Halloween and December holidays have become all about 12-foot skeletons and animatronic reindeer, but Thanksgiving has always been something different. These decorators suggest that you should lean into that difference and decorate your home to welcome family and friends, creating a comfortable space for gathering and feasting.
“It’s cozy,” said Kristin Black, creative director for Decorator's Warehouse in Arlington, Texas. “It represents the changing of the seasons, new beginnings, the crisp weather and time with the family and gratitude.”
Black’s parents started their company in their garage in 1989. Today, the store sells seasonal decorations year-round, both online and in person, to people from around the world.
For people who have been wanting to express their love for turkey and crunchy leaves, decorating professionals gave Homes.com a variety of design ideas.
Outside, let nature speak for you
“Thanksgiving begins long before the meal,” said Nina Lichtenstein, founder of Custom Home Design by Nina Lichtenstein, based in New York. “It begins at the front door, in that first impression of warmth and belonging.”
For fall decorating, Lichtenstein suggests making nature the foundation of the design.
“Instead of traditional store-bought decor, think of textures and tones that feel grounded. Arrange planters or baskets with ornamental kale, dried grasses, and trailing ivy,” she said. “Add birch branches or magnolia leaves for natural beauty and contrast. The combination of soft greens, bronzes and natural whites mirrors the landscape in late autumn when everything slows and deepens.”
Elizabeth Vergara, president of Vergara Homes in Melville, New York, said natural decorating should still be treated with an eye toward order.
“Homeowners can use natural elements without looking cluttered by keeping the color palette consistent,” she told Homes.com.
Group pumpkins of similar colors together and avoid overmixing materials. “If you have two pumpkins and one hay bale in a section, that is enough. You don't need to fill every corner to get the look you want.”
She also recommended sticking to what she calls the "rule of threes." "To me, the rule of threes is all about getting something to look balanced and well put together without it needing to be so matchy-matchy like it can be with pairs," Vergara said. "Sometimes it's three of the same things or three different things in the same space to get that balance."
Vergara advised using heavy planters or gardening wire or fishing line to hold down lighter decorations and prevent them from blowing away.
Let displays get personal
Lichtenstein recommends considering all the senses in the scheme. Replace porch bulbs with soft amber lights and use string lights on pathways. “Layer in lanterns or softly flickering candles so your home glows with warmth and life, inviting connection even before anyone steps inside,” she said.
She also suggested placing a basket of cinnamon and pinecones for scent and possibly lighting an outdoor fire. A portable fireplace can add aromas and a cozy, crackling ambiance.
And don’t be afraid to go big. “We are seeing more of an influx of over-the-top door garlands and pumpkins and things of that nature,” Black said of the professional decorators who shop at her store.
Fall wreaths and hanging arrangements, such as door swags, are pieces that can bring the entire design together. “Maybe they’re made out of grapevine and have big ribbons. There will be a lot of colors and textures in that,” Black said.
Just be sure to let the personality of the household shine through. “I recommend drawing inspiration from family heirlooms,” Vergara said. “If you have family table linens or vintage quilts, then you can tie in the colors or patterns that are included on them without needing to use the actual item outside and letting it face the elements.”
“A wreath woven with herbs from your own garden,” Lichtenstein said. “A cluster of pumpkins the kids painted. A weathered ladder draped with dried flowers that have their own memories. The best Thanksgiving displays are personal, not perfect.”
Deep, earthy tones are selling this year
While the fall color palette has been the same since the emergence of plant life, trends for the season change nearly every year, Black said. “Four or five years ago, it was cotton,” she said. “We sold tons and tons of cotton for that real farmhouse feel.”
“It’s a lot of deep, earthy tones this year, more than previous years.” Chocolate, copper, burgundy and cognac have been big sellers, according to Black.
Looking for something lighter? Another scheme that has been making the rounds is neutrals and purples, Black said.
She recommended resin pumpkins, which can come in a variety of colors and don’t rot.
Recently, the pieces of another holiday have started to be repurposed for Turkey Day. Christmas trees are being turned into seasonal trees, using garlands, pumpkins, feathers and other fall ornaments.
“We have some customers who love their trees so much, they just don’t want to take them down,” Black said.