58 Easy Thanksgiving Centerpieces to Dress up Your Dining Room Table This Fall
DIY these simple decoration ideas that'll make your holiday feast one to remember.
When it comes to Thanksgiving decoration ideas, you can't overlook the beauty of dressing up your dining room table. From the stress that comes along with finding the right Thanksgiving crafts for kids (including fun Turkey crafts) to preparing traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas to add to the menu, the holiday is one that requires some creativity as well as planning. That's why fall-themed table decor is a must — and we're sharing Thanksgiving centerpieces that are not only elegant, but easy to DIY on your own or with family and friends.
Thanksgiving weekend is always one worth waiting for. Who doesn't look forward to mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies and the headliner of the day: the turkey? Other than the delicious food that will be prepared, guests will also be amazed by the seasonal florals, colorful table runners, apples and branches that adorn your table to make eye-catching centerpieces. Not to mention picking out stylish tablecloths to match the focal points you designed.
Whether you prefer a grand, simple, high-style or kid-friendly Thanksgiving table setting, we've roundup up some of the most creative and affordable centerpieces that'll surely fit in with any of your dining room decorations for the season. From gobbling turkeys and pinecone looks to painted pumpkins and edible decor, these ideas highlight what Thanksgiving and the fall season are all about.
Palm Springs Pie Centerpiece
Pie is a common dessert for this holiday, so why not make it the centerpiece for the table? This blogger made caramel apple crumb pie and gave it a Palm Springs feel with mini palm trees, flamingos and cacti.
Rainbow Leaf Table Runner
This is a creative no-sew idea for lovers of colors and rainbows. DIY this vibrant table runner using felt sheets and a paper leaf printout.
Throwback Centerpiece
Give your Thanksgiving table a throwback look using a collection of disco balls in different sizes. Spray paint the cornucopia basket in your desired color to bring a lively look to the decor.
Painted Acorns
Looking for an easy seasonal craft that can also be used as your table's focal point? Gather acorns from the backyard and paint them in different colors for a modern yet simple centerpiece.
Balloon Centerpiece
Gather a bunch of balloons in fall-themed colors. Use string to keep them together and spread them out in the middle of your table to create an eye-catching visual flow. Just make sure they're small enough for guests to see over them at dinner.
Apples and Branches Centerpiece
Effortlessly DIY this tablescape using apples, branches and foliage from the outdoors. Surround the mix with taper candles to make the centerpiece stand out.
Foraged Flower Bouquet
Forage leaves and orange blooms from your backyard and group them together with dried grass and pink florals. This leads to a bright, playful and stunning floral centerpiece, similar to this blogger's creation.
Pumpkin Photo Holders
Show off your favorite memories of the year with pumpkin photo holders that can double as place cards. You'll need fake mini pumpkins and thick gold wire. Keep them grouped together at the center of the table or have them scattered around.
Thankful Tree
Let's not forget about the true meaning of Thanksgiving: being grateful. This is a DIY your kids can join in on. Make a thankful tree using faux berries, scrapbook paper and dried flowers.
Pumpkin Menu
To make your own pumpkin menu for the table, you only need a pumpkin, paint and a paintbrush. Write out the food you'll serve for the gathering on the pumpkin before surrounding it with smaller ones and candles.
Woven Paper Table Runner
This blogger used colored cardstock to DIY this striking table runner. Upgrade the decor with felt pumpkins and other artificial vegetables and fruits.
Maize Vase Centerpiece
Dress up a plain glass vase with the season's finest. Paint the dried cobs in metallic colors, then attach them to the vase's exterior with raffia in a similar hue. Moments before your guests arrive, fill the vase with fresh flowers, berries and greens.
Woodsy Centerpiece
Here's a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in. Place a log on a bed of moss, then decorate it with a mix of lush greenery and fresh flowers.
Pumpkin Pots Centerpiece
If you have a long table, line it with a medley of mini pumpkins instead of going with a single statement. After carving the mini pumpkins like normal, cut off the bottom of water bottles and slide them right inside to act as vases.
RELATED: The Best No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas
Vibrant Floral Centerpiece
Your garden's bounty will really pop against a sea of plaid. Arrange a colorful assortment of daisies, chrysanthemums and peonies to play up the vibrant hues in your other table linens and decor.
Minimalist Centerpiece
Silver dollar eucalyptus and white candles (both real and battery-operated) give off a refined look. Plus, you can re-use them together or separately at Christmas, New Year's Eve, anytime.
Crimson Floral Centerpiece
Go bold with an arrangement of crimson-colored flowers that are sure to pop against a textured table runner.
Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece
Put your blooms center stage by hiding a water-filled vase inside a hollow pumpkin. Punch it up by adding shiny gold tacks along the ridges.
Outdoor Thanksgiving Centerpiece
If you're lucky enough to be celebrating Thanksgiving outdoors this year, take full advantage of what nature has to offer. For your centerpiece, add foliage in tall vases and a chic lantern for warmth.
Wheat Stalk Centerpiece
Tie colored string around dried wheat bundles and place them inside glass cloches for an elevated centerpiece. After your Thanksgiving party wraps, replace the wheat with pine needles, red berries or pine cones.
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
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