Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Celebrating the season with the perfect accents

Thanksgiving is a time of turkey feasts, pumpkin pies, and extended families gathering together. Because it takes place in late November, Thanksgiving is also a wonderful time for seasonal holiday decorations that can help turn a family feast into a truly joyful affair. The following tips can help you create quick, easy Thanksgiving decorations that will make your home the center of a joyous celebration.

Decorating the Thanksgiving table

The main event of any Thanksgiving is, of course, the dinner, so the decorations on the table can leave a lasting impression. Choose Thanksgiving table decorations that don't overpower the food but still create a sense of atmosphere.

Avoid fragrant centerpieces like scented flowers, since they will interfere with the taste of the food.

Choose a centerpiece that sits low to the table so guests sitting across from each other can still converse.

Keep in mind that once the turkey appears, the main centerpiece will probably have to be removed. Scatter small decorations around the edges of the table and between the dishes to keep a festive mood throughout the meal.

Some easy decorating ideas

Chances are good that the preparation of Thanksgiving dinner is going to take up most of your time. Don't stress about the decorations. These easy ideas can give you a lot of bang for your buck and make your decorating job a ten-minute affair.

Get the kids involved. Who doesn't remember making construction-paper turkeys and holiday placements in kindergarten? Use your child's holiday artwork as decoration on Thanksgiving. Tape turkeys to the front door and let your child make nameplates out of Popsicle sticks. The heartwarming touch of a child's artwork is ideal for this family-oriented holiday, and the kids will love to help.

Take advantage of the season. Because Thanksgiving lands in the fall, chances are fairly good that the outdoors is already decorated. If you live in a warmer climate where colored leaves are still on the trees, go outside and gather bouquets of leaves to adorn your table and mantelpiece. If the leaves on the trees are gone, look for sumac and other brightly colored winter plants that will add a splash of fall color to your home. Pinecones, acorns and oak boughs are also wonderful natural Thanksgiving decorations that are quick and easy to display.

The spirit of the season

The key thing to remember when decorating your home for Thanksgiving is that it isn't meant to be a stressful thing. It's wonderful to add a few holiday touches to your home, particularly if you're having a large dinner or family gathering, but the holiday is meant to celebrate togetherness and remind you of what you're thankful for.

If you're really pressed for time, all you need to do is flip through the photo album and display family photos prominently all over your home. This reminder of what's important may be the best Thanksgiving decoration of all.

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