11 Easy DIY Fall Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas 2025

Dreaming of a Pinterest-Perfect Thanksgiving Table Without the Hefty Price Tag?

As a seasoned host who loves a beautifully set table but not the stress that can come with it, I’ve spent years perfecting the art of a high-impact, low-effort tablescape. These are my go-to DIY secrets. You scroll through Pinterest and see them: stunning Thanksgiving tablescapes with cascading floral arrangements, elegant place settings, and a warm, inviting glow that seems professionally styled. The desire for that same magazine-worthy look is strong, but so is the worry about the cost and the time it takes to pull it all together. You want to create a special atmosphere for your loved ones, but you don’t want to break the bank or spend the entire week crafting.

The key to an easy DIY Thanksgiving table is starting with a clear color palette, layering natural elements like pumpkins and leaves, and adding personalized touches such as handmade place cards. These simple steps create a warm, inviting atmosphere without breaking the budget. This guide is your solution. We’re going to walk through 11 incredibly simple, budget-friendly, and stunning DIY fall decor ideas that will make your Thanksgiving table the star of the show, proving you don’t need a huge budget to create a huge impact.

11 Easy DIY Fall Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas for 2025

Each of these 11 ideas has been selected for its simplicity, beauty, and affordability, ensuring you can create a cohesive and impressive table your guests will adore. We’ve gathered a curated collection of the best simple yet stunning DIY ideas that will transform your dining space. Every project uses affordable materials—many of which you can find in your own backyard or at the local dollar store. Get ready to be inspired!

1. The 5-Minute Natural Pumpkin & Gourd Centerpiece

Save this effortless centerpiece idea to your ‘Thanksgiving Decor’ board!

Materials Needed:

• 1 long table runner (burlap or linen works well)
• 5-7 assorted mini pumpkins and gourds
• A few sprigs of fresh or dried eucalyptus or other greenery
• Optional: votive candles in small glass holders

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Lay your table runner down the center of the table.
2. Place your largest pumpkin or gourd in the very center of the runner.
3. Arrange the remaining pumpkins and gourds asymmetrically on either side, creating a natural, flowing line.
4. Tuck sprigs of eucalyptus in the gaps between the gourds to add texture and a pleasant scent.
5. If using, nestle a few votive candles among the arrangement for a warm glow.

Pro-Tip: For a more modern look, buy all-white mini pumpkins. You can often find a great, affordable selection at your local grocery store or farmer’s market in October and November.

2. Elegant DIY Eucalyptus & Twig Place Cards

Pin this simple place card tutorial for your next dinner party!

Materials Needed:

• Thick cardstock (white or cream)
• Small twigs from your yard
• Dried eucalyptus sprigs
• Natural twine
• Gold or black fine-tip marker
• Hole punch

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cut cardstock into small rectangles (approx. 3″ x 1.5″).
2. Write each guest’s name on a card.
3. Punch a small hole in the top left corner of each card.
4. Cut a small piece of twine (about 6 inches).
5. Thread the twine through the hole and tie the card securely to a small twig, tucking a single eucalyptus sprig behind the knot before tightening.

Lesson Learned: Write the names on the cards before you punch the hole and attach the twig. It’s much easier to write on a flat, unattached surface.

3. Rustic Twine & Cinnamon Stick Napkin Rings

Add this cozy detail to your ‘Fall Entertaining’ Pinterest board!

Materials Needed:

• Cloth napkins
• Whole cinnamon sticks
• Natural jute twine
• Optional: Small sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Roll or fold your cloth napkin as desired.
2. Cut a piece of twine about 12 inches long.
3. Place a cinnamon stick (and a sprig of rosemary, if using) on top of the napkin.
4. Wrap the twine around the napkin and the cinnamon stick several times.
5. Tie a secure knot or a small bow at the back to hold everything in place. Trim any excess twine.

Pro-Tip: Buy cinnamon sticks in bulk from a warehouse store or the international food aisle for the best price. They smell amazing and add an extra sensory element to the dining experience.

4. Foraged Leaf & Pinecone Table Scatter

Save this free and easy decor hack to your ‘Fall Decor Ideas’ board!

