Fall is here and it’s time to plan your Thanksgiving décor. Decorating your outdoor space can make a big difference in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In this buyer’s guide, we’ve put together tips and ideas for outdoor decorations to help you create a beautiful and festive space that complements your indoor décor.
Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations
Before delving into the world of yard fall decorations, consider your outdoor space’s layout, size, and existing elements. Will you focus on the porch, lawn, or patio? Next, decide on a theme that complements your home’s aesthetics. Choose from traditional, modern, or rustic themes, each offering its unique charm and character.
Showcase Your Unique Style
Infuse your outdoor space with your distinctive personality. Incorporate elements that hold special meaning to you and your family such as heirlooms or handmade decorations. Ensure your outdoor decorations complement your home’s architecture and exterior color palette.
Safety Precautions and Tips
Prioritize safety as you create your outdoor oasis. If using candles or open flames, ensure they’re positioned safely away from flammable materials. Prevent accidents by securely anchoring larger decorations to the ground, especially in windy conditions.
Maintenance and Storage
Preserve the longevity of your decorations with proper maintenance and storage. Opt for weather-resistant materials to ensure your Thanksgiving yard ornaments withstand the elements. Store decorations in dry, cool areas to maintain their condition and usability for seasons to come.
How to Weatherproof Outdoor Thanksgiving Decorations
Follow these tips when weatherproofing your outdoor décor for Thanksgiving:
Choose the Right Decorations
The foundation of weatherproofing begins with your choice of décor. Opt for materials that are both elegant and can withstand outdoor elements. Think wrought-iron candle holders, stone sculptures, and wooden accents treated with protective coatings. These decorations create a cozy and inviting atmosphere but are also resilient against wind and rain.
Prep Decorations for Outdoor Use
It’s crucial to prep your yard ornaments for Thanksgiving to make sure they endure the test of time and water damage. Prevent moisture from seeping into vulnerable surfaces by applying a weather-resistant sealant. Coat items like wooden signs, painted ornaments, and metal fixtures with a thin layer of sealant. This way, they’re better protected against unpredictable elements.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
Use furniture clips designed to secure chairs and tables in place. If you have a grassy area, stake your furniture into the ground to keep it from blowing away. You can also use deck anchors to secure them to a concrete patio or deck. Another option is to discreetly position sandbags near the legs of your furniture.
Incorporate Weather-Resistant Fabrics
Soft textiles can transform any space into a cozy haven, whether it’s for an indoor or outdoor setting. Choose fabrics for pillows, cushions, and throws crafted from weather-resistant materials. These textiles can resist moisture, fading, and mildew growth, ensuring that your seating areas remain inviting and comfortable, rain or shine.
Protect Tablescapes and Centerpieces
To keep your outdoor tablescape looking its best, use heavier items to anchor the tablecloth and table runners. This will help prevent them from blowing away in the wind. You can use decorative stones, weights, or even sandbags. Table runners that cascade down the sides will also help to keep the tablecloth in place and add a touch of sophistication.
Use Accent Lighting That Endures
As daylight fades and the stars appear, well-placed lighting can elevate the ambience of your outdoor Thanksgiving gathering. Opt for LED candles and string lights that radiate a warm, welcoming glow. Not only do these lighting options create an intimate atmosphere, but they’re also wind-resistant, ensuring that your outdoor oasis remains aglow, regardless of the weather.
Care for Outdoor Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements infuse colors and beauty into your outdoor Thanksgiving décor. To ensure their longevity, apply a floral sealant spray to lock in moisture and keep their fresh appearance. Regularly mist your arrangements to keep them hydrated and vibrant for your outdoor celebration. You can also use artificial topiaries and potted arrangements for convenience and less maintenance.
Weatherproof Yard Games
Engaging in outdoor yard games is a delightful way to bring laughter and merriment to your Thanksgiving gathering. When selecting games, opt for weather-resistant options such as cornhole, bocce ball, horseshoes, and giant Jenga. These classics provide endless entertainment and can withstand time and weather.
DIY Weatherproofing Solutions
Create a simple yet potent weatherproofing spray by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly mist your decorations with this solution to form an invisible barrier against moisture. This economical and eco-friendly method adds an extra layer of protection to your decorations.
Preserve Pumpkins and Gourds
Pumpkins and gourds are quintessential symbols of fall. To extend their lifespan and prevent premature decay, give them a gentle bleach bath before display. This simple yet effective technique hinders mold growth, allowing your pumpkins and gourds to retain their charm throughout the entire season.
Store Decorations for Future Use
Proper storage is key to preserving your decorations’ quality and extending their lifespan. Before stowing away your décor, ensure it’s clean and dry. Store items in labeled, airtight containers or storage bags to keep out dust, moisture, and pests.
Quick Fixes for Unforeseen Weather
Prepare for sudden rain showers or gusty winds by keeping waterproof tarps and bungee cords on standby. Swiftly cover and secure yard decorations for Thanksgiving with these impromptu measures to ensure your outdoor celebration is a success.
Maintain Décor Throughout the Season
Keep an eye on your outdoor decorations as the weeks go by and the autumn scenery changes. As soon as you see signs of weather damage, make sure to fix them immediately. Apply a new coat of sealant, adjust the position of sandbags, or fluff the cushions to maintain the beauty of your outdoor Thanksgiving setup throughout the season.
Top Outdoor Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
Transforming your outdoor space into a festive and inviting setting can elevate your holiday experience. From rustic charm to elegant arrangements, here are some creative Thanksgiving outdoor décor ideas that will make your gathering truly memorable.
Welcoming Harvest Entrance
Create an inviting entryway by adorning your front porch with hay bales, colorful pumpkins, and cornstalks. A “Happy Thanksgiving” sign or wreath on the door sets the tone for a warm gathering. You can also place a rustic bench where guests can take off their shoes and enjoy the fall ambience before entering.
