Tips For Making Simple DIY Thanksgiving Decorations

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or the fiftieth, we know preparing for the big day can be a big task. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, decorating for Thanksgiving can require creativity and flair. This holiday season, Bob Evans has your Thanksgiving meal covered as well as simple and stylish decorating ideas for every host.

From rustic traditional to modern glam and everything in between, we have DIY Thanksgiving decor inspiration that will suit your taste and your lifestyle. Here are six simple Thanksgiving decorations and kid-friendly crafts that will transform your home and set the stage for a perfect holiday.

Painted Pumpkin Centerpiece

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween. Pumpkins and gourds can make the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. We recommend buying a bundle of small pumpkins from a local store or farmers market and arranging them in the center of your Thanksgiving spread.

For a rustic country look, hollow out a pumpkin and use it to display a bouquet of flowers during your feast. Coat smaller pumpkins and gourds with metallic spray paint (we love rose gold) for a more glamorous aesthetic.

Custom Signs

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, it’s guaranteed your guests will have lots of questions for you. From “When are we eating?”, “What are we having?” and “Where do I put my coat?”, we know you’ve heard it all.

Maintain order the day of by creating custom signs for your home. Place your signs in high-traffic locations in your home so everyone can see them - mount a welcome sign on your front door, or place a menu in the kitchen. You can even hot glue artificial flowers to the sides for an autumnal touch.

Handmade Place Cards

If you’re opting for a formal table arrangement, create place cards to guide your guests to their seats. Fold high-quality unlined index cards in half, and use your best handwriting to create a customized place card for each guest. There are tons of free lettering tutorials online! Choose a style that works for you and your family.

Gratitude Jar

Remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving - cultivating gratitude and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Use gratitude prompts as a conversation starter at your Thanksgiving dinner. Have your guests write down what they’re grateful for on small pieces of paper, tie them with string and drop them in a mason jar. It’s a small way to show your appreciation for the people that matter most. You can count your blessings through the year, or revisit them with your guests next Thanksgiving.

Paper Hand Turkey

Looking for Thanksgiving crafts for kids? Keep the little ones busy this holiday season with this sweet and simple activity. Have kids trace their hands on construction paper using crayon or markers - then cut them out and decorate them as turkey feathers! All you need is construction paper, washable markers, and glue sticks.

With these simple touches, you can host the perfect Thanksgiving for your family. The only thing left to prepare is the meal!