Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas Using Natural & Foraged Items
I feel the holiday rush is coming in, and although it is a fun time, I love standing still for a while at Thanksgiving instead of just jumping right into winter and Christmas.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I want to savor it all.
At the heart of Thanksgiving lies the spirit of gratitude, and as a family, we want to acknowledge all we are thankful for during the past year. And with that sentiment, I like to make things pretty and memorable too!
I always try decorating my holiday tablescapes out of the simplest but still beautiful things. Elements from nature and our farm, items I already have in my home, vintage finds, or clever DIY alternatives are my go-to for decor. I like to keep it natural, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
Scroll down to get Thanksgiving table decorating ideas that are nature-inspired, easy, budget-friendly, and so pretty!
My 2024 Thanksgiving Tablescape
This year, I am not hosting a big sit-down family gathering for Thanksgiving, so I decided to do a bit more of a full, elaborate table. It’s kind of like a fall decor nook (big nook!) in our house, bringing all the fall vibes! Because, why not ;-)
Mums - The flower of fall
I added a big rustic bucket with Mums as my centerpiece, giving the tablescape great height and a burst of color. I love how their deep magenta maroon-ish and golden yellow tones compliment each other and the rest of the elements. These colors bring so much warmth and comfort.
Secondary Flowers
An urn pot filled with wild yellow cosmos adds an extra pop of color and height to the table. I love their “wildness,” giving the setting a less staged, more natural, spontaneous feel.
And, of course, I had to add some dried hydrangeas. I always try to stretch their beauty as far as possible, so they always find a spot somewhere in my decorations! This year I also made a hanging garland with them as an entrance to our dining room. So easy and fun!
READ MORE: 12 of the easiest flowers to grow
multi-colored Dried Corn
No matter the season or occasion, there will always be a basket with dried corn somewhere in my home (or you’ll find them scattered around)! The multi-colored corn is so pretty and makes for a very fun twist, adding texture and visual interest.
Real & faux Pumpkins
Yes, of course, pumpkins need to be involved! Using different sizes and colors keeps the table interesting and adds a touch of fall whimsicalness. Their colors also pop against the brown tones of the burlap and wood table.
Other fun elements
I completed the table by filling in empty spaces with dried chilis, dried herbs, golden pears, and votive candles.
We are still getting some delicious chilis and herbs from the garden. So, I wanted to incorporate them into the table, bringing the harvests inside! I harvested them a while before so they could dry.
Read more here on ways to preserve your herbs
The faux golden pears and votive candles added a touch of elegance, uplifting the table with a splash of twinkle and sparkle! Adding some sparkly elements will bring another dimension to your setting so everything does not become too repetitive and monotonous.
Tom, our favorite bird
It is a yearly tradition to have Tom pose at our Thanksgiving table! After we almost lost him this year, he is showing off again in all his beautiful glory. We are so thankful that he pulled through and is still here with us!
My 2023 Thanksgiving Tablescape
A Thanksgiving table that echoes gratitude! My table contained all the typical fall-inspired elements and colors you would expect but with some more greenery, bright-colored apples, and playfulness. I really loved how it turned out. I also added homemade beeswax taper candles for a warm glow!
My 2022 Thanksgiving Tablescape
A tablescape with harvest and natural elements! I was inspired to turn to our garden and grounds to search for all-natural and harvest decorations. This table included guinea feathers, garlic, herbs, dried leaves and wheatgrass. These everyday “things” are beautiful in their own way!
MY 2021 THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE
Easy Thanksgiving table decor that won't break the bank! This table was a bit simpler, with fewer natural elements and more glass elements like baubles, antique silverware, and amber glass bottles, adding a touch of old-world charm.
I also loved the white and orange dahlias that perfectly paired with the amber and wood tones! I made DIY placemats and salt-dough place cards that are budget-friendly and which can be used again.
I hope I inspired you with these Thanksgiving table decor ideas from my tablescapes these past few years! Don’t let it overwhelm you, just enjoy, do what makes your heart happy, and embrace the moment!
May your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Annette, xx
