39 Thanksgiving Decoration and Table Setting Ideas

From your front porch to your dining table, here are some Thanksgiving decor ideas that set the tone for your celebration, whatever vibe you’re going for.


If you have the honor of hosting Thanksgiving (or even a Friendsgiving celebration) this year, you know that there are many little details to consider. And while the food and the people you choose to surround yourself with are the most important parts of the holiday, the Thanksgiving decor you incorporate into your space can help set the tone for your celebration.

When thinking about how you’d like to decorate your space, envision the type of Thanksgiving dinner you hope to have. Is it warm and casual? Is it elegant and sophisticated? Or will it be full of little kids? Using the answers to those questions, and your style, to help guide your decor choices means you can’t go wrong. But if you need additional Thanksgiving decorations inspiration, we’ve rounded up 39 beautiful ideas.

So, from choosing a color scheme and designing your tablescape, to decor that guests will notice before they even step inside your home, read on to discover Thanksgiving decor ideas that are perfect for every type of celebration.


Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

Thanksgiving decor isn’t just about making things look pretty; it’s about making your space feel like you. Maybe you’re dreaming of a table that wows, or just want your home to feel extra cozy for your favorite people — either way, there’s no one right way to do it. These ideas are here to help you craft a space that feels personal, inviting, and totally celebration-worthy.

1. Festive Color Schemes

Before you dive into all of the small decor details, it helps to settle on a color scheme for your Thanksgiving dinner, as picking a palette and sticking to it will create a cohesive (and Pinterest-worthy!) experience for your guests. You can’t go wrong with a classic color scheme inspired by warm fall foliage — think pumpkin orange, warm golden yellow, and rich brown. But we also love unexpected color schemes like…

  • Harvest moon: deep blues, purples, burgundies, and terracotta
  • Autumn rose: blush pink, soft beige, and earthy green
  • Misty morning: cool-toned blue, forest green, and stone

2. Welcoming Porch Decor

Go beyond traditional pumpkins and set the tone for your Thanksgiving dinner before your guests even enter your home by adding some thoughtful decor details to your front porch. For something unexpected, borrow a small side table from inside your home, and set it outside to use as a pedestal for a pretty planter filled with fall flowers. You could also hang a beautiful woven pouch filled with an arrangement of artificial flowers in your color scheme from an exterior wall or front door.


3. Simple Flower Arrangements and Artful Vessels

Even the simplest flower arrangements can be taken to the next level when paired with a design-forward vase or vessel. Minted has a beautiful selection of vases designed by independent makers from around the world — grab a couple to use as decor on sideboards, entry tables, kitchen islands, and even in spare rooms where your guests will be spending the night.


4. DIY Minimalist Wreath

If your personal style leans minimalist or Scandinavian, this simple wreath is a beautiful way to add a bit of festive flair without compromising your aesthetic. It would look great on a doorway, hung above a mantle, or even on the hood above your range.


5. Warm Candles

A tablescape featuring tall tapered candles will never go out of style. This year, use candles to add more than just a warm glow to your space by selecting tapered or pillar candles featuring unusual colors, textures, or even personalized details. Then, pair them with sculptural candlesticks and candle holders to add another layer of visual interest to your table.


6. DIY Pumpkin Candle Holders

If Thanksgiving is synonymous with pumpkins for you, skip traditional candle holders in favor of this fun (and super easy) DIY idea. We love how these would look if they were incorporated alongside a runner made of multi-colored mini pumpkins.


7. Seasonal Accent Pieces

One of our favorite things about the holiday season is the opportunity to swap out your usual decor with accent pieces that are a little more festive. Changing out your trinket trays or blanket baskets for ones that lean into the rich colors of the season and adding in sculptural decor items to your bookcases, mantle, or coffee table will help make your space feel more special, especially for guests who come over all the time.


8. DIY Indian Corn Wreath

Nothing feels more traditionally Thanksgiving than beautiful, multicolored ears of Indian corn. We love how this wreath puts the natural beauty of the corn on full display, and is sure to get your guests excited about all of the festive food that awaits for them inside your home.


9. Paper bag luminaries

Make your home feel extra cozy before guests even walk in by lining your walkway or porch with DIY paper bag luminaries. Just fill each bag with a little sand and pop in a tea light. They give off the sweetest glow and let everyone know they’re in for something special.


