Fall & Thanksgiving Garden Decor: DIY, Budget-Friendly, and Thrifty Ideas

Right from the Garden: Harvest Your Way to a Gorgeous Display

Ah, Thanksgiving—a time for pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, and gathering with loved ones. But let’s not forget the decor! Whether you’re hosting dinner or just want to spruce up your home with autumn vibes, your garden has plenty to offer. Decorating for Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you need to hit up expensive home stores. With some creativity, your garden and a dash of DIY spirit, you can craft a Thanksgiving-worthy atmosphere. Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s dig in!

 

What to Use from Your Garden

Pumpkins and Gourds

If you’ve grown pumpkins or gourds, you’ve struck Thanksgiving gold! These classic autumn staples add an instant festive feel. Use them as centrepieces, porch decor, or on your dining table. If you didn’t plant any this season, no worries—local farmers’ markets often have them at reasonable prices, or you can try the thrift stores for plastic or ceramic ones that can be reused year after year.

Ornamental Grasses

If you have ornamental grasses, cut a few sprigs to create beautiful, wild bouquets. They add a rustic, textured look to your decor. You can arrange them in mason jars or tie them with twine for a homespun vibe. Grasses like feather reed grass, switch-grass, or even dried wheat can work wonders.

Fallen Leaves

Why not make the most of the abundance of colourful fallen leaves? Collect the prettiest ones—think vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges—and use them as natural table scatter, in garlands, or tucked into wreaths. Be sure to dry them out first, so they don’t crumble.

Branches and Twigs

Bare branches from your garden can add height and drama to your decorations. Spray-paint them gold, white, or copper, and place them in a tall vase for an elegant statement piece. You can also hang mini pumpkins or paper leaves with Thanksgiving quotes from them for added charm.

Hydrangeas

If you have paniculata hydrangeas or endless summer hydrangeas, you’re in luck! Their blooms dry beautifully and can be arranged in a vase or wreath. The muted, antique colours they take on after drying fit perfectly with the Thanksgiving aesthetic.

Cornstalks & Straw

Bundle up those cornstalks and use them as porch decor or tie them around fence posts. Not growing corn? No problem! You can often find affordable bundles at local farmers' markets.

Herbs for Aromas

Fresh-cut rosemary, thyme, and sage not only add greenery but smell fantastic too. Use them in your table settings or tie them into little bunches as napkin rings.

 

Thanksgiving Must-Haves to Include

• Mums, Kale & Cabbage: Hardy and colourful, these are a must. Mums come in shades of yellow, orange, and purple, making them the perfect pop of colour for your porch or planters. Ornamental cabbage and kale aren’t just good eats—they’re beautiful in containers and add a cool-season twist to your summer planters.
• Wreath: A wreath is a classic fall decor staple, and creating one with what’s in your garden is simple and inexpensive. Use grapevine, twigs, dried flowers, ornamental grasses, pine cones, and berries. Add in some hydrangea heads or a few sprigs of lavender to give it that garden-grown touch.
• Centrepieces: A Thanksgiving table centrepiece is a must! Use pumpkins, gourds, dried hydrangeas, twigs, and candles to craft a low-cost, beautiful arrangement. Mix in some fallen leaves for extra colour. You can even carve out mini pumpkins and use them as candle holders or vases for flowers.
• Table Settings: If you want to get extra fancy, why not use what’s in your garden to make natural table settings? Attach a small piece of ornamental grass or a pretty leaf to each napkin with twine. Or, use pine cones or mini pumpkins as place card holders.

 

Freshen Up Those Sad Summer Planters

If your summer planters are looking a bit tired, give them a face lift with cool-loving annuals. You don’t need to chuck everything out—just swap out the summer blooms for these fall favourites:

Mums

Go bold with mums in all the autumn colours. They’re tough enough to handle the chilly weather and bloom their little hearts out well into the season.

Ornamental Kale & Cabbage

These beauties can survive light frosts, and their vibrant purple, green, and white hues scream fall. They look great clustered together or mixed in with other cold-hardy plants.

Pansies

Don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance—pansies are tough cookies and thrive in cooler temperatures. Plus, they come in a variety of fall-friendly shades.

Grasses

Add height and texture with ornamental grasses like puprle fountain grass. They look fab swaying in the autumn breeze and can hang around until winter.

 

DIY, Budget-Friendly, and Thrift Ideas

1. Mason Jar Candle Holders: Nothing says cozy like candlelight. Fill mason jars (which you probably have lying around or can grab cheap at a thrift store) with leaves, acorns, and small twigs. Pop in a tealight candle, and boom—instant Thanksgiving vibe. You can also wrap the jars in twine for a rustic touch.
2. Thrifted Blankets and Plaid Tablecloths: Thrift stores are gold mines for budget-friendly decor. Look for old flannel shirts, cozy blankets, or plaid tablecloths to set the stage for your Thanksgiving gathering. Drape them over chairs or use them as tablecloths for a warm, rustic feel.
3. DIY Leaf Garland: Create your own fall garland using leaves from your garden. String them together with twine or fishing line and hang them across your mantel, door-frame, or above your dining table. You can also mix in pine cones or dried flowers for added texture.
4. Painted Pumpkins: If you’ve got kids (or just enjoy getting crafty), skip the carving and paint your pumpkins instead! You can go traditional with orange, white, and gold, or have fun with patterns like polka dots and stripes. If you didn’t grow any pumpkins, small pumpkins and gourds can often be found at thrift stores or farmers’ markets for cheap.
5. Foraged Pine cones & Acorns: On your next walk, grab a handful of pine cones and acorns. They’re perfect for filling bowls, scattering along tables, or adding to your wreaths and garlands. Bonus: they’re free and compostable when the season’s over!
6. DIY Fall Wreath: Make your own wreath using a mix of dried flowers, herbs, and branches from your garden. Weave in some colourful leaves, add a ribbon, and voilà! Instant autumn door decor.

 

Thrift Store Hacks

1. Old Picture Frames – Find some cheap frames at a thrift store, paint them a fall colour, and add leaves or fall-themed prints for easy wall decor.
2.  Vintage Pitchers or Baskets – These are perfect for holding dried grasses, flowers, or branches. You can also use them as unique centrepieces.
3. Old Books – Stack some old hardcover books with fall-coloured covers as part of your tablescape. Pair them with a mason jar candle and some ornamental grasses for a cozy vibe.

 

Final Touches

• Candles – Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with candles, and pair them with natural elements from your garden like branches or dried leaves.
• Plaid Throws – Drape a thrifted plaid blanket or throw over your dining chairs for added coziness.
• Pumpkin Bowls – Hollow out small pumpkins to use as bowls for nuts or candy, or fill them with flowers for a fun twist on a vase.

 

So, there you have it, fall & Thanksgiving may come with its own challenges (hello, frost!), but your garden is still full of treasures that can make your home feel festive without breaking the bank. Plus, using what’s already in your garden is as sustainable as it gets—and that’s something to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy gardening! 🍁