The Halloween decorations are down and it’s quite time for the Christmas Tree, but that doesn’t mean your house has to feel bare in-between! Thanksgiving decorations give you the chance to tap into your creativity and find or create pieces that capture fall vibes.
Whether it’s a wreath on your door, a table centerpiece, or a pumpkin-lined porch, there are endless ways to create a festive environment for Turkey Day. And the best bit? All these ideas are 100% zero-waste, helping reduce the shocking amount of trash generated during the holiday period.
Home is where the heart is - so let’s make it the most inviting and eco-friendly it’s ever been!
Thanksgiving Waste - Why Zero Waste Is Key!
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, 25% more waste is created than the rest of the year - this amounts to 1 million extra tons of garbage generated each week!
Although that combines food waste, packaging, and gift-giving, it’s essential to look at all the ways we can reduce the impact of the holiday season on the planet, including decorations.
The Thanksgiving decor ideas below are either made from recyclable and sustainable materials, reducing the temptation to buy cheap plastic decorations that may not last another holiday season. Or, they’re DIY’d using upcycled waste and sustainable crafts materials, to help give waste another life and add a personal touch to your home.
Whether it’s a big family affair or you’re keeping it small, these ideas will get you in the festive vibe!
10 Cute And Cozy Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
1. Nature-Inspired Wreath
Craft your own wreath using natural materials like pinecones, acorns, twigs, and fall leaves. Once you’ve gathered your natural materials, shape your twigs into a circle, and secure them with twine or Wrappily Silver Paper Gift Ribbon instead of plastic ties. You can even add dried citrus slices for color!
2. Pumpkin and Gourd Centerpiece
For a quick and eco-friendly table display, arrange a mix of pumpkins, gourds, and squash in the center of your dining table, with sustainable candles or small dried flowers to complete the look. When Thanksgiving is over, compost the pumpkins or cook them to avoid food waste.
3. DIY Candles with Eco Glitter
Create beautiful homemade candles using the Natural Beeswax Candle Making Kit, and add Eco-Piggy Eco Glitter for a touch of shimmer without harming the environment. This one is great for getting the kids involved!
4. Upcycled Mason Jar Lanterns
Transform old mason jars into rustic lanterns by filling them with dried leaves, acorns, or small pinecones, then add a tea light for a warm glow. These are great for both indoor and outdoor decor.
5. Solar-Powered Lantern
Add a touch of magic to your Thanksgiving with this cute star-shaped, origami-inspired lantern. It adds a cozy glow to your table or porch, plus it's solar-powered and made from recyclable materials to ensure your decor is energy-efficient and sustainable.
6. Dried Citrus Garland
Thinly slice oranges, lemons, or limes, and bake them at a low temperature until dried. String them together with twine and hang them along your staircase for a pop of color and a natural aroma.
7. Homemade Table Runner
Give your Thanksgiving table a personal touch by crafting a unique table runner from fabric scraps or old textiles with sentimental value, that you no longer need. Whether it's an old pillowcase, a beloved curtain, or leftover fabric from past projects, stitch these memories together into a beautiful and meaningful runner. It's a heartfelt way to celebrate the season while embracing zero waste.
8. Hot Chocolate Station
Nothing says cozy like hot chocolate! Create a charming hot chocolate station with the Verve Culture Handmade Hot Chocolate Jug and Real Hot Chocolate Discs. Set up a corner of your kitchen or dining area with the jug and surround it with pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and twinkling fairy lights. It’s a festive display that kids and adults alike will adore!
9. Natural Scent Sachets
Fill small fabric pouches with dried lavender, cloves, or cinnamon sticks to create natural scent sachets that will fill your home with autumn aromas.
10. Pressed Leaf Place Cards
For a special touch at your dinner table, collect fallen leaves from your yard and press them between books for a few days. Write your guests’ names on the leaves with a metallic pen and place them on top of their plates or napkins for nature-inspired place cards.
This Thanksgiving, make your home cozy and festive while keeping sustainability front and center. From nature-inspired wreaths to homemade table runners, these zero-waste Thanksgiving decoration ideas are a fun and creative way to celebrate the season without adding to holiday waste.
Happy Thanksgiving!
EarthHero x
