Even though the post-Halloween impulse is to dive headfirst into all things Christmas, we still have a major holiday to enjoy: Thanksgiving! And while it may not have the decorating chokehold on us that Halloween and Christmas do, it’s still worthy of a few fun projects. Especially if you’re hosting a gathering with family and friends! These DIY Thanksgiving decorations are festive yet budget-friendly, which we can all use these days, right?
Thrifty Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The centerpiece of this Thanksgiving tablescape started out on a thrift store shelf. And even though it was upside-down, I immediately saw it just like this: as a pilgrim hat centerpiece on my Thanksgiving table. The best part, though? It only took a few minutes to create.
Interactive Gratitude Wreath
Image credit: Average But Inspired.
Not all DIY Thanksgiving decorations are created equal- since this one is extra special with its interactive component! It’s a Thanksgiving themed wreath that friends and family can add to throughout the season. What a fun way to celebrate the holiday and remind yourself of what you’re truly grateful for at the same time.
DIY Thanksgiving Decorations with Buttons
Image credit: Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.
If you’ve got a button jar, box, or tin filled with buttons that could use a good craft project, perhaps this is the one! How adorable is this Indian corn art project with a variety of buttons?
Decorative Sign
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A bamboo tray like this is a fairly common find at thrift stores. Thankfully (pun intended), they are fun and easy to upcycle into decorative signs to use as Thanksgiving decor. It’s really a double-duty DIY, too, because it can still be used as a tray!
Vintage Thanksgiving Decorations
Image credit: Virginia Sweetpea.
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where it can be painfully obvious when loved ones are missing from the dinner table. Which makes this decorating idea even more meaningful: creating vignettes, mantel decor, and table decorations using heirloom pieces that have been passed down for generations.
Wood Burning Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wood burning, or pyrography, is really having a moment right now in the crafting world. I see it everywhere, from wooden spoons, to cutting boards, and yes- even wood slices. Such as this case with a wood burned Thanksgiving sign.
Upcycled Thanksgiving Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It’s hard to believe that this chic and elegant Thanksgiving wreath started out as thrift store finds, but it’s true! And it’s possible that this wreath would have never even come to fruition if the DIY supplies hadn’t ended up next to each other on the same thrift store shelf.
Flannel Pumpkin Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A ready-made burlap canvas from the craft store can be decorated in any number of ways. But for Fall and Thanksgiving, a fuzzy flannel pumpkin from an old shirt is just delightful for your wall or on a display easel.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Pilgrim Silhouettes
Image credit: Atta Girl Says
Pilgrims, for better or for worse, are a huge part of Thanksgiving history, no matter how you feel about them. And these DIY pilgrim silhouettes are an unexpected, but clever way to incorporate them into your Thanksgiving decor.
Handmade Cornucopia
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
A cornucopia (or horn of plenty) is a quintessential symbol of Thanksgiving, so you knew there’d be at least one of them in this collection! And instead of a pre-made basket version, you can make your own if you happen to grow grapes on your property. How awesome is that?
DIY Thanksgiving Decorations (for Christmas, too!)
Image credit: Hunt and Host.
A simple sign using a Thanksgiving-esque phrase or words is one of the easier DIY Thanksgiving decorations you can make. But to make it even more worthwhile, this idea is perfect: create a Christmas sign on the other side so that it’s reversible! Such a great idea- both thrifty and easier to stow away the rest of the year.
Indian Corn Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These Indian corn dishes are so lovely with their autumn color palette, but they actually didn’t start out this way. They started as bright yellow and green corn dishes from the thrift store!
DIY Thanksgiving Decorations with Corn Husks
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
You can never go wrong with candles as part of your holiday decor, can you? But this one is extra special and certainly ideal for Thanksgiving- decorating a candle holder with corn husks. Easy, simple, but quietly festive for your Thanksgiving table.
Fall Leaf Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Wooden leaf dishes are pretty enough on their own. But the addition of multi-color gold leaf flakes capture the entire spectrum of autumn colors in one single craft project. These are perfect for Thanksgiving time and the final days of Fall, aren’t they?
Harvest-centric Door Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old leather quiver– or even a newer one!- is an unusual but seasonally appropriate item to use as door decor around Thanksgiving. Filled with arrows and fall foliage, it’s a curiously stylish nod to the harvest season and perfect for the end-of-autumn holiday.
Crafting with Indian Corn
Image credit: Reality Daydream.
I was always fascinated by Indian corn when I was a little girl. The spectrum of Fall colors that the kernels boasted was absolutely captivating to me. So, I would have LOVED this DIY cake stand that has been embellished with Indian corn in our Thanksgiving decorations, that’s for sure.
Thrifted Thanksgiving Table Decorations
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
While the food takes center stage, your Thanksgiving table often plays a big supporting role in your holiday gathering and dinner. Not only do DIY Thanksgiving decorations help offset some of the food costs, but thrifting for your place settings, serving dishes, and table decor is another way to stay on budget. This set of tips and tricks will help you get started on setting a thrifty but elegant Thanksgiving table.
Inspiring and Thrifty DIY Thanksgiving Decorations
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope this collection of DIY Thanksgiving decorations has given you some inspired ideas for your own celebration. Thrift stores and family heirlooms are a great foundation for any number of projects and decorating ideas to make this holiday season. You’ll be spending enough money on food so you might as well offset that cost with some thrifty but elegant decorations for your table and home!
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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