21 Thanksgiving Decoration DIY Ideas for a Festive Holiday | 2024 guide

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Thanksgiving is all about thoughtful decorations that reflect the spirit of gratitude and togetherness.

This detailed guide will provide you with 21 DIY Thanksgiving decoration ideas that are easy to execute, budget-friendly, and sure to impress your guests.

Each project is designed to enhance your home’s aesthetic while embodying the essence of Thanksgiving. Let’s dive into the world of Thanksgiving decoration DIY!

1. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Dough Bowl Fall Centerpiece

Materials Needed:

• A wooden dough bowl
• Faux or real fall leaves
• Mini pumpkins (various sizes)
• Moss or straw

Instructions:

1. Start by placing a layer of moss or straw at the bottom of the dough bowl for texture.
2. Arrange the fall leaves around the edges of the bowl.
3. Add mini pumpkins in varying sizes to create visual interest.
4. Finish by tucking in a few more leaves and some additional moss on top.

Tips:

• Use a mix of colors for leaves and pumpkins to create a vibrant centerpiece.
• Consider adding candles for a warm glow during dinner.

2. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Gourd-geous Turkey

Materials Needed:

• A large gourd (or pumpkin)
• Colorful faux eucalyptus or feathers
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Start with a gourd as the base.
2. Attach faux eucalyptus or feathers to one end to form the turkey’s tail.
3. If desired, glue on googly eyes and a small beak made from paper.

Tips:

• Use different colors of eucalyptus to make your turkey stand out.
• Place your turkey on a serving table or as part of your centerpiece.

3. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Grateful Wreath

Materials Needed:

• A grapevine wreath base
• Faux frosted eucalyptus (or real if available)
• A “grateful” sign (wooden or printed)
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Start by gluing eucalyptus around the grapevine wreath until it’s well-covered.
2. Secure the “grateful” sign in a prominent position on the wreath.
3. Hang it on your front door or above your fireplace.

Tips:

• Add small pinecones or berries for extra texture.
• Consider using seasonal colors that match your home decor.

4. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Kraft Paper Table Runner

Materials Needed:

• Roll of kraft paper
• Scissors
• Markers or paint
• Decorative elements (flowers, leaves)

Instructions:

1. Cut a length of kraft paper to fit your dining table.
2. Use markers or paint to write messages of gratitude or draw fall-themed designs along the runner.
3. Layer flowers or leaves along the edges for added flair.

Tips:

• This runner can be reused for other occasions by changing the decorations.
• Encourage guests to write their own messages on the paper during dinner.

5. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Thankful Tree

Materials Needed:

• A sturdy branch (from your yard)
• Small pieces of construction paper (in fall colors)
• Twine or string
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Place the branch in a pot filled with stones or soil for stability.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from construction paper and write what each family member is thankful for on them.
3. Attach each leaf to the branch using twine.

Tips:

• Set up a small table next to the tree with extra leaves for guests to add their thankfulness notes.
• Decorate the pot with burlap or paint to match your decor.

6. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Pumpkin Place Cards

Materials Needed:

• Mini white pumpkins
• Black marker or paint pen
• Cardstock (for additional decoration)

Instructions:

1. Write each guest’s name on a mini pumpkin using a black marker.
2. For an extra touch, you can attach small cardstock flags with their names using toothpicks.

Tips:

• These can double as favors; guests can take them home after dinner.
• Consider painting some pumpkins in metallic colors for an elegant touch.

7. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Cranberry Garland

Materials Needed:

• Fresh cranberries
• Needle and thread (or fishing line)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Thread cranberries onto a long piece of thread, leaving space between each berry.
2. Continue until you have reached your desired length.
3. Drape garland across your mantel, table, or around door frames.

Tips:

• Add popcorn between cranberries for an interesting texture contrast.
• This garland can be composted after use, making it eco-friendly!

8. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: DIY Clay Napkin Rings

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (circle shape)
• Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roll out clay until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
2. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles and then shape them into rings.
3. Allow them to dry completely; paint if desired.

Tips:

• Personalize each napkin ring by adding initials with stamps before they dry.
• Use twine to tie napkins through these rings for an added rustic feel.

9. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Harvest Mantle Decor

Materials Needed:

• Shiplap boards (or faux shiplap wallpaper)
• Wreath (as described above)
• Seasonal decorations (like pumpkins, candles)

Instructions:

1. Create a backdrop using shiplap boards arranged vertically on your mantle.
2. Hang your grateful wreath in the center and arrange seasonal decorations around it.

Tips:

• Incorporate varying heights by using candle holders and stacked books behind decorations.
• Add fairy lights among decorations for a cozy ambiance.

10. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Yarn Turkey Garland

Materials Needed:

• Yarn in various colors
• Scissors
• Cardboard (for turkey shapes)

Instructions:

1. Cut yarn into different lengths for turkeys’ bodies and tails.
2. Create turkey shapes from cardboard and wrap yarn around them to create texture.
3. String them together to form a garland.

