if you’re wondering where to begin. Picture a few new cushions, a fresh centerpiece, and some natural fall beauty scattered throughout your home. Sounds doable, right?
Starting with an easy switch—throw pillows! Just adding a few in those fall-inspired colors—burnt orange, warm rust, or deep forest green—will instantly bring warmth to any room. Toss a cozy blanket on your couch for that “curl up and relax” vibe.
Want to go a bit fancier? Try filling a bowl or vase with seasonal fruit or beautifully colored fall branches. It’s an eye-catching decor piece and brings the outdoors in, perfect for Thanksgiving. And of course, no fall decor is complete without pumpkins! If you prefer a subtle look, go with soft, neutral tones; for a bolder touch, mix in classic orange pumpkins.
With just these small, thoughtful touches, your home will feel warm, welcoming, and perfectly Thanksgiving-ready. So pour yourself a cup of tea, start decorating, and enjoy the simple pleasures of creating that cozy fall atmosphere.
Here, we’ve collected 15 easy Thanksgiving decorating ideas to inspire your festive spirit and get you started!
Start with a Cozy Entrance
Your front entrance sets the mood for your entire Thanksgiving theme, so why not make it a cozy, welcoming spot? You don’t need to go overboard here—just a few key pieces can make all the difference.
- Welcome Mat: Swap out your usual mat for one with a festive message like “Give Thanks” or “Welcome Friends.”
- Pumpkins and Gourds: Scatter a few small pumpkins and gourds on your doorstep. These are affordable and bring that autumn vibe right to your front door.
- Fall Wreath: A simple wreath made from dried leaves, wheat, or eucalyptus adds a touch of elegance. You can make your own or find budget-friendly options at local stores.
Quick Tip:
Add a few lanterns or battery-operated candles near the entrance to create a warm, inviting glow as guests arrive.
Set the Tone with Seasonal Colors
Thanksgiving decor is all about warm, earthy colors. Think shades of orange, rust, brown, and gold. By sticking to a fall-inspired color palette, you’ll create a cohesive look that instantly says “Thanksgiving.”
- Throw Blankets and Pillows: Swap out your regular throw pillows and blankets for ones in deep, rich colors. This instantly makes any room feel warmer and more festive.
- Table Runners and Napkins: In the dining room, add a rustic table runner in a warm shade or pattern like plaid or gingham. Don’t forget matching napkins for that extra detail!
Pro Tip
If you already have neutral-colored furniture, adding these seasonal accents is super easy and budget-friendly. Just swap them back out after Thanksgiving for a refreshed look!
Create a Centerpiece with Natural Elements
Your Thanksgiving table deserves a special centerpiece, but it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Some of the best centerpieces are made from natural elements that celebrate the harvest season.
- Pumpkins and Gourds: Use a variety of sizes and colors to create a simple yet eye-catching centerpiece.
- Candles: Place pillar candles among the pumpkins for a cozy, romantic glow. Consider using unscented candles so they don’t compete with your delicious Thanksgiving meal.
- Fresh Greenery: A few sprigs of eucalyptus, pinecones, or dried leaves add texture and dimension to your centerpiece.
DIY Idea
Use an old wooden box or a low basket as a base for your centerpiece. Fill it with your pumpkins, gourds, and greenery, then add a few candles around the edges. This keeps the centerpiece low and allows for easy conversation across the table.
Layer in Some Festive Table Settings
Nothing makes Thanksgiving feel as special as a beautifully set table. Layering is key here—think chargers, plates, and a few decorative touches.
- Chargers: Use chargers in metallic shades like gold or copper to add a touch of elegance to your place settings.
- Personalized Name Cards: Handwritten name cards or mini pumpkins with each guest’s name add a personal touch.
- Festive Napkin Rings: Napkin rings in seasonal shapes like leaves or pumpkins bring a playful element to the table.
Budget-Friendly Tip
No chargers? No problem! Just layer your regular plates with colorful napkins or use sprigs of rosemary tied with twine as simple, fragrant napkin holders.
