30 Outdoor Thanksgiving Dinner Decor Ideas

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. If you’re planning on hosting an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner this year, you’ll want to make sure your space is beautifully decorated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In this article, we’ll share 30 outdoor Thanksgiving dinner decor ideas to inspire you and make your gathering truly special.

1. Cozy Fire Pit

Set up a fire pit in your outdoor space to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Arrange some comfortable seating around the fire pit, and your guests will love gathering around it to stay warm and share stories.

2. Fall Wreaths

Add fall wreaths to your outdoor space to instantly bring a festive touch. Hang them on your front door, gate, or even on the backs of chairs to create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner area.

3. Harvest Centerpieces

Create beautiful centerpieces for your outdoor dining tables using elements from nature. Arrange pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves, and candles in a rustic wooden box or on a platter for a stunning display.

4. Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is key to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hang string lights overhead, place lanterns on tables, or use candles in hurricane lamps to add a cozy glow to your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Fall-inspired Table Linens

Dress up your outdoor dining tables with fall-inspired table linens. Use tablecloths, runners, or placemats in warm colors like orange, red, and brown to bring the spirit of autumn to your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner.

6. Pumpkin Lanterns

Carve out pumpkins and place candles inside to create unique pumpkin lanterns. Line your pathways or scatter them around your outdoor space for a whimsical touch.

7. Hay Bale Seating

For a rustic and cozy seating option, use hay bales as seats. Place blankets and cushions on top for added comfort, and your guests will love lounging on these unique seating arrangements.

8. Fall Leaf Place Cards

Add a personal touch to your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner by creating fall leaf place cards. Collect colorful leaves and write your guests’ names on them, then place them on their designated seats.

9. Outdoor Bar Cart

Set up an outdoor bar cart to keep your drinks and refreshments easily accessible for your guests. Decorate it with fall-themed accessories like mini pumpkins, gourds, or a festive banner.

10. Mason Jar Candle Holders

Repurpose mason jars by turning them into candle holders. Fill them with sand or small rocks, place a candle inside, and arrange them around your outdoor space for a charming and rustic look.

11. Cornucopia Display

Create a stunning cornucopia display using a large basket or cornucopia-shaped centerpiece. Fill it with an abundance of fall fruits, vegetables, and flowers for a bountiful and festive touch.

12. Outdoor Rugs

Add warmth and comfort to your outdoor dining area with outdoor rugs. Choose rugs in fall colors or patterns to tie the space together and create a cozy atmosphere.

13. DIY Leaf Garland

Create your own leaf garland using fall-colored construction paper or real leaves. String them together and hang the garland around your outdoor space for a simple yet beautiful decor element.

14. Rustic Wooden Signs

Add rustic charm to your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner with wooden signs. Paint them with festive messages like “Thankful” or “Gather” and place them strategically around your outdoor space.

15. Harvest-inspired Tableware

Set your outdoor dining tables with harvest-inspired tableware. Use plates, bowls, and glasses in colors that reflect the season, and consider adding textured or patterned elements for visual interest.

16. Acorn Napkin Rings

Create adorable napkin rings using acorns and twine. Simply glue the acorns to a ring-shaped base and tie a small piece of twine around them. Place them on your napkins for a charming and natural touch.

17. Pumpkin Ice Bucket

Turn a pumpkin into a unique ice bucket for your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. Cut off the top, scoop out the insides, and fill it with ice to keep your drinks cool. It will serve as both a functional and decorative piece.

18. Fall Floral Arrangements

Use fall flowers like sunflowers, dahlias, and mums to create stunning floral arrangements for your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. Place them in vases or mason jars and scatter them around your space.

19. Wooden Log Serving Platters

Add a rustic touch to your outdoor dining tables by using wooden log slices as serving platters. Arrange appetizers, side dishes, or desserts on these unique and natural serving surfaces.

20. Natural Elements

Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, branches, and twigs into your outdoor Thanksgiving decor. Use them to fill vases, create wreaths, or scatter them around your space for an organic and earthy feel.

21. Harvest-inspired Banners

Hang harvest-inspired banners across your outdoor space to add a festive touch. You can create your own banners using burlap, fabric, or paper and paint or stencil fall-themed messages on them.

22. Pumpkin Flower Pots

Transform pumpkins into unique flower pots by hollowing them out and filling them with soil and flowers. Use a variety of pumpkins in different sizes and colors to create an eye-catching display.

23. Outdoor Thanksgiving Games

Keep your guests entertained with outdoor Thanksgiving games. Set up a cornhole or horseshoe game, or organize a friendly football match to add some fun and laughter to your gathering.

24. Warm Blankets and Throws

Provide warm blankets and throws for your guests to wrap themselves in during the chilly autumn evening. Place them on chairs or in baskets for easy access and ultimate comfort.

25. Pumpkin Spice Candles

Fill your outdoor space with the cozy scent of pumpkin spice by lighting pumpkin spice-scented candles. Not only will they create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but they’ll also add a touch of fall fragrance to your Thanksgiving dinner.

26. Fall-inspired Beverage Station

Create a fall-inspired beverage station where your guests can help themselves to warm apple cider, spiced hot chocolate, or seasonal cocktails. Decorate the station with fall-themed accessories like cinnamon sticks, apple slices, or mini pumpkins.

27. Outdoor Thanksgiving Photo Booth

Set up an outdoor Thanksgiving photo booth for your guests to capture memories. Hang a festive backdrop, provide props like hats and signs, and encourage your guests to take fun photos throughout the evening.

28. Harvest-inspired Dessert Table

Create a beautiful dessert table filled with fall-themed treats like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or caramel apples. Use cake stands, platters, and fall-themed decorations to showcase your delicious desserts.

29. Festive Beverage Stirrers

Add a decorative touch to your drinks by using festive beverage stirrers. Thread cranberries or orange slices onto toothpicks or skewers and place them in your guests’ glasses for a festive and flavorful addition.

30. Thankful Tree

Create a thankful tree where your guests can write down what they’re grateful for and hang their notes on the branches. It’s a meaningful and interactive way to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with your loved ones.

Conclusion

With these 30 outdoor Thanksgiving dinner decor ideas, you can transform your outdoor space into a festive and inviting setting for your gathering. From cozy fire pits to harvest centerpieces and fall-inspired table linens, there are countless ways to add a touch of autumn to your Thanksgiving celebration. Get creative, have fun, and make this year’s outdoor Thanksgiving dinner truly memorable.