Thanksgiving is as much about creating a welcoming atmosphere as it is about the feast itself. And with the right Thanksgiving decor ideas, you can transform your home into a warm, inviting, and festive space that makes guests feel instantly at ease.
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a vibrant Friendsgiving, decorating for the season sets the tone for celebration. From fall touches that keep everyone feeling cozy to spectacular tablescaping, our inspiring Thanksgiving decoration ideas for 2025 cover everything from decorating the porch to overnight hosting.
Ahead, we’ve gathered inspiring Thanksgiving decorating ideas to help you give your home a few extra special touches that feel warm, characterful, and perfectly festive for the holiday season.
14 inspiring Thanksgiving decor ideas
(Image credit: Alexandra Kaehler, Photography by Aimée Mazzenga and Styling by Cate Ragan)
The beauty of Thanksgiving decorating is that it works throughout the entire home, not just at the dinner table. A cozy living room, a welcoming guest area, or even a decorated bar cart can extend the festive spirit beyond the dining space.
From a thoughtfully styled entryway to a show-stopping Thanksgiving table setting, even the smallest details can help elevate the day. Here are a few of our favorite ways to add a seasonal accent to our homes.
1. Start the fun at the front door
(Image credit: Studio McGee)
The front door and porch are the first things guests see upon arrival, so outdoor Thanksgiving decor ideas are the perfect place to start. A simple yet striking way to set the tone is with a seasonal wreath.
Whether you opt for a hand-crafted design made from freshly cut fall flowers and foliage from your own yard, or a ready-made piece, these natural accents bring rich colors, layered textures, and an instant feeling of warmth.
As designer Lauren Gilberthorpe notes, ‘An oversized wreath adorning the door makes a wonderful first impression and sets the tone before guests even step inside’.
For those looking to go beyond the wreath, styling your porch with fall-inspired details can create a truly festive welcome. An arrangement overflowing with pumpkins, gourds, berries, pinecones, and seasonal vegetables is both seasonal and eye-catching – and of course, you’ll then want to layer up the display with an autumnal garland, like the Faux Golden Fern Garland from McGee & Co. used in this fall porch designed by Shea McGee.
Designer Tara McCauley also adds, ‘I suggest choosing a few gourds in different textures, sizes, and colors, and play with different heights when you arrange them. A mixture of ivory, ochre, and green could be really beautiful – I prefer to keep the perfectly round orange pumpkins to decorate the front porch.’
2. Wow your guests with statement entryway decor
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)
The floral flourishes shouldn’t stop at the wreath on your door – if you’re going to be welcoming a crowd this Thanksgiving, consider making your entrance hall just as festive.
Olivia Bufalini, CEO and principal interior designer at Collaborative Design Group, recommends draping festive garlands to create an immersive atmosphere and enhance your home’s charm and seasonal spirit. Use fall garlands to frame doorways and outline arches, creating a grand, eye-catching entrance. For an even more dramatic statement, extend the garlands beyond the traditional – drape them from the ceiling.
Cascading leaves, twinkling fairy lights, and a mix of pumpkins, gourds, and berries woven throughout will bring texture and richness. For an extra flourish, style your entry table with a cluster of candles, seasonal blooms, or even a moody tapestry like the Hortensia Wall Tapestry from McGee & Co. seen above.
3. Repurpose your Halloween pumpkins
(Image credit: Oka)
Decorating with pumpkins may be the star of Halloween decor, but their appeal carries right through to Thanksgiving. ‘It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a pumpkin, but there are more possibilities than the typical orange ones,’ says Carmel Donohue, founder of Poppy Belle Florals.
House of Hive’s Kailee Blalock says: ‘For Thanksgiving decor, we always suggest sticking with the classics but giving them an elevated twist. Think seasonal gourds arranged thoughtfully, layered candles to bring warmth, and rich, earthy tones like reds, oranges, yellows, and deep greens.’
And by rethinking how you use them, both indoors and out, pumpkins can feel fresh and festive well into November. Painted in soft, muted tones or transformed into planters brimming with fall foliage, they can make charming centerpieces or even add character when arranged in an unused fireplace.
Studio Keeta interior designer, Kristina Khersonsky, advises, ‘When it comes to the classic pumpkin or gourd, go for the fairytale type – the longer the stem or the more avant-garde shape, the better. Create quirk and whimsy through all shapes and sizes, celebrating the imperfectly perfect.’
You can pick up this Simply Stunning Set of 5 Fairytale Pumpkins from QVC for a display that never dies.
