How to Create a Cosy Thanksgiving Atmosphere with DIY Decor

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, and nothing sets the tone better than a cosy, warm environment. With a few DIY decor ideas, you can transform your home into a welcoming space full of autumnal charm. We look at 8 easy easy projects to get you autumn ready.

From rustic garlands and pumpkin vases to corn husk lanterns and woven baskets filled with autumn’s bounty, these easy-to-make decor ideas will fill your home with colours, textures, and a touch of holiday magic. Bring those seasonal colours, textures, and scents into your home with these 8 simple projects.

1. Craft a Leafy Garland

To craft a beautiful and seasonal garland, start by gathering materials like twine or string and a collection of artificial or real autumn leaves—think maple or oak in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Cut the twine to your desired length, keeping in mind where you plan to hang the garland, whether over a fireplace mantel, around a doorway, or as a dining table runner. Using a hot glue gun, attach each leaf to the twine, spacing them evenly to create a balanced look. For an added touch of texture, consider incorporating acorns, small pinecones, or mini pumpkins along the garland. This natural, handmade garland will instantly add warmth and a hint of nature’s beauty to your Thanksgiving decor.

What You Need:

• Twine or string
• Artificial or real leaves in autumn colours (such as maple or oak)
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut the twine to your desired length, depending on where you plan to hang the garland.
2. Attach the leaves to the twine using a hot glue gun, spacing them out evenly.
3. Drape the garland over the fireplace mantel, around doorways, or along a dining table for a natural, autumnal feel.

Try adding acorns, small pinecones, or mini pumpkins to the garland for extra texture and seasonal appeal.

2. Create a Candlelit Centrepiece

To create a charming candlelit centerpiece, gather mason jars or small glass containers, votive candles or LED tea lights, twine or burlap ribbon, and a handful of dried leaves, berries, or small pinecones for decoration. Start by wrapping each jar with a piece of twine or burlap, securing it with a small bow for a rustic look. Place a candle inside each jar and arrange them in a grouping on a tray or directly on your table. Scatter dried leaves, berries, or pinecones around the jars to enhance the autumnal feel. Alternatively, place a small collection of mixed mini pumpkins, squash and gourds. For an extra cosy touch, add cinnamon sticks or sprigs of rosemary to infuse the centrepiece with a gentle, seasonal fragrance. This warm and inviting centrepiece is perfect for adding a soft glow to your Thanksgiving table.

What You Need:

• Mason jars or small glass containers
• Small votive candles or LED tea lights
• Twine or burlap ribbon
• Dried leaves, berries, or small pinecones for decoration OR ornamental mini pumpkins, squash and gourds

Steps:

1. Wrap each jar with twine or burlap and secure it with a small bow.
2. Place a candle inside each jar and arrange the jars on a tray or directly on the table.
3. Scatter dried leaves, berries, or pinecones around the jars to complete the look.

Use cinnamon sticks or sprigs of rosemary in the jar arrangements to add a subtle, cosy fragrance. You can also use colour co-ordinated fruits and vegetables or a collection of pumpkin varieties.

3. DIY Pumpkin Vases

To make a unique pumpkin vase, begin by selecting small pumpkins, either real or faux, along with a sharp knife or pumpkin carving tool, floral foam (optional), and seasonal flowers like sunflowers, mums, or dahlias. Carefully cut off the top of each pumpkin and scoop out the insides to create a hollow space. If you’d like extra stability for your floral arrangement, place a small piece of floral foam inside the pumpkin. Then, arrange your flowers by inserting their stems into the foam or directly into the pumpkin, adjusting until you achieve a balanced, full look. These pumpkin vases make for a stunning autumnal display, perfect for a centerpiece or to add a festive touch to your mantel or entryway. For a modern twist, consider painting the pumpkins in neutral tones like white or soft green, creating a unique yet seasonal decor piece.

What You Need:

• Small pumpkins or a Big pumpkin (real or faux)
• Sharp knife or pumpkin carving tool
• Floral foam (optional)
• Seasonal flowers like sunflowers, mums, or dahlias

Steps:

1. Carefully cut off the top of each pumpkin and hollow out the inside.
2. Insert floral foam to hold the flowers in place (optional).
3. Arrange seasonal flowers in the pumpkin, creating a vibrant autumn display for your table or mantel.

Paint the pumpkins in neutral tones like white or soft green to give the arrangement a modern twist.

4. Make Cosy Plaid Throw Blankets and Pillows

To add a cosy, inviting touch to your space, consider making plaid throw blankets and pillows. Start by choosing a soft, warm fabric in a classic autumn plaid pattern, such as fleece or flannel, which works well for both blankets and pillows. Cut the fabric to your desired blanket size, or, if making pillows, to fit a pillow insert. For the pillows, sew or glue the fabric along three sides, insert the pillow, and then close up the final side to create a quick, no-sew option. Drape your plaid blanket over a sofa or armchair, and add the pillows to create a layered, warm look. Mixing patterns, like pairing plaid with solid colours, adds depth and makes your seating area even more inviting for guests to relax and enjoy the season.

What You Need:

• Plaid fabric (fleece or flannel works best)
• Scissors
• Fabric glue or sewing kit (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut the plaid fabric to the size of your pillow or desired throw blanket.
2. If making pillows, sew or glue the fabric around a pillow insert.
3. Drape the blanket over chairs or couches and add the pillows to create a cosy, layered look.

Try layering different patterns, like plaids and solids, for a more dynamic effect. If you are not one for stitching, sewing or working with any fabric at all, just gather colour co-ordinated plush cushions, pillows, fleece, blankets, drapes, throws and rugs. Whatever you can get your hands on and put them together instantly turning the space into an inviting one.

