27 Easy Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

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Want to transform your home into a Thanksgiving wonderland without breaking the bank or spending weeks crafting?

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed by expensive store decorations that all look exactly the same.

Get ready to discover 27 amazing Thanksgiving decorations that you can make with items from your dollar store, craft supplies you already own, and simple materials like mason jars, pumpkins, and pinecones.

Your guests will be asking for your decorating secrets all season long!

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1 Thanksgiving Table Settings

Thanksgiving Table Settings
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Warm autumn colors and thoughtful details transform your Thanksgiving table into a stunning focal point that guests will remember long after dessert.

Start with a centerpiece using pumpkins, fall leaves, or candles arranged down the table’s center. This creates visual interest without blocking conversation.

Layer your place settings with charger plates, cloth napkins, and small decorative touches like mini gourds or personalized place cards. These details show you care about each guest’s experience.

Don’t forget finishing touches like coordinated napkin rings, scattered acorns, or string lights woven through greenery to add magical warmth to your gathering.

2 Pilgrim Mason Jars

Pilgrim Mason Jars
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Charming pilgrim characters bring instant Thanksgiving warmth to any room when you transform ordinary mason jars into adorable decorations.

These simple DIY jars take just minutes to create using basic craft supplies like black paper, fabric scraps, and glue. You’ll love how cute they turn out!

Place your pilgrim jar centerpieces on your dining table for a festive focal point. They also look perfect on mantles, shelves, or entryway tables.

The best part? These versatile decorations work anywhere in your home and add that special Thanksgiving spirit guests will remember.

3 Turkey Napkin Fold

Turkey Napkin Fold
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Orange napkins transform into adorable turkey decorations that instantly elevate your Thanksgiving table setting. This clever folding technique creates impressive results without requiring advanced crafting skills.

The turkey fold works best with cloth napkins in autumn colors like orange, brown, or deep red. Your guests will be amazed by these charming table accents.

Once you master the basic technique, you can fold multiple napkins quickly. This means less stress and more time to focus on other Thanksgiving preparations.

4 Green Leaf Centerpieces

Green Leaf Centerpieces
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Fresh green foliage transforms your dining table into a stunning focal point. Simply arrange leafy branches down the center of your table for an instant natural backdrop.

Layer in autumn accents like small pumpkins, pinecones, or colorful fall leaves. Add a few scented candles between the greenery for warmth and ambiance.

Want something magical? Weave battery-powered fairy lights through the leaves. When evening comes, your table glows with enchanting light that makes every meal feel special.

5 DIY Thanksgiving Sign

DIY Thanksgiving Sign
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Custom lettering transforms a blank canvas into your perfect Thanksgiving message. You choose every detail that matches your home’s style.

Pick your favorite grateful phrase or family motto. Select fonts, colors, and sizing that feel right to you.

Print your design on quality paper or cardstock. Frame it in wood, metal, or colorful borders that complement your existing decor.

Mount your finished sign on walls, lean it against mantels, or prop it on dining tables for instant holiday charm.

6 Tin Can Pumpkins

Tin Can Pumpkins
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Those empty soup cans become charming pumpkin decorations with just a few simple supplies. You’ll transform everyday trash into festive fall decor that guests will love.

Start by painting your clean tin cans in warm orange shades. Different sized cans create visual interest when grouped together.

Add character with natural touches. Wrap brown twine around the ridges to mimic pumpkin sections. Poke a small hole in the top and insert a real twig for an authentic stem.

These budget-friendly pumpkins work perfectly on mantels, tables, or porch displays. Mix them with real gourds for a complete autumn vibe.

7 Pumpkin Place Cards

Pumpkin Place Cards
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Mini pumpkins become adorable place cards that double as take-home gifts for your Thanksgiving guests. These clever creations hold small surprises inside, making dinner seating extra special.

You’ll need a Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut the pumpkin shapes perfectly. A downloadable template makes the process super easy, even for beginners.

Tuck party favors inside each pumpkin before placing them at table settings. Your guests get a personalized seat assignment and a sweet memento to remember your feast.

8 Paper Turkey Craft

Paper Turkey Craft
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Colorful napkins transform into an adorable turkey that becomes your table’s star attraction. This budget-friendly craft takes just minutes but delivers maximum charm.

Grab colored napkins from the dollar store, plus paper towels and construction paper. Cut and fold the napkins following simple steps to create your turkey’s feathers.

Your quirky centerpiece brings instant smiles to dinner guests. Kids love helping with this easy project, making it perfect family fun before the big meal.

9 Thanksgiving Message Frame

Thanksgiving Message Frame
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Print and frame a heartfelt Thanksgiving message to instantly warm up any room in your home.

This simple project takes just minutes to complete. Download a free template online, print it on quality paper, and slip it into your favorite frame.