4. Create a maximalist tablescape to remember
(Image credit: Katherine Young)
The feast is arguably the most important part of Thanksgiving, so draw inspiration for your Thanksgiving table setting ideas from the organic textures of fall to create a beautiful display for guests.
Sarah Kostoris, founder of homeware brand Sarah K, says, ‘We love making our tablescaping as natural as possible, and using pinecone decorations and beautiful fall-colored leaves is a great way to bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors. Scatter them along the middle of the table and add candles of different heights to create a warm glow.’
Try this set of 24 Natural Brown Pinecones from Walmart and this Pack of 6 Natural Dried Mini Pumpkins from Afloral to create the look.
‘Adding your own style to your table setting is always important,’ says Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet In Bed. ‘It’s an opportunity to showcase some new pieces you might have discovered recently, and it helps create a vibrant atmosphere with pops of color. Look to harvest fruit, vegetables, or foraged items from your local woodland. Alternatively, keep it contemporary with unique colorways or a pared-back Scandinavian style.’
5. Keep your scheme simple and seasonal
(Image credit: Bethany Adams)
Not every Thanksgiving table needs to be elaborate to feel special. Sometimes a pared-back, neutral scheme with natural textures can be just as striking.
‘For Thanksgiving, I love to focus on a table that feels unexpected, organic, and inviting,’ says Marie Flanigan. ‘I love to embrace the beauty of imperfection with textured plates and serving pieces. The organic shape and subtle texture add a natural, lived-in feel to your tablescape.’
‘Layering in linen napkins, placemats, and runners brings a rich, tactile quality that adds depth and dimension,’ she suggests. ‘Moody, hand-thrown pottery in deep, earthy tones celebrates the wabi-sabi aesthetic, reminding us that there’s beauty in the imperfect. This mix of textures and colors creates a setting that feels authentic, grounded, and perfect for gathering with loved ones.’
Interior designer Bethany Adams has embraced a personal, nature-inspired twist on the understated table seen above. ‘I’m fortunate to have my Grandmother’s “falling leaves” pattern of china to set my table with on Thanksgiving. To build off of that forest theme, I’ve put down a moss runner and some mushrooms, and added fall blooms and richly colored candles.’ Try these Metal Mushroom Objects in various sizes from Anthropologie for the same effect.
6. Take your hosting al fresco
(Image credit: Terrain)
If the weather is kind, Thanksgiving can be the perfect excuse to take your celebrations outside. Hosting al fresco instantly creates a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy crisp fall air and the beauty of nature’s seasonal backdrop.
Whether it’s a long dining table dressed with rustic linens or a casual setup for serving hot drinks, an outdoor Thanksgiving gathering can feel truly memorable.
‘Add some rustic charm, starting with your tabletop decor. I love the look of a rustic linen tablecloth paired with farmhouse-inspired dishware, like ceramics and stoneware. Add a centerpiece of woven baskets or a rustic crock spilling with seasonal foliage, and accent it with a variety of fall gourds,’ says interior designer, Kathy Kuo. ‘This approach doesn’t overthink the decor – it’s all about feeling cozy and festive, and setting the tone for gathering and connection.’
Be sure to provide guests with throws, and outdoor heaters or a firepit like the smokeless Solo Stove Tabletop Fire Pit from Amazon to keep the chill at bay. For the table, draw inspiration from your surroundings and look to scatter leaves along the center, style pumpkins and gourds as natural accents, and bring in some candles to create a glowing, intimate ambience.
7. Make a statement with your mantel decor
(Image credit: © Unique Homestays www.uniquehomestays.com | House of Hackney)
A fall mantel provides the perfect stage for dramatic Thanksgiving decor, and a cascading garland filled with fall color is guaranteed to wow. Not only does it bring uplifting warmth during gray November days, but it also becomes a natural gathering point in the room.
You can never go wrong with celebrating nature’s bounty and beauty and styling your mantel with a collection of faux fall flowers and foliage like this abundant Fall Pumpkin & Maple Leaves Garland from Williams Sonoma.
‘If a traditional red and gold theme resonates, wintery red hydrangea adds both opulence and warmth, and pairs perfectly with burnt beech and fresh pine, which can be sourced locally or foraged in the garden. To complete a perfect garland, use a mixture of everlasting fillers, such as Pampas grass and pinecones, amongst the fresh foliage that will dry gorgeously by the fire to be enjoyed throughout the season,’ notes luxury florist Ronny Colbie.