5. Set Up a Hot Beverage Station

To create a cosy hot beverage station that guests will love, start by setting up a small tray or side table in a central area. Arrange a selection of hot chocolate mix, coffee, or cider along with an assortment of mugs or teacups. In small bowls, provide fun add-ins like mini marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and chocolate shavings so guests can personalize their drinks. For an extra charming touch, add a decorative sign that says “Warm Up Here” or “Hot Beverage Station.” This inviting setup not only adds a festive touch to your decor but also offers a warm treat to family and friends, making it perfect for chilly Thanksgiving days. If you’d like to elevate the experience, include homemade syrups like pumpkin spice or caramel, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy a unique seasonal twist. You can even try out our Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.

What You Need:

• Hot chocolate mix, coffee, or cider
• Mugs or teacups
• Small bowls for add-ins (mini marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings)
• A small tray or side table

Steps:

1. Arrange your hot chocolate or coffee supplies on a tray or side table.
2. Use small bowls for add-ins like marshmallows and cinnamon sticks, making it easy for guests to customise their drinks.
3. Add a decorative sign that says “Warm Up Here” or “Hot Beverage Station” for a charming touch.

Include homemade syrups like pumpkin spice or caramel for a personalized twist on classic holiday drinks.

6. Hang a Thanksgiving Wreath Indoors

Hanging a Thanksgiving wreath indoors is a wonderful way to bring the autumn spirit into your home. Begin by choosing a wreath base, such as a grapevine or wire frame, and gather seasonal elements like colorful autumn leaves, pinecones, mini pumpkins, acorns, nuts, and a burlap or plaid ribbon. Arrange these elements around the wreath base, securing them with a hot glue gun to ensure everything stays in place. Add a rustic touch with a burlap or plaid ribbon, tied in a bow to finish the look. Once your wreath is complete, consider hanging it in a prominent indoor spot—over a mirror, on an interior door, or above the fireplace—to create a festive focal point. For a unique twist, you could incorporate items like dried oranges or cinnamon sticks, adding both visual appeal and a subtle, cosy scent to your space.

What You Need:

• Wreath base (grapevine or wire)
• Autumn leaves, pinecones, mini pumpkins, acorns, nuts, and a ribbon
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Arrange the elements around the wreath base and attach them with hot glue.
2. Add a burlap or plaid ribbon to give it a cosy, rustic look.
3. Hang the wreath over a mirror, on an interior door, or above the fireplace for a festive focal point.

Incorporate elements like dried oranges or cinnamon sticks to add a subtle scent.

We have a full tutorial on how to create a fall wreath in our article, How to Make Your Own Thanksgiving Wreath with Seasonal Elements. You may not need to spend any money making it and it gives you an opportunity to venture outdoor and take time to appreciate nature itself.

7. Fill Baskets with Seasonal Elements

Filling baskets with seasonal elements is a quick and easy way to add a touch of Thanksgiving charm throughout your home. Start by choosing a few woven or wire baskets in various sizes to create visual interest. Line the bottom of each basket with burlap or fabric for added texture, then fill them with autumnal items like pinecones, mini pumpkins, gourds, dried corn, and nuts. These natural elements add warmth and texture, making the baskets perfect for placing by the entryway, on coffee tables, or beside the fireplace. If you want to enhance the cosy effect, try layering different sizes and colours of baskets for a fuller, more curated look. This simple DIY decor adds a touch of fall to any room, making your home feel both inviting and seasonally festive.

What You Need:

• Woven or wire baskets
• Pinecones, mini pumpkins, gourds, dried corn, and nuts
• Small pieces of fabric or burlap (optional)

Steps:

1. Line the bottom of each basket with fabric or burlap.
2. Fill the baskets with a mix of pinecones, pumpkins, gourds, and nuts for a quick and natural decoration.
3. Place the baskets around your home—by the entryway, on tables, or in the living room.

Use baskets of varying sizes and colors to add visual interest and texture to your decor.

8. DIY Corn Husk Tea Light Jar (Lantern)

Add a rustic glow to your Thanksgiving decor with homemade corn husk tea light jar. To start, gather glass jars, corn husks (you can find these at a craft store or repurpose from corn on the cob), Mod Podge or a clear glue, and battery-operated tea lights (or real candle tea light). Begin by brushing a thin layer of glue around the outside of each jar. Press the corn husks onto the glue-covered jar, overlapping slightly for a natural look. Once dry, place a battery-operated tea light inside to illuminate the husks with a warm, golden glow. Arrange these tea light jars in clusters along your table or mantel for an earthy, elegant touch.

What You Need:

• Glass jars
• Corn husks
• Mod Podge or clear glue
• Battery-operated tea lights (or tea light)

Steps:

1. Apply a layer of glue around each jar.
2. Press corn husks onto the glue, overlapping as needed to cover the jar.
3. Let the jars dry completely before placing a tea light inside.
4. Arrange the tea light jars on tables or mantels to create a cosy, rustic display.

Try mixing in dried wheat stalks or adding a twine bow around the jar’s neck for added charm. You can also add feathers or dried acorns for decoration.

Final Touches for a Cosy Thanksgiving Atmosphere

Creating a cosy Thanksgiving atmosphere is all about layering textures, natural elements, and warm colors. Add a few candles around your living spaces, play soft background music, and incorporate scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin to make your home feel even more inviting. If you are inviting people over for a meal, consider a centerpiece for the dining table, design of thanksgiving place cards and personalised table settings. For the former, take a look at some of the stunning collections we found for the ideal Thanksgiving table centrepiece.  With these DIY decor ideas, you’ll have a beautifully decorated space that’s perfect for welcoming friends and family this Thanksgiving!

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