Creative Last-Minute Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Whether you’re hosting a small Thanksgiving gathering or even a virtual dinner this year, decorating your space is a great way to get into the spirit and make things feel a little more ” normal.” The good news is that Ohio Valley Goodwill has everything you need to create a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape on a budget!

Here are some easy last-minute decoration ideas:  

Holiday tablecloths

Tablecloths are often overlooked until it’s time for the holidays. While we may not use them every day, table linens can improve the look of your table and add a little extra elegance to your holiday meals.

Red scarf from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Look for holiday-themed table linens on your next Goodwill trip. Fabric with texture, like burlap, is great for the fall. You can even use a knit scarf as a table runner!

Felt leaf garland

Make your own festive leaf garland using scrap pieces of felt or fabric from a thrift store like Goodwill! First, cut the fabric into leaf-shaped pieces, adding two holes for the garland string or ribbon. Thread the string or ribbon through the leaves one-by-one. This is a fun activity to do over a video call with friends or family members! When you’re done, you’ll have a colorful garland to hang on your wall or mantle.

Glass Jars from Goodwill

DIY luminaries

Luminaries are fun to create, and they make great holiday decorations or gifts. All you’ll need are glass jars from Goodwill, battery operated tea lights (or real candles), and some paint! One idea is to stencil a design, like autumn leaves, stars, or snowmen, on the outside of your jar. Another idea is to use glitter spray paint and tie a festive ribbon around the top of the jar. Luminaries will look great on your table, displayed on a shelf, or lining the walkway to your front door. You could even deliver them to friends or family to let them know you’re thinking of them this holiday season!

Decorations from Goodwill

Faux flower centerpieces

Give your table a splash of color with bright faux flowers or greenery. Goodwill has a great selection of decorative plants to choose from. You can display the flowers in vases, goblets, jars, or bowls. Add seasonal fruit or vegetables like apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds, or even pinecones and acorns for the finishing touch.

Bring Good Home

This Thanksgiving can still be special and meaningful! Best of all, when you shop at Ohio Valley Goodwill for your Thanksgiving décor, you can feel great knowing that you’re helping others in your community with job training and employment opportunities.

Every item you purchase from Goodwill helps support our mission to provide life-changing programs and services for individuals with disabilities and veterans. Repurposing secondhand items also helps to reduce waste and protect our planet!

There’s no better time than the season of giving to give back, and Goodwill makes it easy. Find your nearest Ohio Valley Good retail store and become a job creator today!