DIY Thanksgiving Decorations are the perfect way to celebrate the season of gratitude while adding handmade beauty to your home. This ultimate guide features 40 creative projects — from rustic table pieces to elegant fall wreaths — that blend charm, warmth, and affordability. Whether your style is farmhouse, modern, or boho, each idea brings a unique personality to your Thanksgiving celebration. Using everyday materials like leaves, pinecones, candles, and pumpkins, these crafts turn simple moments into heartfelt decor. Let’s dive into the best DIY Thanksgiving Decorations to inspire your festive season.
1. Rustic Mason Jar Candle Holders with Burlap and Twine

Transform plain mason jars by wrapping them with burlap and twine, then drop in tea lights for an amber glow. The glass softly diffuses the flame so your table feels intimate without overpowering light. Scatter a few pressed leaves around each jar to echo the season’s palette. Cluster them in threes down the center of a farmhouse table for instant warmth.
2. Handmade Paper Leaf Garland in Warm Fall Colors

Cut maple and oak silhouettes from cardstock in copper, sienna, and buttery gold, then string them along natural twine. Drape the garland across a mantel or doorway to frame the room with motion and color. Layer two or three strands at different lengths for dimension. A touch of metallic leaf on a few pieces catches the evening light beautifully.
3. Mini Pumpkin Centerpieces with Dried Florals and Eucalyptus

Group mini pumpkins in a low bowl and tuck in dried florals and eucalyptus sprigs for softness. Vary heights with coaster risers so the arrangement feels abundant yet uncluttered. A few walnuts or cranberries scattered inside the bowl add texture and deep autumn tones. Place one arrangement every two place settings for balanced symmetry.
4. Gratitude Cards Displayed on Rustic Twine Garland

Clip kraft cards onto twine with mini clothespins and stretch the line along a shelf. Invite guests to jot a short note of gratitude before dinner to set a reflective mood. Add a line of micro–fairy lights behind the garland so each card is softly haloed. Keep a small jar of pens nearby in a ceramic dish for easy access.
5. Burlap Table Runner with Pinecones and Cinnamon Sticks

Lay a burlap runner down the dining table as a neutral base, then nestle pinecones and cinnamon sticks along the center. The low profile keeps sight lines open for conversation. Mix in a few brass tea light holders for gentle shine against the coarse fabric. Finish with linen napkins to balance rustic with refined.
6. Painted Pinecone Place Holders for Thanksgiving Table

Paint the tips of pinecones in matte cream or muted gray and wedge a name tag between the scales. The organic shape feels playful while staying elegant for the table. Pair with stoneware plates and woven chargers so the palette leans earthy. After dinner, guests can take them home as a small seasonal favor.
7. Harvest Wreath with Wheat and Dried Orange Slices

Weave wheat stalks, dried orange slices, and oak leaves onto a simple wire frame. The citrus adds a faint, natural fragrance that greets visitors at the door. Keep the bow understated—thin jute or linen tape—to let the botanicals lead. Hang it on a white or charcoal door for eye‑catching contrast.
8. Candlelit Pumpkin Lanterns with Leaf Cutouts

Carve leaf‑shaped apertures into small pumpkins and set LED candles inside for a soft, flickering pattern. Arrange them on porch steps to guide guests toward the entry. A few uncarved gourds nearby create a casual, layered look. Use battery timers so the glow welcomes everyone automatically at dusk.
9. DIY Corn Husk Napkin Rings Tied with Jute Rope

Soak corn husks until pliable, then wrap and tie them around folded napkins with jute twine. Their gentle ridges add tactile interest to a neutral place setting. Slip a sprig of rosemary or wheat under the knot for fragrance and color. The result feels handmade without taking hours to assemble.
10. Apple Candle Holders with a Cozy Cinnamon Scent

Core firm apples and insert taper candles so the wax sits securely. A sprinkle of cinnamon and clove around the base releases a cozy aroma as the candles warm. Set each apple on a small saucer to catch any drips. Shades of blush, russet, and green bring subtle variation across the table.
11. Wooden Crate Harvest Display with Pumpkins and Hay

Stack wooden crates at staggered heights and pack them with pumpkins, hay, and a few berry stems. This vertical display turns an entry or porch corner into a miniature harvest scene. Tuck a plaid throw into one crate to soften the edges. A lantern on the top tier adds height and gentle light.
12. DIY Chalkboard Welcome Sign for Fall Entryway

Create a welcoming vignette with a small chalkboard framed in distressed wood beside a cluster of gourds. Use a chalk marker for crisp lines and add simple leaf doodles around the border. Position the board on a console so it anchors other seasonal pieces. A candle nearby reflects off the slate for a moody glow.
13. Autumn Jar Centerpieces with Layers of Natural Elements