10. Thanksgiving throw pillows

Swap out your everyday throw pillows for something that channels cozy fall vibes. A Thanksgiving-themed pillow cover, think autumn leaves, warm plaids, or embroidered phrases like "gather" or "grateful", adds a festive touch to your living room without a full decor overhaul. It’s a simple way to warm up your space and make guests feel right at home.


Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Your Thanksgiving table is more than just a place to eat — it’s where the magic happens. From thoughtful details to creative touches, here’s how to turn your table into a welcoming, wow-worthy centerpiece for the holiday.

11. Painted Acorns

Gathering up acorns from outside and painting them — either spraying them completely in metallics or just painting the bottoms in a palette of three or four colors — is a super versatile Thanksgiving DIY project. Sprinkle them across your tablescape, add them to trinket dishes, use them to anchor a pillar candle, the sky’s the limit!


12. Table Linens

Skip the standard white tablecloth for an artful table linen that ties into your overall decor theme and color scheme. Minted’s global community of independent artists has lent their eyes for pattern, texture, and color to our collection of table linens — all of which are sure to make your table feel like a piece of art.


13. Pumpkin Place Cards

This sweet DIY is perfect for adding a personal touch to your tablescapes. We recommend dipping your pumpkins in glitter that corresponds to your color scheme — gold is perfect for a classic fall scheme, where silver or even bronze could offer a more unexpected touch. And, if you don’t have the DIY chops to have fun with the script when making the actual place cards, you can always repurpose one of our wedding escort card designs for your Thanksgiving dinner.


14. Leaf Place Cards

For another fun seasonal twist on palace cards, try this DIY. Start by gathering up some leaves (or heading to your local craft store to buy some faux leaves), and dusting metallic spray paint over their tips. Then, write your guests' names in metallic Sharpie as the perfect finishing touch to a luxe-meets-rustic table setting.


15. Eclectic Napkins

Napkins are one of the easiest ways to add a layer of visual interest to your Thanksgiving table decor. We love going for napkins in colors or patterns that play off of those found in your table linens for an eclectic, bohemian look, or keeping it simple by picking a napkin in a solid color in a hand-spun texture for something more subtle.


16. Cute Napkin Rings

If you don’t have time (or the DIY skills) to artfully fold your napkins, you can still elevate them by threading them through a cute napkin ring and placing them on top of your guests’ plates.


17. DIY paper pumpkin centerpiece

If you’re feeling crafty, try making your own paper pumpkin centerpiece. Grab some orange cardstock or patterned paper you love, then fold, glue, and stack it into a cute little pumpkin that brings instant fall magic to your table. It’s easier than it looks, and super satisfying to say, “I made that!”


18. Dish Display

Planning to put your collection of vintage cast-iron skillets or Le Creuset Dutch ovens to full use this Thanksgiving? Displaying them on artful trivets (and having cute serveware on hand) is a great way to turn a simple buffet into a beautiful moment for your guests.


19. Napkin pouch cutlery wraps

Give your table an extra personal touch by folding your napkins into simple pouches for your cutlery. Tuck in a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick to make every place setting feel intentional and inviting.


20. Pretty Placemats

Another way to add a layer of visual interest to your table is through placemats, which do a nice job of framing each of your individual place settings. Go for placemats in a solid color and interesting texture for a more minimal vibe, or practice a bit of pattern mixing by choosing placemats in a complementary color, but a contrasting pattern to your tablecloth or napkins.


21. Butcher Paper Table Scape

For more casual (or kid-filled!) gatherings, ditch the tablecloths and placemats altogether and instead cover your table in a long sheet of butcher paper. You can then use chalk or marker to frame each place setting with festive shapes and your guests’ names. For a thoughtful touch, we also love the idea of writing a prompt like “I’m grateful for…” and leaving space next to each of your place settings for your guests to share everything they’re thankful for this year.


22. Organic Coasters

Regardless of the overall vibe you’re going for with your Thanksgiving decorations, it is always a good idea to incorporate elements that feel organic. We love how stone coasters lend a rustic, earthy vibe to dining and coffee tables.


Thanksgiving Party Accessories

You don’t need to overhaul your whole home to make it festive; just focus on the little things that bring you joy. A cozy throw, a heartfelt note, a seasonal print — small touches like these help your space feel more like you. They set the mood for a celebration your guests will remember and bring extra heart into your home.