Light It Up with Warm Lighting
Lighting is everything, especially when it comes to creating a cozy, welcoming vibe for Thanksgiving.
- Candles: Scatter small candles around your dining and living spaces to create an intimate glow. Choose warm colors or natural tones to keep the look seasonal.
- String Lights: Wrap fairy lights around a large branch or scatter them across your table for a soft, magical effect.
- Dim the Overheads: If you have dimmable lights, keep them low. Harsh lighting can take away from the cozy feel you’re trying to create.
Pro Tip
Consider using LED candles for safety, especially if you have kids or pets. They flicker just like real candles but are completely safe.
Bring the Outdoors In with a Nature-Inspired Mantel
If you have a fireplace or a console table, decorating it with seasonal elements can add an extra layer of warmth and charm.
- Garlands: Drape a garland of dried leaves, eucalyptus, or faux autumnal foliage across the mantel.
- Mini Pumpkins and Pinecones: Arrange small pumpkins and pinecones along the mantel for a rustic touch.
- Seasonal Signage: Add a simple sign that says something festive like “Grateful” or “Harvest” for a sweet, welcoming touch.
Style Tip
Mix real and faux elements for an organic look without the maintenance. For example, combine real pumpkins with faux greenery to achieve a realistic effect.
Cozy Up the Living Room
Thanksgiving gatherings often spill into the living room, so make sure it’s comfortable and inviting for your guests.
- Plaid or Wool Throw Blankets: Drape a few cozy blankets over the sofa for guests to grab if they get chilly.
- Layered Rugs: If you have a smaller area rug, try layering it on top of your main one. This can add warmth and texture to your space.
- Scented Candles or Essential Oils: Choose scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or apple to create an autumn-inspired atmosphere.
Fun Idea
If you’re hosting little ones, create a “kids corner” with small cushions, blankets, and a few Thanksgiving-themed coloring books or activities to keep them entertained.
Decorate with Thoughtful Details
Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make the biggest impact. Small, thoughtful details can bring a lot of warmth to your Thanksgiving decor.
- Thankful Tree: Place a small branch in a vase and encourage guests to write what they’re thankful for on small pieces of paper to hang on the tree.
- Gratitude Board: Use a chalkboard or framed paper to write down things you’re grateful for. It’s a simple but meaningful decoration that reminds everyone what the holiday is all about.
- Seasonal Flowers: Place a few small bouquets around the house in colors like orange, red, and yellow to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
DIY Place Cards with a Personal Touch
Place cards are a wonderful way to make each guest feel special and add a personalized touch to your Thanksgiving table. Plus, you can have some fun with the materials you use!
- Mini Pumpkins or Gourds: Use a Sharpie to write each guest’s name directly on a small pumpkin or gourd. Place one on each plate for a simple, natural touch.
- Pressed Leaves: Gather some large leaves (like maple or oak), press them, and write names in metallic marker. This is a simple and budget-friendly way to add a rustic element to your table.
- Acorns or Pinecones: Tie name tags to small pinecones or acorns with twine and place them on each plate.
Budget Tip
Get creative with items you can find outdoors, like fallen leaves or acorns. These natural materials add charm without costing a dime.
Embrace a Harvest Buffet Style
If you’re hosting a large gathering, consider a buffet-style setup. It keeps things casual and is perfect for a cozy, communal feel.
- Tiered Serving Trays: Use tiered trays for an easy way to add height and make the food display more visually interesting.
- Label Your Dishes: Use mini chalkboard signs or small tags to label each dish. It’s a cute, helpful touch—especially if you have guests with dietary restrictions.
- Autumnal Touches: Scatter mini pumpkins, leaves, or small candles around the buffet table to keep it festive.
Pro Tip
Place the serving dishes in the order people should fill their plates: start with salads, then sides, main dishes, and finish with dessert. This makes it easy for guests to navigate and keeps the line moving smoothly.
