Thanksgiving is a season of warmth, gratitude, and creativity. It’s not only about the food on the table but also about the little touches that make a home feel festive. And nothing says fall more than pumpkins. Whether you use real ones from a pumpkin patch or foam ones from the craft store, these little gems are a canvas waiting for your imagination.

In this guide, I’ll share 29 DIY pumpkin crafts for Thanksgiving decor that go beyond the typical carved faces. These projects will bring charm, coziness, and personality to your home. Think of pumpkins as blank journals—each one ready to hold a new story. Some of these ideas are simple enough for kids, while others will challenge your inner artist. The beauty of handmade decorations is that they carry memories, and every little imperfection adds character.

1. Painted Pumpkin Centerpieces

Instead of carving, paint your pumpkins with bold fall shades like burgundy, mustard, and sage green. Add metallic accents with gold or copper paint for a rich look. Painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones, so you can enjoy them all season. I once created a table centerpiece with three different sizes of painted pumpkins, and my guests kept asking if I had bought them from a boutique store. The secret? Just a few strokes of acrylic paint and some patience.

2. Pumpkin Candle Holders

Hollow out mini pumpkins and insert tealight candles inside. The warm flicker creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. I tried this last year with cinnamon-scented candles, and it felt like the whole room was wrapped in a fall hug. Just be sure to place the candles on a tray or dish to keep things safe.

3. Fabric-Wrapped Pumpkins

Take fabric scraps—plaid shirts, old scarves, or even burlap—and wrap them around small foam pumpkins. Tie them off with twine or ribbon. This craft is budget-friendly and brings texture to your decor. I love using flannel fabric; it gives the pumpkins a rustic farmhouse vibe that pairs beautifully with wooden tables.

4. Glitter Pumpkins for Glam

For a little sparkle, cover pumpkins in glitter. You can do the whole pumpkin or just dip the top half for a two-tone effect. Place them on your mantel for a glamorous twist. When the sunlight hits them, it looks like tiny stars twinkling inside your living room.

5. Chalkboard Pumpkins

Paint your pumpkin with chalkboard paint and write thankful messages or menu items on them. It’s a fun way to involve kids, too, because they can doodle and erase as often as they like. These pumpkins double as decor and conversation starters at the table.

6. Pumpkin Vases

Cut out the top of a medium pumpkin, scoop it clean, and insert a jar or vase inside. Fill it with fall flowers like sunflowers, mums, or dahlias. I once used one as a Thanksgiving hostess gift, and it felt more heartfelt than a store-bought bouquet.

7. Pumpkin String Art

Hammer small nails into a pumpkin in the shape of a leaf or heart, then weave yarn around them. It’s like giving your pumpkin a sweater. This unique craft turns an ordinary pumpkin into a piece of art that feels both rustic and creative.

8. Decoupage Pumpkins with Napkins

Use patterned napkins or tissue paper to decoupage pumpkins. I found floral napkins with fall tones, and the finished pumpkins looked like they came from a designer shop. All you need is Mod Podge, a brush, and a steady hand.

9. Pumpkin Place Card Holders

Mini pumpkins can hold guest name cards for your Thanksgiving table. Simply attach a toothpick and card to the stem. Guests will love finding their names waiting on a pumpkin. It’s a thoughtful detail that makes dinner feel more personal.

10. Rustic Twine Pumpkins

Wrap twine around foam pumpkins for a rustic farmhouse look. Add a few cinnamon sticks as stems for fragrance and charm. These pumpkins last year-round and look especially cozy beside candles.

11. Lace-Wrapped Pumpkins

Cover pumpkins in lace fabric or use lace doilies to give them a delicate, vintage feel. These are perfect if you want your Thanksgiving decor to lean more toward elegance than rustic charm.

12. Ombre Painted Pumpkins

Blend colors from dark to light to create an ombre effect. I once painted pumpkins in shades of brown, orange, and cream, and the gradient looked like a sunset frozen on a pumpkin.