23. Fun Throw Blankets

The best Thanksgiving dinners always spill over into conversations around the fire — so lend your living room a cozy, festive atmosphere with a few fresh throw blankets for the season. Our collection features a wide variety of woven blankets that will fit right in with any decor style and color scheme.


24. Thank You Notes as Decor

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so show your loved ones just how much you treasure them by writing each of your guests a personalized thank you note for attending your dinner. You could use these notes as place cards on your table or decorate a blank wall with them by hanging them using twine or fishing line from a dowel or branch.


25. Fall Art Prints

If your dining room already features a gallery wall, it is a fun idea to swap out your existing art for a few fall-themed art prints. Look for photographs, illustrations, or paintings that tie into both your Thanksgiving decor theme and the overall vibe of your home to make the biggest impact.


26. Charcuterie Boards

Make your appetizers feel as special as Thanksgiving dinner itself by creating a charcuterie board that doubles as a centerpiece for your table or bar area. Start by picking out a special artisan-crafted wood cutting board or tray to serve as your foundation, and then layer it up with charcuterie staples like gourmet cheese (extra points if you use leaf or acorn-shaped cookie cutters to mold soft cheeses into festive shapes), salami, nuts, and dried fruit. And, for a bit more flair, incorporate edible flowers, leaves, and mini pumpkins in the color scheme of your Thanksgiving decor onto your board.


27. Preserved Florals and Greenery

For decor that you’ll be able to bring back out for years to come, incorporate a few arrangements of faux or dried florals and greenery with fresh flowers. Cluster small fronds of dried pampas grass into bud vases for a boho-minimalist tablescape, or grab a few of your favorite vases and create a fall-themed arrangement of fluffy extra-large pampas grass, eucalyptus, and other dried flowers.


28. Cider or Hot Cocoa Bar

If you know not everyone will be drinking wine or cocktails at your Thanksgiving dinner, setting up a fun seasonal hot drink bar can be a great way to offer all of your guests something special to sip on! In addition to setting up the bar with a warming plate complete with a pretty pot full of cider, hot cocoa (or even pumpkin spice latte!), stock the area with a collection of gorgeous handcrafted mugs for a sophisticated vibe.


29. Dried Orange Garland

For decor that is sweet and simple, string up a few garlands of dried orange rounds on your hearth, sideboards, or even the window above your kitchen sink. This budget-friendly DIY is beginner-friendly — but, if stringing the rounds of dried oranges together proves to be too challenging, they look just as pretty when loosely arranged down the center of your table.


30. Pinecone Garland

Another simple and seasonal DIY, this Pinecone garland is a beautiful way to incorporate some organic textures into your Thanksgiving decor! We love how it looks against a white hearth, walls, or even hung from the bar of your kitchen island. You can go glam by adding gold foil to the pinecones like the DIY'er did here, but keeping them in their natural state is just as beautiful.


31. Fall-themed Floating Tea Lights

Have some leftover dry cranberries, citrus slices, and rosemary sprigs? Turn them into a beautiful part of your tablescape by placing them in mason jars filled with water to create a festive floating tea light display.


32. Special Serveware

For dishes that are best served family style — think salads full of fall produce, stuffing, or even cranberry sauce — swap out your everyday serveware for a collection of one-of-a-kind serving bowls and plates. Grouping bowls and dishes in different styles give them an air of a collection of family heirlooms perfect for casual Thanksgiving gatherings, while picking a few serving bowls and dishes from the same artisan offers an elegant and cohesive look.


Ways to Personalize Your Thanksgiving Decor

Personalization is the key if you’re looking for ways to make your Thanksgiving celebration feel more thoughtful and memorable. These ideas help you add your touch so your guests feel seen, appreciated, and totally at home.

33. Personalized Takeout Boxes

The best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers! So do one better than packaging up turkey and stuffing in ziploc bags by picking up some restaurant-style takeout containers to send your guests home with. As an extra special touch, you can create a custom sticker to seal each one off with.


34. Personalized recipe journal

Thanksgiving is all about food and tradition. Start your own by giving yourself (or a fellow host) a personalized recipe journal. You can jot down that gravy your cousin swears by, your grandma’s stuffing, or even what didn’t quite work this year. Over time, it becomes a keepsake full of flavor and memories.