Layer dried corn kernels, coffee beans, and walnuts in glass jars to build natural stripes of color. Nestle a pillar candle inside each jar so the materials glow from within. Group several jars on a tray for easy movement from kitchen to dining room. The mix of textures reads festive without feeling fussy.
14. Cinnamon Stick Candle Wraps with Rustic Charm

Band plain candles with bundles of cinnamon sticks and secure with twine. As the wax warms, a faint spice note drifts across the room. Place them on ceramic saucers and sprinkle a few star anise nearby for visual interest. The look is simple, fragrant, and budget‑friendly.
15. DIY Paper Leaf Chandelier for Dining Table Decor

Suspend paper leaves from an embroidery hoop with invisible filament to form a light, airy chandelier. Hang it over the table where every breeze sets the leaves in motion. Vary leaf sizes for depth and keep the palette to three tones for cohesion. A dimmer on the overhead light lets the mobile take center stage.
16. Acorn and Felt Garland with Soft Ambient Lighting

Combine real acorns with felt leaves and tiny warm‑white fairy lights along a mantel. The mix of matte wool and glossy nut caps feels richly layered. Let a few strands drape casually for an effortless look. It’s a quick way to bring woodland charm to a living space.
17. Hand-Painted Wooden Thanksgiving Coasters

Cut round wood blanks and hand‑paint simple pumpkin and leaf motifs in muted tones. Seal with a waterproof topcoat so they stand up to hot cider mugs. Stack them on a small tray beside the sofa for easy reach. They protect surfaces while underscoring the theme.
18. Dried Corn and Wheat Arrangement in Vintage Jug

Fill a vintage milk jug with dried corn stalks and wheat for height and movement. The golden hues echo late‑autumn fields and read beautifully against white walls. Tie a narrow linen ribbon around the neck for a quiet finish. Place it on a bench or sideboard where it can command attention.
19. DIY Fabric Pumpkins Made from Cozy Plaid Flannel

Sew soft pumpkins from plaid flannel, stuffing them with fiber fill and a little rice for weight. Use cinnamon sticks or twig cuttings as stems for a natural touch. Cluster various sizes on a tray to create gentle volume. Their tactile texture invites hands‑on warmth in any room.
20. Handmade Twig Candle Holder with Natural Texture

Bundle slim twigs around a glass votive using floral wire, then hide the wire with jute. The irregular twig edges cast organic shadows when the candle is lit. Set the holder on a slice of wood to complete the woodland story. It pairs well with linen runners and stoneware plates.
21. Metallic Pinecone Garland with Holiday Sparkle

Brush the tips of pinecones with a hint of metallic paint and string them along sturdy twine. Hang the garland over a mirror frame so it doubles the shimmer. Mix large and small cones to avoid a rigid rhythm. The result feels festive yet understated.
22. Upcycled Wine Bottle Vases Wrapped in Burlap

Wrap empty wine bottles with burlap and add kraft tags stamped with a tiny leaf icon instead of words. Fill each bottle with foraged grasses or backyard wildflowers for an easy, sustainable vignette. Group three bottles at different heights to guide the eye. The neutral palette keeps the focus on texture.
23. DIY Thankful Tree with Hanging Paper Leaves

Arrange bare branches in a ceramic vase and hang paper leaves with mini clips. Invite guests to add short notes of appreciation to each leaf near the end of the meal. Soft string lights in the base of the vase give the branches a subtle glow. It becomes a living centerpiece that grows as the evening unfolds.
24. Fabric Fall Banner with Leaf and Acorn Appliqué

Sew a simple banner from natural canvas and appliqué maple leaves and acorns across the pennants—skip letters entirely. Let the edges remain slightly frayed for relaxed texture. When hung over a breakfast nook, the shapes read clearly even from across the room. A slim dowel keeps each pennant flat and photo‑ready.
25. Pumpkin Terrarium with Moss and Miniature Pinecones

Hollow a faux pumpkin and build a tiny woodland scene inside with moss, a tea light, and miniature pinecones. The translucent lid glows softly when the candle is on. Place it on a stack of books to lift the vignette above tabletop clutter. It’s whimsical without feeling childish.
26. Copper-Toned Upcycled Tin Can Utensil Holders

Clean and paint tin cans in a brushed‑copper finish, then line them with kraft paper to hold utensils. Punch a few tiny holes near the rim for a dotted halo when you drop in a tea light. Arrange three cans on a narrow tray to corral the setup. They’re practical pieces that double as decor.
27. Felt Turkey Napkin Holders for Kids and Adults

Stitch playful turkey shapes from felt and finish with button eyes and simple embroidery. Slide folded napkins through the body so the tail feathers fan out on the plate. Use a mix of warm browns and deep reds for a classic palette. Kids love helping assemble these before guests arrive.
28. Hand-Crocheted Pumpkins in Warm Autumn Hues

