DIY Thanksgiving Decor Ideas: Affordable, Family-Friendly, and Trendy

When you think of DIY Thanksgiving decor, what comes to mind? If you immediately thought of the hand turkeys we all made in elementary school, we’re happy to report there are more elevated DIY decor projects out there today that are just as easy, affordable, and family-friendly.

Classic fall decor is often inspired by nature, so you could quite literally harvest the supplies you need to add elements of the season to your indoor decor, such as leaves, pinecones, branches, pumpkins, and more.

From natural fall wreaths to beautiful tablescapes and centerpieces, these ideas will add a festive touch to your home. Gather your family and enjoy crafting these stylish decorations together.

DIY Fall Wreaths

Pinecone Wreath

Pinecones are abundant during fall, and burlap adds a rustic touch that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Simply glue pinecones of various sizes onto a foam wreath base, then wrap sections with burlap ribbon for texture. Add a bow or mini pumpkins for a splash of color. This wreath is inexpensive and brings an earthy, natural vibe.

If ribbons and bows aren’t your style, this DIY suggests a dry-brushing paint technique that involves adding a bit of paint to the pinecones to show off their natural textures and shapes.

Materials needed:

• Foam wreath base
• Pine cones (free if you collect them!)
• Burlap ribbon
• Hot glue gun
• Small decorative items like pumpkins, berries, or autumn leaves
• Latex paint (if attempting the dry-brushing paint technique)

Family-friendly tip: Kids can help gather pine cones and wrap the burlap ribbon around the wreath.

Harvest Wheat Wreath

Wheat wreaths are timeless and a great visual representation of the season. Secure bundles of wheat stalks (available at craft stores or online) around a foam or grapevine wreath base with floral wire. Leave as is for a minimalist look, or add some small pumpkins or artificial berries for a pop of color.

Materials needed:

• Grapevine wreath base
• Wheat stalks
• Floral wire
• Small autumnal decorations (optional)

Family-friendly tip: Let kids arrange the wheat stalks on the wreath before you secure them with wire.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Nature-Inspired Tablescape

Bring the outdoors in with a nature-inspired tablescape. Use a plain table runner as your base and add natural elements like pinecones, acorns, leaves, branches, and mini pumpkins along the center of the table. Scatter fall leaves for color, or add sprigs of rosemary for fragrance.

Materials needed:

• Table runner
• Pine cones, acorns, leaves (free from nature!)
• Mini pumpkins
• Rosemary sprigs

Family-friendly tip: Kids can go on a nature walk to collect pine cones, acorns, and leaves, making them feel part of the creative process.

Vintage-Inspired Tablescape

Using vintage or thrifted materials for your tablescape will allow you to create an elegant look without the steep price tag. Collect vintage candlesticks, vases, dishes, and even books to set your table with unique vintage flair. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your dinnerware with vintage pieces for a charming, eclectic look.

Materials needed:

• Vintage brass and ceramic candlesticks
• Antique or vintage china, vases, and dishes
• Vintage linens like tablecloths, runners, and napkins

Family-friendly tip: Let the kids help you pick out vintage decor at antique and thrift stores.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

Turn a small pumpkin into a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece by using it as a vase. Cut the top off, hollow it out, and place a small container inside to hold water. Fill with seasonal flowers like sunflowers, mums, or eucalyptus for a natural look. Dried flowers and grasses, as well as branches are great to mix in among your flowers, pulling more elements from the season and adding texture to an arrangement.

If using a real pumpkin, be sure to do this as close to Thanksgiving as possible—a rotten pumpkin would not be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table! You could also achieve this same look by using a faux pumpkin, which you could then reuse for future Thanksgivings and fall gatherings.                                      

Materials needed:

• Small pumpkin
• Floral foam or small container
• Seasonal flowers
• Dried grasses, flowers, or branches

Family-friendly tip: Kids can help choose the flowers and arrange them in the pumpkin vase.

Dough Bowl Centerpiece

Dough bowls are perfect centerpiece fixtures, as they come in many different lengths and can work for any size table. The wooden bowls are the perfect rustic touch—especially if you can find a vintage one—and you can fill them with virtually anything. Pumpkins, gourds, leaves, moss, branches, candles, fairy lights, flowers—making a dough bowl centerpiece is a great way to flex your creativity and make something truly unique.

Materials needed:

• Wooden dough bowl
• A variety of pumpkins, gourds, florals (fresh or dried!), leaves, berries—anything that leans into the season
• Battery-powered candles or string lights to weave amongst the decor pieces

Family-friendly tip: Let the kids help you arrange the different items in the bowl or gather the natural items from the backyard.

Add Personal Flair with Name Cards

Personalize your table by making name cards from natural materials. Write each guest’s name on a small piece of kraft paper, then tie it around a mini pumpkin or attach it to a pine cone with twine. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it also adds a thoughtful touch to your Thanksgiving meal.

Materials needed:

• Kraft paper or small tags
• Twine
• Mini pumpkins or pine cones

Family-friendly tip: Let kids practice their handwriting by writing the names on the tags!

Create Thanksgiving Decor That Reflects Your Family

These DIY Thanksgiving decor ideas are simple, stylish, affordable, and most importantly—they are personal and sentimental to you. Making your own Thanksgiving decor allows you to design centerpieces and tablescapes that reflect your style and values. The personal touch helps create a warm holiday atmosphere that you can share with your loved ones.