Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 11 Extraordinary Outdoor Travel Experiences to Try This Year

      11 Extraordinary Outdoor Travel Experiences to Try This Year

      Have you ever slept in a treehouse? Paddled by moonlight? Seen the Milky Way? We challenge you to try one of these activities. Read More
    • Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Another runs a microbakery from her home. Two own businesses with their spouses. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. The common thread? Absolutely delicious cakes. Read More
    • The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. We dare not mess with an icon—at least, not too much. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Des Moines' Hottest Food Neighborhoods You Need to Know About

    Des Moines' Hottest Food Neighborhoods You Need to Know About

    Korean egg sandwiches, Australian baked goods,Southeast Asian bing bing wraps—here’s an in-the-know guide to eating your way through this culinary capital.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    The Delicate, Spongy Basic Crepe Recipe You Can Master at Home—Plus 4 Ways to Upgrade It

    The Delicate, Spongy Basic Crepe Recipe You Can Master at Home—Plus 4 Ways to Upgrade It

    With encouragement from the owner of a Kansas City, Missouri, creperie, you’ll perfect these delicate pancakes in no time.
    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal With These Ideas from a Minneapolis Makeover

    Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal With These Ideas from a Minneapolis Makeover

    With fresh paint and a terraced slope, a Minneapolis stucco goes from mousy to magnetic.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    How to Plant a Rain Garden

    How to Plant a Rain Garden

    Turn a wet trouble spot into a lush and Earth-friendly oasis by capturing the rain.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath

    Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath

    For this do-it-yourself spring wreath, we bundled inexpensive paper-mache eggs in fuzzy, vibrant yarn.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Tamales are a project, but many hands—even tiny ones—make lighter work.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
    • Fall 2022 Issue
    • Winter 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Holidays & Entertaining
  3. Thanksgiving
  4. 35 Ideas for Easy Thanksgiving Decorating

35 Ideas for Easy Thanksgiving Decorating

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com Updated July 18, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Message board

Decorate your home for Thanksgiving with our ideas for centerpieces, mantel displays, Thanksgiving craft projects, wreaths and more.

Start Slideshow

1 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Message board

Message board

As family or guests arrive for Thanksgiving, have them write what they are thankful for on a paper leaf and pin it up. This frame was constructed using a linen-covered foam core and an old frame. Cut paper leaves from old books or scrapbook paper in different fall shades.

1 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creative candleholders

Creative candleholders

Use repurposed candleholders for easy fall displays of small pumpkins and gourds. Look for inexpensive candleholders in varying heights at a garage sale or antiques store, then spray-paint black for a unified look.

2 of 34

3 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Harvest mantel

Thanksgiving mantel

The focal point of this harvest-inspired mantel is a collection of inexpensive melamine plates attached to the wall with easy-to-use adhesive disc hangers. Casually arrange an assortment of pumpkins and gourds between two bundles of dried wheat on the mantel. Include a blackboard or two where you can write an inspirational quote or even your Thanksgiving menu! 

3 of 34

Advertisement

4 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Leaf tags

Leaf tags

A pair of holly leaf shapes-one cut from kraft paper and one from metallic paper-make festive drink or gift tags. Tiny bells stand in for berries.

4 of 34

5 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thankful wreath

Thankful wreath

A "Give Thanks" wreath sets a welcoming Thanksgiving tone at your front door. Decorate a homemade or purchased evergreen wreath with roses, pinecones, hypericum berries, champagne grapes and hydrangeas (keep flower stems in water picks).

5 of 34

6 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cloche encounter

Cloche encounter

Pile miniature white pumpkins into a cloche or bell jar, top with a plate and then turn it over so the plate sits on a tabletop. It's easy and elegant!

6 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cozy glow

Cozy glow

Wrap glass votive holders in textural flair. Tie raffia around three or four overlapping moistened corn husks trimmed to fit. A spotted guinea fowl feather (available at crafts stores) adds a flourish.

7 of 34

8 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bottle display

Bottle display

Show off bittersweet berries in gold, green and clear bottles on a windowsill or shelf. Tiny gourds between the bottles add another shape to the seasonal mix.

8 of 34

9 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cornucopia

Cornucopia

Small pumpkins and gourds spilling out of a cornucopia create a lush seasonal look on your tabletop.