Crochet pumpkins in oatmeal and burnt‑orange yarns, stuffing them firmly so the ridges read clearly. A wrapped jute stem adds rustic structure. Cluster them on a console with a brass lamp for a sophisticated contrast. They’re soft accents that outlast the season year after year.
29. DIY Pumpkin Spice Candle Jars as Table Favors

Fill small jars with wax scented lightly with pumpkin spice and top with natural cotton wicks. A kraft disk lid and twine bow finish the look without shouting. Group the jars on a tray with cinnamon sticks to echo the fragrance. They make thoughtful take‑home favors after dinner.
30. Rustic Tiered Tray Decor for Thanksgiving Display

Style a tiered tray with mini pumpkins, berry sprigs, and a few neutral sign accents. Balance tall items in the back and keep small pieces near the edge for depth. A linen napkin draped across one tier softens the composition. Move the tray from kitchen island to coffee table as needed.
31. Wood Slice Coasters with Burned Leaf Engravings

Sand wood slices smooth and burn a simple leaf engraving into each one. Finish with food‑safe oil to deepen the grain and protect the surface. Stack them beside a steaming pot of cider for a cozy tableau. The natural rings add subtle pattern to the scene.
32. Upcycled Pallet Wood Wall Art with Nature Motifs

Arrange pallet slats into a square and lightly whitewash the surface before wood‑burning leaf and wheat motifs. Keep the design abstract so it reads as pattern rather than text. Mount the piece above a console styled with pumpkins and eucalyptus. The mix of rough wood and soft greenery feels balanced and calm.
33. Thanksgiving Shadow Box with Dried Florals and Acorns

Build a shadow box with layers of dried flowers, tiny gourds, and acorns set against linen. The depth creates gentle shadows that change throughout the day. Add a narrow copper frame for a refined edge. Hang it in a hallway where guests can stop and take a closer look.
34. Hand-Stamped Linen Napkins with Autumn Leaf Prints

Cut natural linen into generous squares and stamp each with leaf impressions using fabric paint. Press firmly so the veins remain crisp after washing. Roll the napkins and tie with thin twine for a relaxed setting. They elevate everyday dishes into a cohesive seasonal table.
35. DIY Fall Potpourri Bowl with Orange and Clove

Create a fragrant bowl with orange peels, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Set it on a marble tray near the entry so guests catch the aroma as they arrive. Refresh the mix weekly with a few drops of essential oil. It’s a low‑maintenance way to keep the house smelling like fall.
36. Leaf-Pressed Wax Candles with Botanical Detail

Embed thin, dried leaves between layers of clear wax so they appear suspended in the candle. Choose translucent vessels so the shapes glow when lit. Burn the candles in short sessions to preserve the botanical silhouettes. They’re delicate pieces that feel almost like specimens.
37. Matte White Pumpkin Centerpiece with Eucalyptus

Paint small pumpkins in matte white and cluster them with eucalyptus branches for a crisp, modern centerpiece. Add slim taper candles to pull the arrangement vertically. The cool palette gives the table a calm, gallery‑like mood. It’s a clean counterpoint to richly colored side dishes.
38. Woven Basket Filled with Pinecones and Cinnamon Sticks

Fill a woven basket with pinecones and a handful of cinnamon sticks, then set it beside the fireplace. The mix of textures and soft browns anchors the room with quiet warmth. Tuck a wool throw over the rim for extra softness. It’s the kind of vignette that makes a space feel lived‑in.
39. Vintage Book Page Scrolls for a Gratitude Display

Roll aged book pages into petite scrolls and tie them with narrow ribbon for a vintage accent. Arrange them on a tray with dried leaves and a small bud vase. Guests can unroll a scroll to find a seasonal prompt or blank space for a private reflection. The look adds storybook charm to a coffee table.
40. Dried Herb Wreath with Lavender and Rosemary

Bind lavender, rosemary, and bay onto a small wreath form for a kitchen‑friendly decoration. As the herbs dry, they release a gentle, savory scent. Hang the wreath from a simple linen ribbon on a cabinet door. It’s subtle, elegant, and beautifully practical.
Final Thoughts
DIY Thanksgiving Decorations help you create an atmosphere filled with warmth, creativity, and gratitude. By combining textures, colors, and natural materials, your home becomes a reflection of the beauty of fall. Each of these 40 ideas celebrates togetherness and simplicity — the true essence of Thanksgiving. Take time to craft, decorate, and make memories with loved ones this season. Let these inspirations turn your space into a cozy haven for family gatherings.
Explore More
Looking for more fall decorating inspiration? Explore our guides on Modern Farmhouse Decor Trends.

