How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Outdoors - Decor Guide for Thanksgiving
Cindy VenerioThanksgiving is the perfect chance to gather with loved ones, and this year, why not celebrate outside? Hosting dinner in the crisp fall air creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space for guests to mingle and enjoy the season’s natural beauty. With the right touches, your backyard, patio, or porch can become the ultimate fall retreat. We’ll share the best decorating ideas for Thanksgiving outside, from tablescapes to front door accents, to help you create a festive and welcoming space. Just remember to display your outdoor Thanksgiving décor in covered areas like porches, patios, or other sheltered spaces to protect them from wind, rain, and sun. Most artificial wreaths, garlands, and plants aren’t designed for full outdoor exposure, so bring them inside for storage once the celebration is over.
Prepare the Essentials
To keep your holiday smooth and stress-free, plan ahead. Make sure your outdoor space can seat everyone comfortably in case you need extra tables or chairs. Always check the weather the day before Thanksgiving. If rain or snow is in the forecast, simply move the food indoors and reuse your décor. The beauty of Thanksgiving outdoor decorations is that they’re versatile—faux wreaths, garlands, and arrangements look just as beautiful inside as they do outside.
Best Thanksgiving Outdoor Table Decoration Ideas
Scrolling Pinterest can be overwhelming. A simple hack is to pick a theme first and then build your look around it. Here are some of our favorite styles:
-
Rustic: Cozy tones, distressed wood, and warm accents set the perfect mood. Rustic décor brings that timeless, family-gathering feeling.
-
Farmhouse: Pair a simple vase with loose fall faux stems for chic, natural appeal. Even if you don’t live in an area with fall foliage, farmhouse décor lets you bring autumn charm home.
-
Modern: Clean lines, symmetry, and minimal accents create a fresh twist on tradition. This style is great if you prefer a polished, contemporary tablescape.
Pick the Right Centerpiece
The right centerpiece anchors your table. First measure your table’s length or circumference. Then decide whether you want a bold statement or something more subtle.
Traditional choices: Cornucopia wreaths, pumpkin and berry centerpieces, and harvest wreaths are timeless options for a classic Thanksgiving look. For a fuller display, consider the 21” Pumpkin, Maple Leaf and Sorghum Harvest Artificial Arrangement in Metal Planter, which brings rich fall hues and festive charm to any table.
Add a Personal Touch
DIY is a great way to make your holiday memorable. Try mixing faux stems in contrasting textures and colors for a unique look. This works especially well outdoors, where you can create arrangements that suit your space perfectly.
Style with a Faux Garland
Faux garlands are trending everywhere, and for good reason. They’re low-maintenance, reusable, and instantly elevate your table. Choose a length that’s slightly longer than your table for a dramatic effect or shorter for a more intimate vibe. Add pumpkins, candles, or pinecones between the garland for a layered look.
Explore Thanksgiving Garlands.
Thanksgiving Outdoor Décor Ideas Beyond the Table
Your outdoor Thanksgiving décor doesn’t need to stop at the table. Faux fall trees and seasonal accents bring the feeling of autumn to any climate. Even in warmer weather, fall decorations like faux leaves, wreaths, and pumpkins set the mood.
-
Front Door Welcome: A fall wreath and garland instantly make guests feel at home. Pair with lanterns or pumpkins for an inviting entry.
-
Olive-Inspired Tablescape: Faux olive trees bring a Mediterranean touch to your celebration.
-
Rustic Outdoor Style: Loose stems arranged in tall vases create a focal point for round or rectangular tables.
-
Dreamy Porch Setting: Frame your entry with two faux fall trees, add pumpkins, and finish with a garland for a picture-perfect backdrop.
-
Grandmillennial Flair: Inspired by vintage style, magnolia stems and garlands add charm. See how our friend Stacey from @greenvalleygable styled hers for inspiration.
-
Farmhouse Front Porch: Combine faux greenery with pumpkins and wreaths for a welcoming backdrop that also makes for great family photos.
Final Touch
Thanksgiving is all about warmth and togetherness. Whether you lean rustic, modern, or farmhouse, these Thanksgiving outdoor décor ideas bring personality and charm to your celebration. Add faux wreaths, stems, or garlands, and you’ll have a space that feels festive, cozy, and truly memorable.
Shop Thanksgiving Décor at Nearly Natural.