9 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feathered thanks

Feathered thanks

This thankful turkey can be a decoration all month long or constructed just before your Thanksgiving dinner. To create this project, begin with a large pinecone. Cut feather shapes from scrapbook paper, crease them in half lengthwise and fringe the edges with scissors. Construct the turkey's head by cutting out an oval and a circle and adding googly eyes, a beak and a wattle. Have family or guests write what they're thankful for on the feathers and tuck feathers into pinecone.

10 of 34

11 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thanksgiving card tray

Thanksgiving card tray

These simple cards send seasonal messages or identify where guests sit. Cut cardstock with pinking shears and decorate with rubber-stamp designs and handwritten messages. Choose tone-on-tone or metallic ink for a sophisticated look.

11 of 34

12 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thankful tree

Thankful tree

Invite family or guests to write messages of thanks on paper ornaments. Tie ornaments to tree branches anchored in sand in a pitcher. They make a memorable keepsake if guests sign and date their ornament.

12 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hues of autumn

Hues of autumn

Footed glass containers show off ribbons, beans and nuts in fall hues. The copper tray adds shiny sophistication and makes the arrangement portable.

13 of 34

14 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nut votive

Nut votive

Place these pretty votives on your Thanksgiving dining table, mantel or coffee table. Just gather unshelled nuts and layer in a glass cup around a small candle. Save a few nuts to scatter near your display.

14 of 34

15 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bucket of color

Bucket of color

For a casual seasonal look, place an eclectic mix of deep-tone and long-lasting plants in a galvanized bucket or vintage-style vessel. We used dark red carnations, juniper branches, plum-colored calla lilies and purple millet ornamental grass in this pretty fall display.

15 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Layered look

Layered look

Make a pretty centerpiece or mantel decoration by layering seasonal materials in clear glass cylinder vases. We started with corn kernels, then added burgundy cockscomb celosia, orange bittersweet, pale green dried hops and brown oak leaves. Top with a rust-color pillar candle. Change candles if the flame gets close to the dried material, or use a battery-powered candle for safety.

16 of 34

17 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Moss and rocks

Moss and rocks

This table arrangement works perfectly for a quick and easy Thanksgiving decoration. Arrange rocks and bits of moss around small candles in tiny flowerpots. Switch in tiny ornaments and sprigs of evergreen to keep it on your table into December!

17 of 34

18 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cuffed vases

Cuffed vases

Add Thanksgiving flavor to a tabletop or mantel with cylinder vases filled with nuts and flowers. Roll coordinating scrapbook paper into decorative cuffs that slip inside the vase. Vary the look by substituting wheat, branches or snips of any pretty leafy plant for the flowers.

18 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Acorn tree

Acorn tree

A coat of paint transforms acorns into tiny ornaments. Hang them from a branch with twine loops glued to the caps. The long serving tray, filled with more acorns and a bowl, visually balances the display. Adjust the colors of the paint to coordinate with your table linens.

19 of 34

20 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bountiful tabletop

Bountiful tabletop

Create a beautiful table display that shows off the bounty of the season. Cylindrical vases filled with birdseed provide a sturdy base for branches from which small pumpkins dangle on bits of twine. Between the vases, hollowed-out gourds hold candles as well as berries. Finish the look by arranging berries, pinecones, gourds, branches and moss around the vases.

20 of 34

21 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flower ring

Flower ring

Fashion flowers from corn husks for seasonal napkin rings. To create the flower, cut a freehand spiral from a soaked corn husk so it has at least four rings. Starting from the outside, roll up the spiral. This will form a rose shape. Let dry; the rose should hold its shape loosely. Secure with gel glue. Glue a circle to the base. For the ring, cut out a rectangle and fold to form a loop. Hot-glue ends. Glue flower to the top, and you're ready!

21 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Natural display

Natural display

A pumpkin "basket" makes an imaginative centerpiece for a fall table. Hollow out the pumpkin, then place a block of wet floral foam inside. Position a pillar candle in the foam and surround with fall blooms and berries to complete this DIY fall decoration.

22 of 34

23 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nature's artistry wreath

Nature's artistry wreath

Embellish a square store-bought magnolia wreath with color-coordinated real and faux materials, including twigs, seedpods, nuts, berries, wheat and leaves.

