Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday ingrained in culture, history and tradition. Celebrated on the 4th Thursday in the month of November, puts Thanksgiving in the middle of a busy time of year. There are plenty of simple ideas for Thanksgiving decor though, giving the holiday the special attention it deserves.
The Thanksgiving holiday is squeezed between Halloween and Christmas, which sometimes can be overlooked as folks jump right from the haunted house into a winter wonderland. Let’s slow down and enjoy family and friends, while we gather to count our blessings and give thanks for all we have. These simple decor ideas can hopefully help you enjoy the sentiment behind the Thanksgiving season in your home.
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Simple Ideas for Thanksgiving Decor
Thanksgiving decor, like any decorations can be new, or original, or faux, or homemade and DIYed. The important detail is that the decor chosen fits your home aesthetic and personal style, evoking all the feelings associated with Thanksgiving.
Turkey
Thanksgiving is also known as “Turkey” day. The turkey is an iconic symbol for the holiday and obviously the main event on the menu. Turkey decor can be small or big with so many decor aesthetics. You don’t necessary need to buy a turkey statue or figurine, but there can be turkeys on plates, or on napkins or a picture and more.
My favorite turkey piece we own is the vintage chocolate mold you see on our table below. Along with the turkey mold, we have turkey plates and individual turkey chocolates at each place settings as a special treat and surprise, reinforcing the turkey theme.
Cornucopia
A cornucopia or horn of plenty is another iconic Thanksgiving symbol. The horn shaped basket can be styled and decorated in many different ways to compliment anyone’s decor.
This cornucopia is actually a thrift store find, which with a slight make over fits our style perfectly. Be creative and it’s not necessary to splurge on Thanksgiving decor. Simple touches bring the season into your home.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are the belle of the ball during the Fall season into the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether they are real or faux, pumpkins are an incredible decor motif since they come in so many shapes and sizes and styles,
Of course faux pumpkins are fabulous since we have the pleasure of using them year after year and there are so many styles to choose from. You can also DIY you own pumpkins with a preferred look. I will admit I love the look of real pumpkins and every year I try to use different varieties, but white cinderella pumpkins always call my name.
Leaves
Of course the “Fall” season honors the falling leaves, which has the grand finale with the Thanksgiving celebration. Leaves can be foraged from nature and you don’t have to spend a single penny. Mother Nature is a fantastic resource for organic decor.
There’s also a wide variety of artificial fall leaves to choose from if you prefer that. (I have included a few varieties in the shipping section bellow for your convenience). Faux leaves are also great to use for all sort of projects to create your own decor with you own personal style.
Branches
Along with the leaf motif, you can also use branches for a simple decor touch. The leaves can still be on the branch or you can use the branches alone for a more simple look.
Use the colors and styles of branches that work for your decor. Branches once again can be foraged from Mother Nature or you can buy fresh or faux branches in many places. I find branches in my grocery store florist section or at home decor stores and even at big box stores.
Gourds
Gourds are one of my favorites to use this time of year. It’s like the step child to the pretty pumpkin. lol. These dried gourds pictured below are pieces I look forward to pulling out every year. They hit the rustic and organic vibes I love to use in my decor.
Fresh gourds can be found everywhere this time of year and are fairly inexpensive compared to pumpkins. They also come in all sorts of shapes and colors, which you can coordinate with your decor aesthetic.
Feathers
Feathers are fabulous to use any time of year in my opinion, but during this time of year they truly sing. My preference are pheasant and turkey feathers for Thanksgiving decor, but there are many more to choose from.
Turkeys, pheasants, quails, ducks and more fowl are also popular during this time of year so of course their feathers evoke the same emotions. Also Thanksgiving is when the Pilgrims and Indians came together and feathers honor our Native American friends.
Wheat
Golden wheat is also a harvest symbol for this time of year. Wheat has incredible presence and texture, which brings so much charisma to any decor styling.
Wheat symbolizes harvest and abundance, which is the epitome of the Thanksgiving celebration. Once again, wheat can be found in many places this time of year, whether grocery stores, craft stores or decor stores. I’ve found mine mostly at craft stores, which usually run sales and discounts on seasonal merchandise.
Corn
Right next to the rows of wheat are the corn fields. There are so many ways to use corn in your decor. There are corn stalks and there are corn husks and there are the colorful Indian corn.
I love the look of corn stalks, which is the one decor item we only use outdoors. Corn stalks can be messy and are also grand in scale so open spaces are best, although if you have the room for them indoors by all means.
Acorns
Going from a grand scale to a diminutive size, acorns are great to sprinkle through your Thanksgiving decor. They make great vase and bowl fillers and look fabulous under a cloche.
Once again you can forage these little guys in the great outdoors, just make sure to properly clean and prep them appropriately before using them inside. I also DIYed some acorns from walnuts earlier in the season so let you imagination guide you.
Pine Cones
Pine cones are a favorite around here from early September all the way until the end of January. They lend themselves to so many looks and pair well with pumpkins.
Pine cones can also be found in the wild, which is my favorite way to go. Different areas have varied sizes, shapes and colors of pine cones, making them fun to mix and match. Once again make sure you clean them properly before using them in your home.
And More
This is not a comprehensive list by any means. There are many other motifs, including, hay, Pilgrims, Indians, squirrels, pheasants and so much more. Use what speaks to your harvest and Fall sensibilities. Look to nature for inspiration. There’s a new Thanksgiving styling scheduled for next week with a unique twist.
Complimenting Thanksgiving Decor
Like with any decor make sure you use textures and layers and assortments to create interest, depth and movement. For example, ribbons provide great texture, while greenery and florals provide freshness and assortments with more than just one piece provide excitement.
Candles also provided great ambiance and this is the perfect time of year to use candle light. Scented candles can add another sensory layer to all the pretty decor. Scents like nutmeg, all spice, pumpkin spice, pine etc. all evoke feelings of the season. I do not recommend using scented candles on you Thanksgiving table though or around food.
Closing Thoughts
All these ideas and motifs can be used anywhere in your home, whether you are decorating the mantel as a focal point or creating a table styling for the Thanksgiving dinner or creating a wreath for the front door to greet your guests. All of these notions can be applied in some manner. I hope this helps you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in style with your loved ones.
Personally, I love the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a cozy and a more relaxed holiday, which is wrapped in gratitude and blessings. It’s a feel good day all around with all its understated simple decor. I am thankful for you being here.
Shop for Simple Thanksgiving Decor
- Sisal Turkey Decor
- Vintage Tissue Turkey
- Rustic Farmhouse Cornucopia
- Assorted Gold & White Pumpkins
- Pumpkin Decor Set
- Leaf Garland with Lights
- Fall Eucalyptus Branches
- Dried Gourd and Warty Gourd
- Turkey Feathers and Assorted Feathers
- Wheat Bundle
- Pine Cone Assortment
- Thanksgiving Acorn Assortment Mix
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Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
Randy Pausch