10 Ways to Decorate for Thanksgiving Without Spending a Dime

You don't need to splurge on new décor to make your home feel festive and welcoming for Thanksgiving. By foraging in nature and using what you already have, you can transform your home into a warm, inviting space that is perfect for gathering in this holiday season. From collecting fallen leaves for a DIY garland to repurposing everyday items like glassware and candles, we're sharing all the creative ways to decorate for Thanksgiving without spending a penny.

Create a Foraged Branch Arrangement

Skip fresh bouquets this fall and curate arrangements using greenery found in nature. "Forage branches from your yard or a nearby park and arrange them in a vase you already own," says Elizabeth Vergara, owner of Vergara Homes. "Trim the branches to different heights for a sculptural look, and tuck in a few acorns or pinecones to add texture and depth."

Make a DIY Foliage Wreath

Warmly welcome guests into your home this Thanksgiving by decorating your front porch for the season. "Use a wire hanger or grapevine base and weave in stems, dried grasses, or eucalyptus clippings," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. "Layer in texture by adding berries or seed pods for interest. Hang it on the front door or above a buffet for a welcoming focal point."

Use Pinecones as a Centerpiece

Depending on where you live, pinecones litter neighborhoods during fall. The next time you take a walk around the block, forage some pinecones for your Thanksgiving tablescape. "Gather pinecones, leaves, and seasonal greenery to create a natural centerpiece," says Vergara. "Place them in a shallow bowl or tray, arranging in clusters of odd numbers for balance. Surround with candles to introduce warmth and coziness."

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Use Leaves as Place Cards

If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner, adding place cards to each guest’s seat is a thoughtful touch. And it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. "Clip a few small leaves or sprigs from your yard and write guests’ names directly on them with a white paint pen or metallic marker," says Kelly. "Nestle them into napkin folds for a personal, nature-inspired touch."

Cluster Your Candles

Candles add ambience and warmth to your home and are a great way to elevate any tablescape. Rather than buying new candles, scour your home and cluster what you already have. "Group varying heights together and surround them with small natural elements like twigs, acorns, or dried flowers," says Vergara. "Using a tray or shallow dish to anchor the display adds a curated feel."

Repurpose Empty Jars

Search your cabinets for empty jars, bottles, or teacups that you can repurpose into charming vases. "Fill them with seasonal finds—flowers, grasses, or herbs—and wrap with twine, ribbon, or dried leaves," says Vergara. "Group several jars together to create an intentional arrangement.” Kelly notes that you can also use empty glass jars as glowing votives by placing candles of varying sizes inside.

Create a Pressed Leaf Garland

Seasonal garland can be expensive, whether you buy it fresh from a big box store or faux from your local craft store. Instead, consider collecting fallen leaves from outside and DIYing one yourself. "Press colorful fallen leaves under a heavy book, then thread them onto twine for a simple yet elegant garland," says Vergara. "Drape it across a mantel, staircase, or window frame, varying leaf sizes and shapes for an artistic touch."

Elevate Your Produce

Have extra produce that didn’t make it into your Thanksgiving feast? Consider utilizing it as table décor. "Raid your pantry or fruit bowl," recommends Kelly. "Display pomegranates, apples, squash, and citrus on a cutting board or platter with foraged leaves tucked in. It’s a simple, abundant look that feels collected, not staged."

Layer What You Have

You don’t need leaves, pumpkins, and other obvious seasonal motifs to decorate your home for Thanksgiving. Creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere using what you have is often all that’s required to evoke a fall ambience. "Use throws, scarves, or old table linens to layer warmth and softness on chairs or benches. Mixing materials—linen, wool, cotton—creates a cozy, collected look," says Kelly. She recommends choosing tones that complement the season, such as terracotta or soft green. 

Forage a Centerpiece

A beautiful centerpiece sets the tone for your Thanksgiving dinner. Rather than running out to purchase a bunch of tchotchkes for your setup, consider using what nature has already provided. "Some of the most beautiful Thanksgiving tables start outdoors," says Kelly. "Gather fallen branches and leaves to create a sculptural centerpiece or swag—then add candlelight to make everything glow. The contrast of natural texture and soft flicker instantly feels elevated."