While there’s no doubt the food is the star of the show during the holidays, your Thanksgiving décor can play an important supporting role in setting the mood for the celebration. Customizing your décor is a simple way to add a personal touch to the gathering and help guests feel welcome in your home. But adding a bit of custom style doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complicated either. In fact, your local supermarket can be a great place to pick up simple and inexpensive decorative elements for the big feast. If you’re looking to wow your guests with your tablescape this year, these easy Thanksgiving décor ideas are sure to spark some inspiration.
Go Natural
One of the easiest ways to find inspiration is to look to nature this time of year. Pumpkins, fallen leaves, and pinecones are obvious décor contenders. Couldn’t make it to the pumpkin patch? No worries. Most local grocery stores will have pumpkins of varying sizes available for purchase in the produce department. While you’re there, pick up some oranges and cinnamon sticks to use for décor, too. Tie cinnamon sticks around an unlit candle or string sliced and dried oranges around a festive garland.
Don’t Forget the Florals
Speaking of stopping at the grocery store, no tablescape is truly complete without flowers. There are so many great and colorful options for fall florals, including sunflowers and mums. Experiment with different combos of flower colors and sizes to see what you like best and what fits your table (keep arrangements low enough so they don’t block people from seeing and conversing with each other easily). Check the floral department of your local grocery store special Thanksgiving arrangements.
DIY Fun
Try gluing dry leaves, faux leaves, or even bay leaves from the spice section to the outside of mason jars and put a tea light inside to place on the table. Kid-friendly crafts are also a fun way to keep little ones busy while you do other party prep and can double as cute Thanksgiving décor. For a less-mess option, print out stencils for turkeys and crayons, and your kid will have a fun DIY craft that doubles as table decor.
Change Up Your Table Settings
Most people are accustomed to breaking out their best china for the occasion, but there are so many other ways to make each place setting special. Add themed napkins or switch out silver flatware for gold. Instead of charger plates, you can grab compostable plates and vegetable-based markers and have kids design them for each guest. Check your local supermarket for other fun seasonal table items, like themed dinnerware, cups, platters, tablecloths, and runners.
Make the Menu the Main Event
Print out copies of your menu on decorative cardstock to add to each place setting so your guests know what to expect from their meal. This is also a great way to assign seats and be clear about what’s in each dish if any of your guests have any allergies or dietary restrictions. You can even add in cocktail suggestions or other drinks available to guests. You can customize these to coordinate with your other Thanksgiving décor by printing out patterns you find online, using stickers and stamps, or adding illustrations you create yourself. Bonus: include a personalized element at the top of each menu, like the guest’s name and why you’re thankful for them.