‘When I style my mantel for a new season or holiday, I always like to start with one larger focal piece and accent it with candles and vases of seasonal greenery or foliage – and Thanksgiving time is no different,’ adds Kathy. ‘For a festive Thanksgiving mantel, try a large pumpkin or gourd, or even a woven vessel of several gourds and ears of dried corn, as your primary decorative object. Then, fill out the rest of the space with rustic brass or wood candleholders and smaller ceramic or stone vases filled with autumnal foliage sprigs.’
8. Layer seasonal foliage to create a vignette
(Image credit: Rebecca Udall)
Layering seasonal foliage is an excellent way to create a stunning vignette that embodies the essence of Thanksgiving. To begin, select a focal point, such as a side table, entryway console, or mantel, to serve as the base for your Thanksgiving vignette ideas.
Kathy Kuo emphasizes keeping the look cozy yet cohesive: ‘Festive floral arrangements are one of my favorite Thanksgiving decor ideas. A vase filled with seasonal foliage like leaf branches, dried hydrangeas, eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, and wheat stems feels tasteful and charming without being overdone. I love to pepper in classic fall decor like mini pumpkins and gourds, and I’ll always finish off a Thanksgiving tablescape with glowing candles, beautiful dishware, and soft table linens.’
‘Branches are always my go-to for Thanksgiving decor because they’re so versatile,’ adds Kailee from House of Hive. ‘They transition seamlessly from Halloween to Thanksgiving, making them a universal seasonal staple. Curly willow branches are a favorite of mine, but I also love styling with birch branches for height and texture or magnolia branches for their rich, glossy leaves that dry beautifully. Arrange them in oversized vases or lay them across a tablescape for a sculptural, organic feel.’
If you want your fall foliage to last and not go over in a few weeks, there are some wonderful faux options available. Designer Drew Micheal Scott (a.k.a Lone Fox) has very helpfully rounded up some lovely, affordable options on his Amazon storefront.
9. Bring in some playful pillows and blankets
(Image credit: Pottery Barn)
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, relaxing, and savoring the comfort of home, and seasonal soft furnishings play a huge role in creating that cozy atmosphere. Blankets, throws, and cushions in warm, autumnal tones instantly make living spaces feel inviting, encouraging guests to linger after the feast.
Layering is key to making your home feel snug yet stylish. ‘I add layered blankets, typically in earthy tones like browns, oatmeals, and warm neutrals, creating a snug and welcoming atmosphere,’ says designer Becky Shea. ‘I also like to bring in dried or preserved foliage in vases, capturing the vibrant colors of autumn in a more subtle, lasting way.’
‘My starting point is always to try and create a harmonious canvas that runs throughout the house. For me, that’s a soft, calming palette of whites and neutrals,’ adds Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company.
‘Cushions, throws, and a lovely textural rug are always a winning combination for an easy update and make our living spaces more emotive. For light-covered sofas, throws over the end of the arm look wonderful and also protect from young sticky fingers too!’
This Block Print Shaped Pumpkin Throw Pillow from Target is a cottagecore decorator’s dream.
10. Create a cozy ambience with soft, warm lighting
(Image credit: Tori Murphy)
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to transform a home into a cozy, inviting space for Thanksgiving. ‘Everyone looks better in a warm glow,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis. ‘Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere for Thanksgiving and beyond.’
Reaching for the dimmer switch and scattering your best candles throughout the living spaces is absolutely essential to creating a romantic holiday atmosphere in your home this Thanksgiving.
‘If you don’t have a fireplace to hunker down next to, try using ambient lighting in the form of table lamps and floor lights,’ adds Benji. ‘The only reason you should ever use an overhead light over the coming months is to get ready in festive sequins.’
‘Adjustable and layered lighting makes a great difference,’ says Chrissie Rucker. ‘Dimmer switches and the use of lamps, as well as wall lights or lanterns, create softer layers of light, adding coziness and preventing a room from feeling too bright and sterile.’
This Premium Flickering Flameless Wax Pumpkin Candle from Pottery Barn is not only fashioned in a seasonal shape, but has a timer-operated faux candle with a realistic amber flicker.
11. Envelope the room in seasonal scent
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)
Scent is a subtle yet powerful way to make your home feel warm and inviting for Thanksgiving. ‘I think scent plays a huge role in getting that comfy and warm feeling just right, so for Thanksgiving, I always make sure that I’m stocked up on luxuriously scented candles in the loveliest seasonal scents like spiced apple cider, toasted pumpkin, and cardamom,’ says Kathy Kuo.
‘Fill your room with warming autumnal scents like pumpkin and cinnamon spice for the complete autumn experience,’ suggests Jessica Hanley. ‘You can light candles in your desired scent as well as use natural diffusers for a subtle scent that isn’t too overpowering.’