13. Button-Decorated Pumpkins

Glue buttons onto pumpkins in patterns or random assortments. Use different sizes and colors for a quirky, playful look. This craft is a great way to use up leftover sewing supplies.

14. Gilded Leaf Pumpkins

Apply metallic leaf foil—gold, silver, or copper—onto pumpkins. The mix of natural pumpkin texture with shiny foil creates an elegant contrast. These make perfect mantel or dining table pieces.

15. Pumpkin Garland

String mini foam pumpkins together with twine to make a festive garland. Hang it across the fireplace, window, or staircase railing. Kids love helping with this project, and it’s reusable every year.

16. Stenciled Pumpkins

Use stencils to paint designs like leaves, turkeys, or even geometric shapes onto pumpkins. Stenciling keeps the patterns neat, especially if freehand painting feels overwhelming.

17. Sweater Pumpkins

Repurpose old sweaters into pumpkin covers. Cut the sleeve, wrap it around the pumpkin, and tie it with twine. They look soft, warm, and perfect for cozy Thanksgiving decor.

18. Wooden Pumpkin Cutouts

If you’re handy with tools, cut pumpkin shapes from wood and paint them. They can stand by your porch, on shelves, or even act as signs with “Give Thanks” written on them.

19. Beaded Pumpkins

Glue beads in swirls or stripes on pumpkins for a textured, sparkling effect. Beaded designs catch the light and add sophistication to your decor.

20. Pumpkin Table Runners

Arrange small pumpkins down the center of your dining table as a natural runner. Mix in greenery, pinecones, and candles. It feels like a mini harvest festival running right through your meal.

21. Monogrammed Pumpkins

Paint or carve your initials into pumpkins. Place them by the entryway to welcome guests. Personalized touches like this always make a home feel warmer.

22. Yarn-Wrapped Pumpkins

Wrap colorful yarn around mini pumpkins for a playful and textured effect. Try using autumn tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep green.

23. Pumpkin Topiary

Stack pumpkins of different sizes to create a vertical display. Place them on your porch or by the fireplace. They add height and drama to your decor.

24. Pumpkin Lanterns with Fairy Lights

Instead of candles, fill hollow pumpkins with battery-operated fairy lights. The soft glow creates a magical look without any fire risk.

25. Mosaic Pumpkins

Break old tiles, CDs, or glass pieces and glue them onto pumpkins. The mosaic effect looks stunning when light bounces off the reflective surfaces.

26. Nature-Inspired Pumpkins

Glue acorns, dried leaves, or pinecones onto pumpkins. It gives them an organic, woodland look that ties beautifully into the season’s natural theme.

27. Pumpkin Wreaths

Use small foam pumpkins as part of a Thanksgiving wreath. Attach them to a grapevine base with hot glue. Hang it on your front door to greet guests with seasonal cheer.

28. Pumpkin Tiered Trays

Arrange mini pumpkins on a tiered tray along with candles, leaves, and gourds. Place it on the kitchen counter or dining table as a quick but stunning focal point.

29. Pumpkin Memory Keepsake

Finally, turn pumpkins into keepsakes. Write family members’ names or what you’re thankful for on each one. Line them up every year to see how your gratitude list grows over time.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkins are not just vegetables. They’re storytellers. Every painted stripe, glued button, or wrapped fabric carries a memory. When you try these DIY pumpkin crafts for Thanksgiving decor, you’re not only decorating your home—you’re also weaving joy into your family traditions.

I’ve found that even the simplest pumpkin project can spark the biggest smile. Whether it’s kids giggling while glittering pumpkins or guests admiring a homemade centerpiece, these crafts remind us what Thanksgiving is truly about: gratitude, creativity, and togetherness.

So, grab a pumpkin, gather your supplies, and start creating. This Thanksgiving, let your home glow with handmade charm.