Materials Needed:

• A collection of clean, dry fall leaves in various colors
• A handful of small, clean pinecones

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Go on a nature walk and collect the most vibrant and intact fall leaves you can find. Also, gather some small pinecones.
2. To ensure they are clean and bug-free, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. For the pinecones, you can bake them on a foil-lined sheet at 200°F (93°C) for about 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
3. Once your table is set with linens, plates, and a centerpiece, artfully scatter the leaves and pinecones down the center of the table and around the base of candles or serving dishes.

Pro-Tip: To preserve the leaves and give them a slight sheen, you can press them between wax paper with a warm iron for a few seconds on each side. This helps them last longer and look fresh.

5. DIY No-Sew Burlap Table Runner

Pin this super easy no-sew project for a rustic table setting!

Materials Needed:

• A roll of burlap fabric
• Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Measure the length of your table. Decide how much overhang you want on each end (typically 6-12 inches). Add this to your table length to get the final runner length.
2. Decide on the width of your runner (12-15 inches is standard).
3. Carefully cut the burlap to your desired dimensions. Burlap has a visible weave, so try to cut along one of the threads for a straight line.
4. For a frayed edge, carefully pull out 5-10 of the long threads from each of the two long sides of the runner. This creates a soft, rustic fringe.
5. Iron the runner on low heat to remove any creases before placing it on your table.

Lesson Learned: Burlap sheds! Do your cutting and fraying outside or over a surface that’s easy to clean to avoid a mess.

6. Charming Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders

Save this adorable candle idea to your ‘Fall DIY’ Pinterest board!

Materials Needed:

• Mini pumpkins (one for each candle holder)
• Tealight candles
• A small, sharp knife or craft knife
• A metal spoon or melon baller

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place a tealight candle on top of a mini pumpkin and trace around it with a pencil or pen.
2. Carefully cut around the traced circle with your knife, cutting deep enough to remove the top section.
3. Use the spoon to scoop out just enough of the pumpkin flesh so the tealight candle can sit snugly and level inside.
4. Place the tealight inside the hollowed-out pumpkin. Repeat for as many holders as you’d like and arrange them on your table.

Pro-Tip: Use battery-operated LED tealights for a worry-free option. They look just as cozy and you don’t have to worry about fire hazards or the candle burning down.

7. Fresh & Edible Apple Name Cards

Pin this fresh and simple place card idea for your fall table!

Materials Needed:

• Apples with stems intact (one per guest)
• Kraft paper or cardstock
• Twine
• A fine-tip marker
• Scissors and a small hole punch

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
2. Cut out small tag shapes from your paper. A leaf shape is a festive choice.
3. Write each guest’s name on a tag.
4. Punch a hole in the tag.
5. Thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie the tag securely to the apple’s stem. Place one at each setting.

Pro-Tip: Choose apples that sit flat and don’t wobble. Honeycrisp or Gala apples often have a good shape and vibrant color that looks beautiful on the table.

8. Simple Dried Orange & Cranberry Garland

Save this beautiful and fragrant DIY garland for the holidays!

Materials Needed:

• 2-3 navel oranges
• 1 bag of fresh cranberries
• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• A large needle and strong thread or thin twine

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Dry the Oranges: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Slice the oranges thinly (about 1/4 inch). Pat them dry with a paper towel and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until they are dry and slightly translucent. Let cool completely.
2. String the Garland: Thread your needle with a long piece of thread. Tie a large knot at the end.
3. Carefully push the needle through the flesh of a dried orange slice.
4. String on 3-4 fresh cranberries.
5. Repeat the pattern (one orange slice, 3-4 cranberries) until your garland reaches the desired length. Tie off the end and lay it down the center of your table.

Lesson Learned: The orange slices can be sticky even after cooling. Let them sit out for an hour or so before stringing to make them easier to handle. Your house will smell incredible during the drying process!

9. Farmhouse-Style Wheat Sheaf Bundles

Pin this simple farmhouse decor idea for a touch of rustic charm!

Materials Needed:

• A bundle of dried wheat stalks (available at craft stores)
• Jute twine or a simple ribbon
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Gather a small handful of wheat stalks (about 10-15 for an individual place setting, more for a centerpiece).
2. Align the bottoms of the stalks. You can trim them to be the same height if you wish, or leave them varied for a more natural look.
3. Cut a piece of twine or ribbon about 12 inches long.
4. Wrap the twine tightly around the middle of the wheat bundle several times.
5. Tie a secure knot or a simple bow to finish. These can be laid down at each place setting or stood up as part of the centerpiece.