The Gather Candle by Anthropologie in Pumpkin & Sweet Vanilla scent is perfect for burning in your entry to welcome guests with the aroma of gourmand spice.
‘If artificial scents aren’t your thing, you can create your scents naturally by baking a seasonal cake, cooking some nuts, or even mulling some wine,’ adds Jessica. ‘Get in the kitchen and make your favorite autumnal dish.’
12. Get the guest bedroom fall ready
(Image credit: Rebecca Udall)
Thanksgiving decorating extends beyond the dining table – creating a welcoming guest bedroom is just as important for hosting friends and family.
‘It’s about creating an atmosphere for hosting family and friends, whether they’re joining for a single evening or staying the weekend,’ says designer Chloe Wills of Interiors by Chloe. ‘Seasonal touches in the guest bedroom can make all the difference. Swapping in cushions or bedspreads in fall colors instantly refreshes a space, while a vase of fresh flowers by the bedside is a simple but thoughtful gesture.’
Nothing invites a sense of hygge quite like a Scandinavian quilt. Check out the cozy Dusk Quilt from The Six Bells.
Designer Deborah Fiddy, founder and CEO of Gingerlily, highlights the power of pattern, color, and small gestures: ‘A guest bedroom is the perfect place to experiment with prints in deep greens or calming blues, shades that evoke the beauty and serenity of nature while complementing the season’s changing leaves outside.’
‘Finally, it’s the small gestures that leave a lasting impression: a tray for keepsakes, favourite flowers on the bedside table, or a stylish stool at the foot of the bed for a bag,’ Deborah adds. ‘I also always leave a trinket bowl by their bed for their jewellery and products, and a carafe of water ready for them. Together, these touches transform the room into a true home away from home.’
13. Add some festive touches to the kitchen
(Image credit: Anthroopologie)
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and adding subtle seasonal touches can instantly make it feel cozy and festive for Thanksgiving. Rustic materials, natural textures, and warm colors bring the essence of fall without feeling overdone.
Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design says: ‘For a cozy interior over Thanksgiving, I love using vessels made of rustic materials and filling them with seasonal greenery, such as branches with fall leaves. I would also fill bowls with various types of gourds.’
‘Dish and hand towels that are in earthy colors or patterns like plaids, checks, or gingham that bring a sense of coziness to the space would be something else I would add. Putting small, vintage, moody-colored framed prints on open shelves would bring a sense of fall as well.’
Anthropologie’s Hello Pumpkin Dish Towel will add a playful touch to your range cooker, while these four Maisley Plaid Napkins from Magnolia bring country charm.
‘This approach feels fresh to me right now because it’s not kitschy or too decorative. It’s using materials and textures that bring a feeling of coziness to a space, which is what fall is all about, instead of using items that are too fall-literal, like Halloween decor.’
14. Style up a hosting station
(Image credit: Terrain)
For an impressive final flourish, a dedicated hosting station is a chic way to make entertaining feel seamless while adding another layer of style to your Thanksgiving decor.
Choose a credenza, console table, or bar cart to create a focal point that keeps things organized and encourages guests to help themselves throughout the day. This can be for drinks, nibbles, or even a DIY cocktail-making station to truly take the heat away from you as the host.
To elevate the space, style it with seasonal touches that tie into the rest of your decor. Hang a garland like this Thankful Iron Garland from Terrain above to zone the area and signal its purpose, or add a wreath or framed fall print as a backdrop and layer in a few decorative accents.
‘As well as wooden ornaments and decorations, wooden trays can also add a rustic element while still being functional. Practical and stylish, use them to serve warming drinks and snacks, or to display decor such as ornaments and candles. I love an item that is multi-functional while still having an elevated look,’ adds interior designer, Jung Lee.
Shop stylish Thanksgiving decor
Velvet Corduroy Embroidered Icon Pillow
New pillows for Thanksgiving don’t have to have turkeys or pumpkins emblazoned on them. Instead, add a touch of Harvest season sweetness with this embroidered falling leaves design.
Ayieyill Rattan-style Thanksgiving Turkey
But that doesn’t mean the turkey can’t feature heavily. This rustic, rattan-style makes a chic centerpiece to your Thanksgiving table or credenza and can be brought out year after year to wow your guests.
Faux Pumpkins & Gourds – Set of 5
Looking to invest in some everlasting gourds this fall? Our pick has to be this set of 5 styrofoam and plastic pumpkins from Pottery Barn that come in either a hand-painted orange or green selection.
