THANKSGIVING DECOR IDEAS: Easy DIY Decorations & Table Settings

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make your home feel ready for Thanksgiving.

A few thoughtful details can completely change the atmosphere of a room.

From a simple Thanksgiving table centerpiece to handmade place cards and cozy fall accents, these Thanksgiving decor ideas are easy to adapt to different homes and budgets.

Start with the areas your family and guests will actually use.

Focus on:

• Entryway
• Living room
• Dining room
• Kitchen
• Thanksgiving table

You don’t have to decorate every corner.

The dining table is often the star of Thanksgiving decor.

Start with:

• A tablecloth or runner
• Napkins
• Plates
• Glassware
• Candles
• A centerpiece

Then add a few seasonal details.

Mini Pumpkin Centerpiece

Arrange small pumpkins down the center of your table.

Add greenery or fall leaves for extra texture.

Candle and Leaf Centerpiece

Place candles in simple holders and surround them with artificial or dried leaves.

Pinecone Centerpiece

Use pinecones in a bowl, tray or glass container.

Mason Jar Centerpiece

Fill clean jars with flowers, greenery or seasonal branches.

DIY decor can make your Thanksgiving celebration feel more personal.

Try:

Paper Leaf Garland

Cut leaves from colored paper and string them together.

Thankful Tree

Place branches in a vase and hang paper leaves from them.

Guests can write what they’re thankful for on the leaves.

DIY Place Cards

Write each guest’s name on a small card.

Children can decorate the cards themselves.

Gratitude Cards

Put a small card at every place setting with a simple prompt:

“This year, I am thankful for…”

If you have a fireplace mantel, create a simple layered display.

Try:

• Fall leaves
• Candles
• Small pumpkins
• A seasonal sign
• Family photos
• Greenery

Avoid overcrowding the space.

Your entrance is one of the easiest places to add seasonal decor.

Try:

• Fall wreath
• Pumpkin arrangement
• Welcome sign
• Basket
• Autumn-colored flowers

You don’t have to buy new decorations every year.

Before shopping, look around your home.

Reuse:

• Glass jars
• Baskets
• Candles
• Neutral table linens
• Vases
• Wooden trays

You can also collect natural materials such as pinecones and branches where appropriate and safe to do so.

Try a palette such as:

• Cream + brown + rust
• Burgundy + beige + gold
• Olive + cream + brown
• Orange + white + wood tones
• Terracotta + neutral tones

You don’t need every traditional fall color.

Choose two or three colors and repeat them throughout the room.

A simple place setting could include:

1. Dinner plate
2. Napkin
3. Fork
4. Knife
5. Glass
6. Place card

For a more relaxed gathering, keep the table simple and functional.

If children will be around, avoid decorations that are easy to knock over or that create a safety hazard.

Instead, let children contribute by making:

• Paper leaves
• Place cards
• Gratitude cards
• Turkey crafts
• Table signs

The decorations become part of the Thanksgiving activity.

Make Your Thanksgiving Table Feel Personal

The most memorable tables don’t necessarily have the most expensive decorations.

Add something personal:

• Family recipe cards
• Handwritten notes
• Children’s artwork
• Photos
• A gratitude activity

That’s what makes a Thanksgiving table feel like yours.

For more ideas, visit our complete Thanksgiving Ideas for Families guide.

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