27 DIY Thanksgiving Garland Inspirations for a Cozy Holiday Home
Thanksgiving is more than just food and family. It’s also about creating a warm space that feels inviting. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to decorate your home is with DIY Thanksgiving garlands. These garlands bring charm, color, and personality to your living space. Whether you want something rustic, elegant, playful, or natural, there’s an idea that will match your style.
In this guide, I’ll share 27 Thanksgiving garland inspirations that you can create with simple materials. I’ve tried some of these myself, and they truly make a difference. Think of garlands like the jewelry of your home—just as a necklace makes an outfit pop, a garland can transform your table, mantel, or doorway into a festive scene.
Let’s dive into these cozy and creative ideas!
1. Classic Leaf Garland
A leaf garland is the most timeless Thanksgiving décor. You can collect real autumn leaves from your yard or buy faux ones from a craft store. String them together with twine for a rustic look. When I tried this, I pressed the leaves in books for a week to keep them flat and vibrant. The result was stunning. Hang it on your mantel or drape it across a window for that golden fall glow.
2. Paper Pumpkin Garland
Pumpkins are the heart of Thanksgiving. Why not turn them into a paper pumpkin garland? Cut orange cardstock into strips and shape them into tiny pumpkins using brads or glue. String them together, and you’ve got a playful, lightweight garland that’s perfect for kids’ rooms or classroom parties. It’s cheerful, colorful, and easy on the wallet.
3. Corn Husk Garland
If you love rustic farmhouse décor, a corn husk garland will make your heart happy. Dry corn husks, fold them, and tie them onto twine. The texture is earthy and natural. I once hung this above my dining table, and the neutral beige color gave the space an authentic harvest vibe. Pair it with small corn cobs for extra flair.
4. Acorn and Pinecone Garland
Nature gives us free decorations if we look closely. An acorn and pinecone garland looks organic and cozy. Collect pinecones and acorns during a fall walk, drill small holes, and string them together. The varying shapes and textures make this garland interesting without needing much effort. A bonus? It smells like the forest indoors.
5. Burlap Garland
Burlap has a raw, country charm. A burlap garland is simple but stylish. Cut strips of burlap, tie them along a piece of jute rope, and fluff them up. You can even stencil words like “Give Thanks” or “Grateful” on each piece. This garland works best for farmhouse kitchens or rustic dining setups.
6. Dried Orange Slice Garland
Citrus and spice make everything nice. A dried orange slice garland not only looks warm but also smells amazing. Slice oranges, bake them until dry, and string them on twine. I once added cinnamon sticks between slices, and the aroma filled the entire living room. This garland doubles as décor and natural fragrance.
7. Felt Leaf Garland
For a soft and colorful touch, try a felt leaf garland. Cut felt in fall shades—red, orange, yellow, and brown—and sew or glue them onto ribbon. The bright colors pop beautifully against white walls. This one is durable, so you can reuse it every Thanksgiving.
8. Thankful Tag Garland
This garland doubles as décor and activity. Write things you’re grateful for on paper tags, then string them together. It’s called the thankful tag garland, and it sparks conversations at dinner. Each guest can add their own tag, making it interactive and personal.
9. Gingham Ribbon Garland
If you like cozy cottage vibes, a gingham ribbon garland is perfect. Cut strips of gingham fabric or ribbon and tie them on twine. The pattern feels nostalgic, like old picnic blankets. I once used red-and-white gingham for a Thanksgiving brunch, and it made the table setting extra charming.
10. Mini Wreath Garland
Why stop at one wreath when you can have many? Create tiny wreaths using grapevines or wire, then connect them with twine to form a mini wreath garland. You can decorate each with berries or leaves. It looks elegant hanging across a mantel.
11. Cinnamon Stick Garland
Nothing says fall like cinnamon. Bundle sticks together, tie them with string, and connect them into a cinnamon stick garland. The scent is heavenly, and it feels homey. Place it in the kitchen for both decoration and natural fragrance.
12. Fabric Scrap Garland
Don’t throw away leftover fabric! A fabric scrap garland is budget-friendly and sustainable. Cut fabric strips, tie them onto rope, and let the colors mix freely. I once used plaid flannels for this project, and it gave off a cozy, rustic cabin vibe.