Set Up a Cozy Beverage Station
A beverage station lets guests help themselves and creates a fun, relaxed vibe. Plus, it’s a great spot to add a few seasonal touches.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Fill jars with marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream for a self-serve hot chocolate bar.
- Mulled Cider: Have a crockpot of warm apple cider ready with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. It smells amazing and tastes even better!
- Autumn Mugs: Use mugs in seasonal colors or with Thanksgiving themes. They add an extra festive element and make the station look pulled-together.
Style Tip
Add a cute sign that says “Give Thanks and Sip!” or something similarly festive. It’s a small touch but adds so much charm.
Add Festive Touches to the Bathroom
Don’t forget the bathroom! Small seasonal touches can make this often-overlooked space feel just as cozy and thoughtful as the rest of your home.
- Fall-Themed Hand Towels: Swap out your regular hand towels for ones with autumn colors or patterns. It’s a simple way to add a festive touch.
- Seasonal Soap and Lotion: A set of pumpkin spice or apple-scented soap and lotion adds a subtle, pleasant aroma that enhances the Thanksgiving feel.
- Mini Pumpkins or Vase of Leaves: Place a small pumpkin or a vase of leaves on the countertop for a sweet touch of seasonal decor.
Quick Tip
If you have extra candles, add one here! A small, unscented candle can add a warm glow and make the space feel inviting.
Incorporate Thanksgiving Traditions with a “Thankful Jar”
Make gratitude part of your decor with a “Thankful Jar.” This interactive element invites guests to pause and reflect on what they’re grateful for, adding a meaningful touch to your holiday.
- Decorate a Jar: Use a mason jar or any large glass container. Add a label or ribbon to make it look special.
- Provide Slips of Paper: Place small slips of paper and pens nearby, encouraging guests to write down what they’re thankful for and drop it in the jar.
- Share at Dinner: During dinner, pull out a few notes and read them aloud (with permission!). It’s a heartwarming way to add meaning to your gathering.
Pro Tip
Leave the jar out even after Thanksgiving. Reading the notes over time can be a lovely reminder of the holiday and the things we’re grateful for.
Decorate the Kitchen Island
Since so much time is spent in the kitchen, why not add a little Thanksgiving flair there as well? A few seasonal touches on your kitchen island can bring the holiday spirit into this central space.
- Mini Cornucopia: Create a small cornucopia filled with fruit, nuts, and small pumpkins. It’s a beautiful and edible decoration!
- Pumpkin Bowls: Use hollowed-out mini pumpkins as bowls for candies or nuts.
- Seasonal Hand Towels and Pot Holders: Swap out your everyday towels and pot holders for ones in seasonal colors or Thanksgiving patterns.
Budget-Friendly Tip
A few inexpensive decorations, like mini pumpkins and seasonal dish towels, can go a long way in bringing a festive feel to your kitchen without much expense.
Play Soft Background Music for Ambiance
Set the mood with soft, relaxing background music. The right playlist can add a cozy, intimate atmosphere to your gathering and make your home feel even more welcoming.
- Instrumental or Classical Music: A playlist with instrumental or classical music sets a gentle, soothing tone.
- Autumn or Nature Sounds: Soft autumnal or nature sounds, like gentle rain or rustling leaves, can enhance the cozy fall vibe.
- Thanksgiving-Themed Playlist: If you’re feeling playful, curate a Thanksgiving-themed playlist with songs that reflect gratitude and warmth.
Pro Tip
Keep the volume low so it’s background ambiance rather than the focus. This way, it complements the decor and mood without distracting from conversations.
Wrapping It Up
Creating a warm and inviting Thanksgiving atmosphere doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple, thoughtful decor choices, you can transform your home into a space where everyone feels welcomed and cherished. Remember, Thanksgiving is about celebrating togetherness and gratitude, so keep things relaxed and fun. Whatever decor you choose, make it yours and enjoy every moment of creating a cozy holiday atmosphere for you and your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
Certainly! Here are six more Thanksgiving decor ideas to add even more warmth, charm, and creativity to your home.