Choose a rustic wooden frame for farmhouse vibes or go modern with sleek black borders. Place your finished piece on mantels, side tables, or lean it against kitchen backsplashes.

The best part? You can customize the message to reflect your family’s unique gratitude this year.

10 Dollar Store Centerpiece

Dollar Store Centerpiece
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Bright, cheerful flowers transform your Thanksgiving table without emptying your wallet. Head to your local dollar store and grab everything you need for this fun project.

Pick up faux flowers in different sizes to create texture and visual interest. Mix tall blooms with shorter ones for the perfect layered look.

Don’t forget the circular floral foam to hold everything in place. This quirky centerpiece proves that stunning holiday décor doesn’t require a big budget.

11 Bandana Fabric Pumpkins

Bandana Fabric Pumpkins
Credit: thesoccermomblog.com

Cinnamon-scented bandana pumpkins bring cozy fall vibes to any room while filling your space with warm, spicy aromas.

Grab a few colorful bandanas and toilet paper rolls for the base structure. The magic happens when you add cinnamon sticks as stems—they create that perfect autumn scent naturally.

These budget-friendly decorations transform simple materials into charming seasonal accents. Your guests will love the rustic look and delightful fragrance.

Perfect for mantels, tables, or scattered around your Thanksgiving display for instant farmhouse charm.

12 Painted Tart Molds

Painted Tart Molds
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Transform old tart molds into charming pumpkin decorations with just a splash of paint. These metal kitchen finds make perfect autumn accents.

Choose your favorite fall colors like burnt orange, deep red, or golden yellow. Paint each mold completely and let them dry.

Arrange the painted molds in clusters on your table or mantel. Toss in a few pinecones between them for extra texture.

This upcycling trick gives forgotten kitchen items new life as festive decor.

13 Painted Herringbone Pumpkins

Painted Herringbone Pumpkins
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Bronze and gold paint transforms plain white pumpkins into stunning focal pieces with sophisticated herringbone patterns. This simple technique adds both color and visual texture to your Thanksgiving display.

Grab a small brush and metallic paint in bronze or gold. Paint diagonal lines in one direction, then cross them going the opposite way to create the classic herringbone look.

Don’t forget to paint the stem in the same metallic shade for a polished finish. You’ll have elegant pumpkins that catch the light beautifully without losing their refined charm.

14 Thankful Signs

Thankful Signs
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Free printable signs transform any room into a gratitude-filled space instantly. These simple decorations remind everyone what Thanksgiving truly means.

Download a thankful template and print it at home in minutes. No fancy equipment needed – just your regular printer and paper.

Grab a dollar store frame to make your sign look polished and professional. Place it on your mantel, dining table, or entryway where guests will see it first.

These visual reminders help family members pause and reflect on their blessings throughout the day.

15 Rustic Pumpkin Decor

Rustic Pumpkin Decor
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Wood slices transform into charming pumpkin decorations with just a few simple supplies. This rustic craft brings natural warmth to your Thanksgiving table without breaking the budget.

Start with a large wood slice and sand it smooth. Paint your pumpkin design using acrylic paint in classic orange, or try cream and burgundy for vintage appeal.

Hot glue a small wooden stem on top, then wrap burlap ribbon around the middle for texture. Add faux green leaves near the stem to complete your rustic masterpiece.

16 Rustic Wood Sign

Rustic Wood Sign
Credit: diycandy.com

Repurposed wood transforms into a meaningful centerpiece that instantly warms your space. This DIY project brings authentic charm to any room.

Grab some scrap wood, paint, and brushes to create your custom message. Simple phrases like "Grateful" or "Give Thanks" work perfectly.

The weathered look adds character that store-bought signs can’t match. Your guests will feel the cozy, welcoming vibe the moment they walk in.

This budget-friendly project takes just an hour but creates lasting holiday memories for your family.

17 Cotton Swab Pumpkins

Cotton Swab Pumpkins
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Bright orange paint transforms ordinary cotton swabs into adorable mini pumpkins that kids absolutely love making. This mess-friendly craft keeps little hands busy while creating charming fall decorations.

Spread newspapers everywhere before starting—trust me, paint gets everywhere with excited kids! Younger children need supervision with the cotton swabs for safety.

The finished pumpkins make perfect table scatter or mantel decorations. Your kids feel proud seeing their colorful creations displayed throughout your Thanksgiving setup.

18 Pinecone Succulent Craft

Pinecone Succulent Craft
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Transform ordinary pinecones into charming succulent displays that bring natural fall beauty to your Thanksgiving table. This easy craft combines rustic pinecones with faux succulents for stunning seasonal decor.

Send kids outside to collect pinecones from your yard – they’ll love the treasure hunt! The natural oils and earthy scent make fresh pinecones perfect for autumn crafting.

Create your miniature gardens by hot-gluing small faux succulents into pinecone openings. Wrap burlap scraps around the base for extra rustic appeal.

