Thankful for Nature: DIY Thanksgiving Decor

This Thanksgiving, let nature do the decorating. With just a few simple, earth-friendly touches, you can bring the warmth and beauty of the outdoors inside. Here’s how to create a cozy, rustic table that celebrates the season:

1. Leafy Table Garlands and Place Cards

Start with a base of dried leaves, acorns, and small branches as a natural table runner. Add a personal touch by writing each guest’s name on a large leaf for place cards—a lovely (and biodegradable!) alternative to store-bought decor.

2. Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders

Take mini pumpkins, scoop them out, and place tea lights inside for a warm, autumn glow. Kids will love scooping out the pumpkins, and the results look beautiful scattered down the table or around the house.

3. Pinecone and Berry Centerpieces

Gather pinecones, seasonal berries, and some small branches or twigs to make easy centerpieces. Place them in jars, pitchers, or bowls, and if you want some extra ambiance, add a string of LED fairy lights. The result? An earthy, whimsical centerpiece.

4. Dried Fruit Garlands

Thread dried orange, apple, or lemon slices onto twine for a simple garland. The colors are festive, and the subtle scent is perfect for the season! Hang it on the wall or drape it along your table.

5. Pressed Leaf Placemats (Kid-Friendly!)

Let the kids gather their favorite leaves, press them between wax paper for a day or two, and arrange them under transparent sheets for homemade, unique placemats that bring the outdoors in.

6. Cinnamon Stick Bundles with Fresh Herbs

Tie cinnamon sticks with twine and tuck in fresh rosemary or sage. Place them around each place setting for a warm, inviting scent that makes everyone feel right at home.

7. Foraged Wreaths for Doors or Windows

Using pine branches, dried flowers, and maybe a few pinecones or acorns, make a wreath that’s unique to your area. Hang it on your front door to welcome guests or place it indoors.

8. Nature’s Own Table Runner

Take sprigs of evergreen, pinecones, and clusters of berries to create a lush table runner. It’s simple, sustainable, and will stay fresh all season.

Using these natural elements, you can create a Thanksgiving table that’s beautiful, sustainable, and family-friendly. Enjoy the day, celebrate the season, and make memories that go beyond the meal!