35. Personalized mug

Set a cozy tone from the moment guests arrive with personalized mugs at the coffee or cocoa bar. You can go with names, initials, or even a seasonal phrase like “grateful” or “gather.” Bonus: It doubles as a party favor that your guests will actually use again.


36. Personalized Thanksgiving invitations

Even if your guest list is small, sending a real, personalized invitation sets the tone and shows your guests just how much you’re looking forward to spending time with them. Pick a design that fits your theme — elegant, autumnal, playful — and make it feel special from the start.


37. Custom menus

Have your dishes all planned out? Turn them into a beautiful, personalized menu to place at each seat. It adds a polished finishing touch and lets your guests know what deliciousness they have to look forward to. Plus, it’s a great way to highlight any signature dishes or dietary notes subtly.


38. Custom Place Cards

Place cards aren’t just for weddings — they’re also a thoughtful (and super helpful) addition to a Thanksgiving table, especially if you’re mixing friend groups or extended family. Customize them with names, add a little motif like a pumpkin or autumn leaf, and instantly make everyone feel more welcome.


39. On-Theme Paperware

Skip the dishes without skipping style. Paper goods in deep fall hues, copper foil accents, or playful turkey prints can make your table feel festive and thoughtful. Find customizable options so everything ties together beautifully, no matter how easy cleanup needs to be.


Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Thanksgiving decorations

If you've got questions about styling your space for the season, here’s a handy guide to help you pull off your Thanksgiving decor with ease, heart, and a little extra creativity.

What are the best color schemes for a Thanksgiving table setting?

Stick with colors that make you feel warm and cozy — rich rusts, soft olives, deep plums, or classic earth tones. If you’re drawn to a more modern vibe, layering neutral shades with natural textures like linen and wood can still feel festive and totally you.


How can I decorate my front porch for Thanksgiving?

Set the mood before guests even walk through the door. Try a seasonal wreath, a few pumpkins, lanterns with soft candlelight, and a cozy doormat. Add layers with baskets or hay bales if you’ve got the space, and make it feel like a true welcome.


What DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas are easy and affordable?

You can pull together a beautiful centerpiece with just a few simple items. A cluster of mini pumpkins, a tray of candles, or a vase of branches from your backyard can make a big statement. It’s all about using what you already love and styling it with heart.


How can I incorporate Thanksgiving decorations into a small space?

Small space? No problem. Focus on details that add seasonal charm without taking up valuable surface area. Think wall hangings, shelf decor, or a wreath on your kitchen hood. Even a single candle or throw pillow can set the tone.


How do I create a cohesive Thanksgiving tablescape?

Pick a palette that feels like you and repeat it throughout your space — linens, candles, even the food you serve. Layer in texture with greenery, chargers, or place cards to tie it all together in a way that feels thoughtful but still relaxed.


What are some creative place card ideas for Thanksgiving dinner?

Make your guests feel special with something personal. You can use mini pumpkins with name tags, a handwritten note on a leaf, or even clip cards to pinecones. These little touches make your table feel more like home.


What’s a fun way to entertain kids during Thanksgiving dinner?

Set up a kids’ corner with something hands-on: coloring sheets, a craft activity, or a cookie decorating setup. When you keep little ones engaged, you get more time to relax, and they feel like they’re part of the fun too.


How do I make my Thanksgiving decor feel unique and personal?

Start with what matters most to you. Add family photos, handmade elements, or custom touches like name tags or a printed menu. Your celebration should feel like your version of festive, not someone else’s idea of perfection.


Can I reuse Thanksgiving decorations for other fall events?

Totally. Choose versatile pieces like pumpkins, candles, and cozy textiles that work just as beautifully for Friendsgiving or a fall dinner party. A quick refresh with a new accent color or centerpiece makes them feel brand new.


What are some budget-friendly Thanksgiving decorating tips?

Look around your home before you buy anything. Candles, mason jars, fruit, and cozy blankets can all be repurposed into decor. Then add a few inexpensive touches like grocery store gourds, printed signage, or foraged branches to bring the season in without blowing your budget.


A Thanksgiving to be Grateful For

We hope you feel inspired and ready to bring your Thanksgiving vision to life. When it’s time to invite your loved ones, Minted has a beautiful selection of Thanksgiving invitations and holiday cards to match your style. So your celebration feels intentional from the very first touchpoint.