These adorable pinecone planters work beautifully as place settings, centerpiece accents, or scattered along mantels for cozy fall vibes.

19 Painted Pumpkin Jars

Painted Pumpkin Jars
Credit: thesoccermomblog.com

Orange paint transforms ordinary mason jars into charming pumpkin decorations that cost almost nothing to make.

Grab any mason jars from your kitchen and give them a quick sand with fine sandpaper. This helps the paint stick better and last longer.

Apply chalk-finish paint for that perfect matte pumpkin look. Two thin coats work better than one thick layer.

Add a brown ribbon or twine around the rim to complete your autumn centerpiece. Fill with fairy lights or fall flowers for extra charm.

20 White Pumpkin Centerpieces

White Pumpkin Centerpieces
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White pumpkins instantly elevate your Thanksgiving table with sophisticated charm. They create a clean, elegant foundation that feels both festive and refined.

These versatile centerpieces pair beautifully with sage green accents, gold touches, and soft silver details. You can arrange them with candles, eucalyptus, or delicate florals.

The neutral palette gives you endless creative freedom while maintaining a classy look. Your guests will love this fresh take on traditional fall decorating.

21 Felt Thanksgiving Banner

Felt Thanksgiving Banner
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Bright felt letters spelling "THANKFUL" create an instant festive focal point that guests notice the moment they arrive. This cheerful decoration works perfectly indoors or outdoors.

You only need felt sheets, burlap cord, and scissors to get started. Cut out large letters from colorful felt, then string them along burlap for that rustic autumn look.

Hang your banner across mantels, doorways, or porch railings. The durable felt material handles outdoor breezes beautifully while adding vibrant pops of color to your Thanksgiving setup.

22 Mini Pumpkin Vases

Real pumpkins transform into charming vases that bring autumn magic to your table. You get double the benefit here!

Scoop out the pumpkin flesh and save it for homemade pies and treats. No waste, just delicious possibilities waiting in your kitchen.

Paint your mini pumpkins in colors that match your décor. Then simply add fresh flowers and place them around your dining room or mantel.

These vases last about a week, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration.

23 Twine-Wrapped Pumpkins

Twine-Wrapped Pumpkins
Credit: thecountrychiccottage.net

Natural texture meets autumn charm when you wrap simple foam pumpkins in twine. This rustic look adds warmth to any Thanksgiving display.

Grab foam or paper mache pumpkins from your craft store. Pick up some natural twine in brown or cream colors.

Start wrapping from the bottom and work your way up. Keep the twine tight and even as you go around each curve.

The finished pumpkins look like they came straight from a farmhouse. Group them with real gourds for the perfect fall centerpiece.

24 Thankful Wall Signs

Thankful Wall Signs
Credit: diycandy.com

Transform any room into a gratitude-filled space with beautiful thankful wall signs that work year-round.

These versatile decorations look perfect in your living room, kitchen, or hallway. You can create multiple signs and hang them throughout your home for maximum impact.

Grab a cutting machine like a Cricut and some printable vinyl sticker paper to get started. Design your favorite gratitude quotes or phrases, then cut and apply them to wooden boards or canvas.

The best part? These signs transition beautifully from Thanksgiving into your everyday home decor.

25 Gratitude Tree Display

Gratitude Tree Display
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Colorful paper leaves transform bare branches into a stunning centerpiece that captures everyone’s heartfelt thoughts. Your guests will love writing what they’re thankful for on small tags.

Set up your gratitude tree in the entryway or dining room where everyone can see it. Place small paper leaves, tags, and pencils nearby for easy access.

Watch as your tree fills with meaningful messages throughout the evening. This interactive decoration becomes a beautiful keepsake that reminds your family of all the good things in your lives.

26 Porch Thanksgiving Display

Porch Thanksgiving Display
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Warm autumn colors greet your guests before they even ring the doorbell. Your porch sets the tone for your entire Thanksgiving celebration.

Create visual balance by placing mixed pumpkins in rustic crates and galvanized buckets on both sides of your entrance. Vary the sizes and colors for natural appeal.

Frame your doorway with a fall wreath as the centerpiece. Add leafy garland around the door frame to create layers and depth.

This welcoming display transforms your entrance into a harvest celebration that makes every visitor feel the holiday spirit.

27 Bean-Filled Apothecary Jars

Bean-Filled Apothecary Jars
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Colorful beans transform ordinary apothecary jars into stunning Thanksgiving centerpieces that catch every guest’s eye. You get both beauty and function in one simple setup.

Fill three jars with different colored beans like black, pinto, or navy beans. Place a small vase with fall flowers in the center jar for height and color.

Add scented candles to the side jars for warm, cozy lighting. The beans hold everything steady while creating gorgeous texture and natural autumn vibes.

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