13. Beaded Garland
Wooden beads add a minimalist yet warm touch. A beaded garland can be left plain or painted in autumn shades. Add tassels on the ends for a farmhouse finish. This style blends well with neutral décor themes.
14. Pumpkin and Leaf Garland
Why choose between pumpkins and leaves when you can have both? Combine small faux pumpkins with leaf cutouts for a pumpkin and leaf garland. It creates a fuller, more festive design. Perfect for mantel displays.
15. Popcorn Garland
This old-fashioned favorite is still charming. A popcorn garland is easy to make and fun for kids. Pop some corn, let it cool, and string it with a needle and thread. Add cranberries for a pop of color. It’s edible décor with nostalgia built in.
16. Twinkle Light Garland
Add magic to your Thanksgiving nights with a twinkle light garland. Wrap fairy lights with leaves, fabric, or pinecones for a glowing effect. I once used battery-powered fairy lights inside mason jars and strung them as a garland—instant cozy vibes.
17. Photo Memory Garland
Thanksgiving is about family, so why not hang memories? Print photos of loved ones and clip them onto twine for a photo memory garland. Mix in leaves or tags with quotes for extra warmth. Guests always smile when they see themselves included.
18. Apple Slice Garland
Just like oranges, apples dry beautifully. A dried apple slice garland has a rustic, farmhouse charm. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon before baking, and the scent will carry through your home. It’s festive and aromatic.
19. Crochet Garland
If you crochet, this one’s for you. Make small pumpkins, leaves, or acorns and string them into a crochet garland. It’s cozy, handmade, and lasts forever. Plus, it becomes a family heirloom you can bring out year after year.
20. Glitter Leaf Garland
For those who love sparkle, a glitter leaf garland is ideal. Collect faux leaves, brush them with glue, and sprinkle glitter. The shimmering effect looks magical under candlelight. It’s great for elegant or glamorous tablescapes.
21. Chalkboard Tag Garland
Create mini chalkboard tags, write festive words like “Thankful” or “Harvest,” and connect them into a chalkboard tag garland. Guests can even write their own messages. It’s interactive, stylish, and reusable.
22. Wheat Garland
Celebrate the harvest with a wheat garland. Tie bunches of dried wheat onto rope for a golden, rustic decoration. It symbolizes abundance and looks beautiful draped on a mantel. I once paired it with candles, and the glow was stunning.
23. Mason Jar Lid Garland
Don’t toss old lids—repurpose them! Paint them in fall shades, drill small holes, and string them into a mason jar lid garland. It’s quirky, creative, and perfect for farmhouse lovers.
24. Turkey Feather Garland
Use faux feathers in warm shades to create a turkey feather garland. It’s playful and festive, especially for kids’ spaces. I once mixed in metallic gold feathers, and it looked elegant while staying fun.
25. Chalk Paint Pumpkin Garland
Buy small wooden cutouts of pumpkins, paint them with chalk paint, and string them up. A chalk paint pumpkin garland gives you a matte, rustic finish. You can even write names or messages on them with chalk.
26. Doily Garland
Turn delicate paper or lace doilies into a doily garland. Fold them over twine and glue in place. The lacy design adds elegance and works well for a softer, vintage Thanksgiving vibe.
27. Mixed Harvest Garland
Finally, go big with a mixed harvest garland. Combine leaves, mini pumpkins, pinecones, wheat, and berries into one lush design. This garland feels abundant and captures the essence of Thanksgiving. It’s bold, full, and perfect for making a statement.
Final Thoughts
Decorating for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be expensive. These DIY Thanksgiving garland inspirations are simple, heartfelt, and fun to create. Each one adds a unique story to your home. Whether you lean toward rustic textures, glittery glam, or sentimental photo memories, there’s a garland here for you.
When I decorate with garlands, I notice how the room instantly feels warmer. Guests smile, kids get excited, and the holiday spirit grows. That’s the magic of handmade décor—it’s not just about looks; it’s about love and effort woven into every detail.
So grab your twine, glue, and creativity. This Thanksgiving, let your garlands tell a story of gratitude and togetherness.
