“5 DIY Thanksgiving Garlands That Look Store-Bought (Wood Bead, Felt, & More)”

5 Stunning DIY Thanksgiving Garlands That Look Beautifully Store-Bought

Does your heart sink a little when a DIY project ends up looking… well, a little too homemade? You see those gorgeous, elegant Thanksgiving decorations in stores like Pottery Barn and dream of bringing that sophisticated style home, but the price tag is always a showstopper. 🍂

You’ve probably asked yourself, “How can I possibly make something that looks that professional?” It often feels like there’s a secret to getting that polished, high-end look, leaving you stuck with projects that don’t quite deliver on their promise.

Well, I’m here to share the secret with you! It’s all about using the right materials and simple, elegant designs. Get ready to create stunning DIY Thanksgiving garlands that will have your guests asking, “Where did you buy that?” Let’s fill your home with a warm, sophisticated, and heartfelt harvest glow. ✨

My Top 3 Favorite Decor Ideas

• Easiest to Make: The Modern Farmhouse Wood Bead & Tassel Garland
• Most Unique Idea: The Minimalist Air-Dry Clay “Grateful” Garland
• Biggest ‘Wow’ Factor: The Gilded Magnolia & Pinecone Garland

1. The Modern Farmhouse Wood Bead & Tassel Garland 🍁

I absolutely adore this project because it is the definition of simple elegance. The natural wood beads give it such a warm, organic feel, and the jute tassels add the perfect rustic touch. It’s a timeless piece that you’ll be able to use year after year, and it truly looks like something you’d find in a high-end home decor boutique.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 20 minutes | Cost: $$ | Style: Farmhouse, Scandinavian, Minimalist

🎯 Best For: Draping over a fireplace mantel or weaving through a tablescape for an effortlessly chic look.

Image-1: A close-up shot of the natural wood bead garland with its chunky jute tassels, styled on a crisp white mantel next to a few small, green pumpkins.

2. The Elegant Felt Olive Leaf Garland 🍁

If you want to create something truly sophisticated, this is the garland for you. Moving beyond the typical autumn leaves, the soft, muted green of felt olive leaves creates such a gentle and upscale look. I love how it pairs so beautifully with brass candlesticks and other metallic accents for a refined Thanksgiving mantel display.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Medium | Active Time: 60 minutes | Cost: $$ | Style: Elegant, Modern, Transitional

🎯 Best For: Adding a touch of understated, year-round elegance to a mirror, doorway, or bookshelf.

Image-2: The delicate felt olive leaf garland is draped gracefully over the top of a large, gold-framed mirror hanging above a console table.

3. The Minimalist Air-Dry Clay “Grateful” Garland 🍁

This is one of my favorite ways to add a personal and meaningful touch to our holiday decor. Creating your own hand-stamped clay tags feels so special, and the result is a clean, modern garland that’s completely unique to your home. It’s an artisan-style piece that speaks volumes with its simplicity.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Medium | Active Time: 45 minutes (+ drying time) | Cost: $ | Style: Modern, Minimalist, Rustic

🎯 Best For: Hanging on a wall or draping across a hutch to display a heartfelt message for the season.

Image-3: The air-dry clay garland spelling out “Grateful” hangs against a neutral-colored wall, with the focus on the beautiful texture of the clay and leather cord.

4. The Gilded Magnolia & Pinecone Garland 🍁

This project proves that a little touch of glam can make all the difference! I love heading outside to forage for pinecones for this one—it makes the process feel even more connected to the season. A light mist of gold spray paint completely transforms them, creating a luxurious garland that sparkles in the candlelight.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 30 minutes (+ drying time) | Cost: $$ | Style: Traditional, Elegant, Glam

🎯 Best For: Making a statement on a grand staircase banister or as a showstopping Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Image-4: The gilded magnolia and pinecone garland cascades beautifully down a wooden staircase banister, with the gold accents catching the warm indoor light.

5. The Rustic Dried Orange & Cinnamon Stick Garland 🍁

Nothing says “welcome home” quite like the scent of the holidays, and this garland delivers. The fragrance of the dried oranges and cinnamon is just heavenly, and the deep, natural colors are so beautiful. This is a project that delights all the senses and looks like a treasure you’d discover at an old-fashioned harvest market.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 25 minutes (+ oven time for oranges) | Cost: $ | Style: Rustic, Bohemian, Natural

🎯 Best For: Bringing warmth and fragrance to a kitchen window, pantry door, or coffee bar.

Image-5: The rustic dried orange and cinnamon stick garland is hung across a bright kitchen window, with sunlight beautifully illuminating the translucent orange slices.

🍁 Wishing You a Season of Heartfelt Style

I truly hope these ideas inspire you to get creative this Thanksgiving. Crafting your own decor brings such a personal, heartfelt touch to your holiday home. With the right materials and techniques, your handmade pieces can look just as stunning as anything from a high-end store, but filled with so much more love.

Which one of these elegant garlands are you planning to make for your Thanksgiving celebration? I’d love to hear your favorite in the comments