Pro-Tip: Gently fluff the heads of the wheat after bundling to give them a fuller, more bountiful appearance.

10. Gilded Gold-Leaf Acorn Accents

Add a touch of glam to your fall decor! Pin this gold leaf DIY.

Materials Needed:

• Clean, dry acorns
• Liquid gold leaf or a metallic gold paint pen
• A small, fine-tipped paintbrush (if using liquid)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Ensure your acorns are clean and dry (you can bake them at 200°F for 30 minutes to be safe).
2. Using the paint pen or a small brush with liquid gold leaf, carefully paint just the cap of each acorn.
3. Set the acorns on a piece of parchment paper to dry completely. The gold cap should not be touching the paper.
4. Once dry, you can scatter these gilded acorns down your table runner, fill a small decorative bowl with them, or hot glue one to each place card for a touch of sparkle.

Lesson Learned: A gold paint pen is much less messy and easier to control than liquid gold leaf and a brush, making this a perfect craft for beginners.

11. Simple ‘Thankful Tree’ Centerpiece

Save this meaningful Thanksgiving tradition and centerpiece idea!

Materials Needed:

• A few interesting-looking bare branches from your yard
• A sturdy vase
• Small paper tags with string (or make your own with cardstock and a hole punch)
• Pens or markers for guests

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Arrange the branches in the vase. You can add rocks or floral foam to the bottom of the vase to hold them securely in place.
2. Place the vase in the center of your table.
3. Set out the blank tags and pens near the tree.
4. As guests arrive or throughout the meal, invite them to write something they are thankful for on a tag and hang it on a branch.
5. By the end of the meal, you’ll have a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece filled with gratitude.

Pro-Tip: This makes for a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition. At the end of the night, gather the tags and read them aloud, or save them in a jar to look back on next year.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Beautiful DIY Thanksgiving Table

• Start with a Theme: Choose a simple color palette (e.g., warm earthy tones, modern neutrals) to guide your DIY projects and create a cohesive look.
• Embrace Nature: The best and most affordable decorations are often right outside. Use foraged leaves, pinecones, acorns, and branches as the foundation of your decor.
• Layer Textures: Combine different materials like burlap, linen, wood, and glass to add depth and visual interest to your table.
• Personalize the Experience: Simple handmade touches like DIY place cards or a “Thankful Tree” make guests feel special and create lasting memories.
• Focus on Warm Lighting: Use candles (real or LED) generously to create a cozy, intimate, and inviting atmosphere for your feast.

People Also Ask About thanksgiving decorations table setting diy fall

How can I make my Thanksgiving table look expensive on a budget?

To achieve a luxe look for less, focus on layering textures with items like a simple burlap runner over a basic tablecloth. Use natural elements like mini white pumpkins, eucalyptus, and gold-painted acorns, which look elegant but are inexpensive. Finally, ambient lighting from lots of votive candles instantly creates a sophisticated and expensive-feeling atmosphere.

What can I use for a Thanksgiving centerpiece besides flowers?

A stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece can be made without flowers. Arrange a collection of mini pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal fruits like pomegranates or apples down the center of the table. A bundle of dried wheat stalks, a collection of pillar candles on a wooden tray, or an interactive “Thankful Tree” with bare branches are also beautiful, flower-free options.

How do you set a simple but elegant Thanksgiving table?

For a simple yet elegant table, start with neutral linens like a white or beige tablecloth. Use classic white dinnerware, which allows your food and smaller decor elements to shine. Add a single, impactful DIY element, such as rustic cinnamon stick napkin rings or elegant apple place cards. The key is to avoid clutter and focus on a few well-executed, personal touches.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the most beautiful part of any Thanksgiving table is the people gathered around it. These simple DIY ideas are just a way to add a little extra love and personality to your celebration. Your effort to create a warm and welcoming space is what your guests will truly remember.

What is your favorite DIY touch to add to your holiday table? Share your ideas in the comments below