Anarkali Block Print Floral Tablecloth
Dress up your table with this rich rust tablecloth, made in collaboration between McGee & Co. and Filling Spaces, whose founders Deepali Kalia and Nanu Khanna create beautifully hand-drawn designs.
Botanical Silhouette Dinner Plate
Made from glazed earthenware, this dinner plate from Terrain has been hand-painted in Italy, meaning each one is uniquely adorned with intricate, floral motifs that are perfect for this time of year.
Oak Leaf Fall Wreath – Threshold™
This faux oak leaf wreath will look simply stylish whether you hang it up as is or get creative and use it as a base for adding your own crafty creations, like lighting, pumpkins, or small Thanksgiving motifs.
Small Mixed Mushroom Decor Set
Beautifully made, these small mustard, orange, and green mushrooms have been made from a soft velvet to create an enchanting seasonal vignette on your table, entry table, or kitchen shelving.
Fringed Harvest Sentiment Cotton Napkins, Set of 4
Never lose sight of the thoughtful nature of the holiday with these fringed embroidered napkins that say: “Thankful” and “Grateful” in a pretty warm brown script, available in three colorways.
Artificial Fall Branch with Orange Mini Pumpkins
Afloral is one of the best destinations for faux foliage and florals, but this has to be one of their most playful designs. Featuring a realistic brand adorned with mini fabric pumpkins, it’ll look chic styled in a tall vase at the center of your table.
What are the easiest ways to decorate for Thanksgiving?
As much as many of us love going all out with Thanksgiving decor, some of us prefer taking a more relaxed and straightforward approach to the big day, so we’ve asked a collection of design experts for their favorite ways to create a simpler seasonal scheme.
From decorating with pumpkins to quick updates you can make to your existing decor with candles and flowers, this is how to embrace easy Thanksgiving decor.
‘Instead of carving, try pumpkin painting ideas in gold, white, or with intricate, unique designs, and scatter them around your home, ideal for shelves, mantels, or as part of Thanksgiving table arrangements,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.
One of the easiest ways you can decorate your home for Thanksgiving and celebrate the changing of the seasons is by adorning your home with inviting natural accents. From vases of fall flowers and foliage to wreaths and garlands, these organic decorations are perfect for creating a grounding, earthy, and simple look.
Interior designer Heather Arnold says, ‘Switch out the greenery in your vases for burgundy, leafy branches, change your taper candles from white or ivory to brown or even a deep shade of orange, and swap your throw for a chunky textured or faux fur throw.’
How do I make my house cozy for Thanksgiving?
The beauty of Thanksgiving decor is that it can instantly make your home feel more cozy, inviting, and special for the season.
From plenty of cozy candles placed throughout your home, to layering your living room with warm-toned cushions and throws, style your home with decorations that can provide both physical and visual warmth and comfort.
Of course, plenty of other seasonal accents, such as pumpkins, flowers and Thanksgiving-themed ornaments and decorations will also help to make your space feel more inviting and characterful for the celebration.
What colors are good for Thanksgiving decor?
There are two roads you can go down when it comes to Thanksgiving color schemes: traditional or modern.
Traditional Thanksgiving decor is often centered around rich, warm color schemes that reflect the colors of nature. From beautiful burgundy to deep yellow and orange, look to the colors of the leaves on the trees for inspiration.
A modern Thanksgiving scheme can embrace pretty much any color scheme. From more muted, minimalist spaces that work well with neutrals such as cream, beige and gray, to maximalist decor complemented by bold brights and a mix of contrasting tones, it is completely up to you which colors you choose for the seasonal scheme in your space – there are no rules!
A traditional Thanksgiving color scheme is often inspired by fall colors, with plenty of deep browns, oranges, yellows, and purples, making your home feel wonderfully cozy for the season.
Interior designer Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors says, ‘This year, many of us are using more muted versions of the traditional holiday colors instead of bright colors and patterns. Opt for a neutral palette with selective small pops of color and subtle textures – this allows your seasonal decor to easily blend in with your existing pieces, making your space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully curated.’
Sitting between Halloween and the Christmas season, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to embrace fall and harvest decor ideas. Using pumpkins to decorate is popular but also looks to nature and decorate with foraged foliage, pine cones dried oranges and fall fruits.
‘It is all about celebrating the beauty and bounty of the season so do lots of layering and use different heights of serving plates and candlesticks to create a welcoming, homely, yet glamorous setting,’ says Sam Hood, co-founder of Amara.
Don’t forget to work through the rest of our ultimate Thanksgiving checklist for a thoroughly prepped home.