23 of 34

24 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Appreciate your ancestry

Appreciate your ancestry

Holidays are the perfect time to teach youngsters about their heritage. Make it an activity by cutting out copies of vintage baby photos and arranging them on the wall in a "family tree." Family members can guess who's who.

24 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bountiful bouquet

Bountiful bouquet

Turn a tall glass vase into a feather-filled display. Arrange wheat, green Hypericum berries and purchased feathers in a vase filled with birdseed.

25 of 34

26 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pinecone tree

Pinecone tree

This pinecone tree is worth showing off until winter is past. Stand branches in a clear cylindrical vase, adding small pinecones and glass or plastic balls filled with greenery to support the branches. Hang small pinecones and tiny snowflake ornaments from the branches.

26 of 34

27 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pen your thanks

Pen your thanks

Make the holiday meal more meaningful by giving each guest a personal note of appreciation. Present the notes in envelopes as place cards. Or turn them into keepsakes: Print each message on colorful paper and wrap it around a candleholder. (But don't leave lit candles unattended.)

27 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Corks and candles

Corks and candles

This super-easy centerpiece showcases the rustic, natural texture of wine corks inside a footed clear-glass candleholder. For more fall color, add leaves or berries among the corks. Make sure any flammable materials are protected from the candle, or use a battery-powered candle for safety.

28 of 34

29 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Center of attention

Center of attention

For a bountiful centerpiece, cover a cake stand with fanned out corn husks. Then pile on gourds, leaves and ornamental corn.

29 of 34

30 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flowers under glass

Flowers under glass

Just flip unused flutes and wine glasses over flower buds for this easy last-minute centerpiece. Place on top of a decorative charger or tray. For a long-lasting arrangement, use artificial flowers.

30 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Give thanks

Give thanks

For quick and easy homemade place settings, start with brown craft paper and create space for each guest to write a list of things they're thankful for. The lists will make great dinner conversation, too!

31 of 34

32 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stacked gourds

Stacked gourds

Bring autumn to your table or mantel by showing off gourds in cylindrical vases. Use containers of different sizes, and stack varying numbers of gourds. Add a pretty curving touch with a length of fresh pumpkin vine or another fresh or artificial vine.

32 of 34

33 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Natural tones

Natural tones

For a wreath that lasts from fall through Christmas, try this brown and gold arrangement.Wire dried artichokes, lotus pods and pinecones to the bottom of a grapevine wreath. Tuck brown- and gold-tinted magnolia leaves (from a crafts store) between twigs. If needed, secure leaves with hot glue. A glittery bird ornament perched on a pinecone (and secured with wire) adds shimmer.

33 of 34

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 34

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Corn and leaf wreath

Corn and leaf wreath

Red silk leaves give a color pop to this fall wreath. Start with a premade twig wreath. Fluff husks and arrange ears around the center of the wreath (mini ears work best). Attach corn with wire or hot glue, then add silk leaves with a dab of glue.

34 of 34

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 34 Message board
    2 of 34 Creative candleholders
    3 of 34 Harvest mantel
    4 of 34 Leaf tags
    5 of 34 Thankful wreath
    6 of 34 Cloche encounter
    7 of 34 Cozy glow
    8 of 34 Bottle display
    9 of 34 Cornucopia
    10 of 34 Feathered thanks
    11 of 34 Thanksgiving card tray
    12 of 34 Thankful tree
    13 of 34 Hues of autumn
    14 of 34 Nut votive
    15 of 34 Bucket of color
    16 of 34 Layered look
    17 of 34 Moss and rocks
    18 of 34 Cuffed vases
    19 of 34 Acorn tree
    20 of 34 Bountiful tabletop
    21 of 34 Flower ring
    22 of 34 Natural display
    23 of 34 Nature's artistry wreath
    24 of 34 Appreciate your ancestry
    25 of 34 Bountiful bouquet
    26 of 34 Pinecone tree
    27 of 34 Pen your thanks
    28 of 34 Corks and candles
    29 of 34 Center of attention
    30 of 34 Flowers under glass
    31 of 34 Give thanks
    32 of 34 Stacked gourds
    33 of 34 Natural tones
    34 of 34 Corn and leaf wreath

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    35 Ideas for Easy Thanksgiving Decorating
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.