Tips:

• Hang this garland across windows or along mantelpieces for a playful touch.
• Involve kids in making these turkeys; it’s a fun family activity!

11. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Thankful Wall Art

Materials Needed:

• Canvas board or wooden board
• Paint or markers
• Decorative leaves (real or faux)

Instructions:

1. Paint “thankful” in large letters on your canvas/board using bright fall colors.
2. Glue decorative leaves around the words for an added natural touch.

Tips:

• Hang this art piece in your dining area as a reminder during meals.
• Change out leaves seasonally for year-round decor!

12. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Pinecone Topiary

Materials Needed:

• Pinecones (various sizes)
• Styrofoam ball (for base)
• Wooden dowel rod
• Pot for display

Instructions:

1. Insert one end of the dowel into the Styrofoam ball and secure it in place.
2. Starting from the bottom, glue pinecones onto the ball until covered completely.
3. Place this topiary in a decorative pot.

Tips:

• Spray-paint pinecones gold or silver for an elegant look!
• Place this centerpiece on side tables as well as dining tables.

13. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Color Wrapped Wheat Bouquet

Materials Needed:

• Dried wheat stalks
• Colorful embroidery thread
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Gather wheat stalks together and tie them at one end with embroidery thread, leaving long tails hanging down.
2. Wrap different colors of thread around each stalk, creating patterns as desired.

Tips:

• Display this bouquet in a mason jar or rustic vase on your dining table or kitchen counter!
• Mix dried flowers with wheat for added texture!

14. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Thanksgiving Advent Calendar

Materials Needed:

• Small envelopes
• String
• Clothespins
• Treats/activities

Instructions:

1. Number small envelopes from 1 to 24 leading up to Thanksgiving Day.
2. Fill each envelope with treats, activities, or notes about what you’re thankful for that day!
3. Hang them on a string using clothespins as an advent calendar display!

Tips:

• Use festive washi tape to decorate envelopes!
• Encourage family members to participate by sharing their thoughts daily!

Read Also: 24 Best Low Maintenance Front Yard Ideas

15. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Golden Plate of Gratitude

Materials Needed:

• Gold charger plate
• Festive window decals

Instructions:

1. Create designs using window decals on gold charger plates!
2. Set these plates at each place setting during dinner!

Tips:

• These plates are reusable; simply remove decals afterward!
• Consider adding candles atop these plates as centerpieces!

16. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Acorn-Covered Vase

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass vase
• Acorns
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Gluing acorns around glass vases until fully covered!
2. Fill vases with seasonal flowers like sunflowers!

Tips:

• Mix acorns with other natural elements like twigs!
• This vase can also be used year-round by changing flowers!

17. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: DIY Pie or Cake Topper

Materials Needed:

• Skewers
• Cardstock
• Decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Cut out shapes from cardstock representing fall themes!
2. Attach these shapes onto skewers using tape/glue!

Tips:

• Personalize toppers with guests’ names!
• These toppers can be used throughout fall celebrations!

18. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Gather Banner

Materials Needed:

• Cardstock
• Twine
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut triangles from cardstock and write letters spelling “GATHER”!
2. String these triangles together using twine!

Tips:

• Hang this banner over dining areas!
• Use different patterns/colors of cardstock for variety!

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19. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Layered Fall Flower Arrangement

Materials Needed:

• Seasonal flowers
• Vase
• Floral foam

Instructions:

1. Cut floral foam to fit inside vases!
2. Arrange seasonal flowers layer by layer starting from the largest blooms downwards!

Tips:

• Mix store-bought blooms with clippings from gardens!
• Change water regularly so arrangements last longer!

20. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Boho Wreath Place Cards

Materials Needed:

• Twine
• Leaves
• Cardstock

Instructions:

1. Cut cardstock into small rectangles; write guest names on them!
2. Attach names onto twine using leaves as embellishments!

Tips:

• These cards can also serve as keepsakes after dinner!
• Consider adding small charms that represent gratitude!

21. Thanksgiving Decoration DIY: Happy Turkey Day Tiered Tray

Materials Needed:

• Tiered tray
• Small decorative items
• Holiday signs

Instructions:

1. Fill each tier with curated holiday signs along with small decorative items like pumpkins/candles!
2. Arrange items aesthetically across all tiers!

Tips:

• Change items seasonally; keep the decor fresh throughout the fall/winter months!
• Use this tray as part of buffet setups during gatherings!

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving decoration projects beautify your space and allow you to express creativity and gratitude during this special time of year. Incorporating personal touches into your decor creates an environment filled with warmth and love perfect for gathering family and friends around the table.

As you embark on these DIY adventures, remember that the best decorations come from the heart!

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