Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Thanksgiving is a special holiday and a joyous time; a time to express our gratitude and appreciation to God, family, friends. Let's remember to give thanks and be grateful for everything we've been blessed, and pass some of our spirit to the ones less fortunate.

Traditionally, this was also the time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. It's the perfect occasion for families to gather, and share a traditional dinner. The whole house, inside and out, is prepared for this celebration.

Inside and Outside Decor Ideas

Table decorations - are an important part of the thanksgiving celebrations. Bring inside the warm colors of the fall. Yellow, orange and red will add a punch of color: use leaves, gourds and squash around a big candle for your centerpiece.

An easy centerpiece to make yourself is to use a cornucopia (horn of plenty) basket and arrange in, and around it, plenty of small painted gold gourds, Indian corn, nuts and autumn leaves.

If you don't want to spend time making it yourself, there are many thanksgiving decoration ideas for a centerpiece arrangement.

Our Picks:

Choose a Cornucopia Shape Rattan Basket For Home Decor and Crafts

These Miniature Harvest Pumpkins and Gourds Assorted Sizes-24 Pcs. are perfect to fill the rattan horn of plenty. The best part of it is that you can store it away after Thansgiving and use it for years to come!

For a more contemporary decor, use a bowl( a footed one is even better) and fill it with fruits, leaves and juniper.

Thanksgiving Turkey centerpiece - another one of thanksgiving decoration ideas is to display a Thanksgiving honeycomb turkey. It's easy to set, not expensive and it will add a punch of color on your dinner table, or at your entrance setting, by the door.
It's the perfect piece for a traditional decor, along with some small pumpkins and fall leaves.

Scented candles - replace the normal candles with scented ones, and display them over the mantel of the fireplace, or on a side tables; use groups of three or four glass vases in autumn colors. Take advantage of the comforting glow of candles to make your house welcoming!

Thanksgiving dinnerware - No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without the dinnerware decor. Often left for the last minute, dinnerware shouldn't be left last. Go along with the theme you chose: traditional or contemporary.
If it's traditional, pair your decor with traditional vintage plates, that have painted small turkeys, or fall harvest.

A pair of pilgrim figurines Squirrel Thanksgiving Pilgrims Salt & Pepper Shaker Set by Winston Brands, used as salt and pepper shakers, will complete the scene.

Outside Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Thanksgiving wreath - greet your family and guests with a festive wreath on your front door. Pick a wreath made of plain grapevine with small acorns, berries and leaves, all in burnt orange, red and bronzed browns. Some other wreaths feature pine cones or twigs intertwined with fall leaves and juniper.

For your porch, or backyard have a wheelbarrow filled with hay, pumkins, or use a couple of hay bales, pumpkins and have one or two pots of mums for a color burst.

Decorate your doorsteps or front of the house with a potted pumpkin filled with chrysanthemums or mums.

Thanksgiving Recipes - Our Picks

Banana Squash Soup

Ingredients

Saute banana squash, apple, onions in butter. Salt and pepper to taste, add ginger and saute until tender. Add stock. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 45 minutes. Add cream and puree entire mixture. Pass through srainer and bring back to a boil. Serve with sour cream, chopped fresh parsley and basil.

Gingery Mashed Yams with Toasted Almonds

Ingredients

Put yams and ginger in a pot, cover with cold water and boil until yams are very tender. Drain very well and mash. Whip in milk, butter, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted almonds.