Harvest Garland Delight
Drape your front door, porch railings, or fence with a fall garland made of autumn leaves, berries, and mini pumpkins. It’s a charming way to infuse the spirit of the season. You can personalize the garland by adding small tags with handwritten notes of gratitude or inspirational quotes.
Rustic Fall Wreath
Add rustic elegance by hanging autumn wreaths on your front door or wall. Choose pieces that feature classic fall elements such as maple leaves and pumpkins. Enhance the visual appeal with twinkling lights for a cozy, magical evening atmosphere.
Pumpkin Parade
Line your walkway with an assortment of pumpkins in varying sizes and colors. Consider painting them with metallic hues for a modern twist. To make it even more engaging, carve out some of the pumpkins to create intricate designs and patterns that represent the Thanksgiving theme.
Harvest-Inspired Centerpieces
Embrace the season with centerpieces featuring pumpkins, dried flowers, and foliage. Varying heights and textures add visual interest to your tablescape. Consider incorporating a mix of natural elements and metallic accents to create a harmonious and eye-catching centerpiece.
Bountiful Cornucopia Display
Fill a cornucopia basket with gourds, apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits. Place it as a centerpiece on your outdoor dining table for a classic Thanksgiving touch. Add a burlap table runner and some candles to create an elegant and heartwarming setting.
Luminous Pathway of Lights
Line your walkway with lanterns or candles in glass jars. This illuminated path will guide guests to your outdoor space and create a magical atmosphere. For an added touch, scatter some fallen leaves around the lanterns to enhance the autumnal charm.
Charming Mason Jar Candle Holders
Paint mason jars in warm fall colors and insert candles for an enchanting evening ambience. Hang them from tree branches or place them on tables. Consider using scented candles with fragrances like cinnamon or apple pie to evoke the essence of the season.
Glowing Fall Lanterns
Choose lanterns with intricate cutouts that cast mesmerizing patterns when illuminated. They add an element of charm and sophistication. To make them even more captivating, place small battery-operated string lights inside the lanterns to create a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.
Festive Outdoor Seating
Arrange cozy seating areas using plaid blankets, throw pillows, and wooden crates. Your guests can enjoy the crisp autumn air while lounging comfortably. Create a charming centerpiece for each seating area using a wooden tray filled with miniature pumpkins, pinecones, and outdoor-safe fall foliage.
Whimsical Scarecrow Corner
Display a scarecrow dressed in creative costumes to bring smiles and laughter to your guests. Include a small chalkboard or a banner where they can write down things they’re grateful for, turning the scarecrow corner into an interactive gratitude station.
Thanksgiving Tree of Gratitude
Set up a “Tree of Gratitude” where guests can hang leaves or cards expressing what they’re thankful for. It’s a heartwarming activity that fosters a sense of appreciation. Provide metallic markers and colored ribbons so that guests can personalize their gratitude leaves.
Cozy Outdoor Fireplace
Gather around a crackling outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Provide blankets and hot cocoa for a cozy and intimate setting. Set up a s’mores station nearby with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for a delightful treat that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Hay Bale Seating Arrangement
Stack hay bales to create casual seating for your outdoor gathering. Place plump cushions and blankets on top for comfort and style. Set up a small side table on one of the hay bales to hold mugs of hot cider and plates of Thanksgiving treats.
Foliage-Adorned Pergola
If you have a pergola or arbor, adorn it with cascading vines, fall leaves, and fairy lights to create an enchanting spot for guests to mingle. Hang small wooden signs with Thanksgiving quotes to add a heartwarming touch to the décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about outdoor Thanksgiving decorations:
How Do You Decorate Outside for Thanksgiving?
Use natural elements like pumpkins, corn, and hay bales to create a festive atmosphere. Some Thanksgiving display ideas include hanging fall-themed wreaths and garlands on your front door and porch, adding some twinkling lights to your trees and bushes, setting out some pumpkins and gourds on your patio or deck, and putting up a sign that says “Happy Thanksgiving”.
How Do I Protect My Outdoor Decorations From Rain?
Bring any decorations that are not weatherproof indoors, cover decorations with tarps or plastic sheeting, use stakes to secure them in place so they don’t blow away in the wind, and bring them out only when the weather is dry and mild.
How Do I Weatherproof My Outdoor Décor?
Choose pieces made from weatherproof materials, such as plastic, metal, or wicker. You can also apply a weatherproofing spray to decorations that aren’t weather-resistant. Finally, store decorations in a dry place when not in use.
How Do You Decorate Outdoors?
Decide on a theme first then gather your materials. Fall and Thanksgiving decorations are available at most stores or you can also make your own. Use a variety of heights and textures to create visual interest, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a unique look.
What Can I Use for Outdoor Decorations?
You can use pumpkins, outdoor-safe wreaths and garlands, fall leaves, corn stalks, hay bales, lights, and textiles. Read our article on Thanksgiving porch décor ideas for more inspiration.
What are the Benefits of Weatherproof Outdoor Decorations?
Weatherproof outdoor decorations can be left outside all season long without fading or getting damaged. They’re also easy to care for and maintain and can save you money in the long run.
Where To Find Thanksgiving Decorations?
You can find Thanksgiving decorations online, in department stores, and at arts-and-crafts fairs. Balsam Hill offers a wide selection of beautiful fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving décor. From entertaining essentials to autumn accents, you can find elegant pieces on our website to help you spruce up your home for the season.
We hope our outdoor decorations buyer’s guide helped you plan for your Thanksgiving décor this year. Click the button below to see our full collection of fall decorations.
Find More Fall & Thanksgiving Décor Ideas
Read these next for more tips and guides on decorating for fall and Thanksgiving: