“5 Things to Put Away (And 5 to Add) When Decorating for Thanksgiving”

Is your home stuck in that awkward phase between spooky season and cozy season? You’ve packed away the candy, but the black and orange decor still lingers, and it just doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving yet. 🍂

I used to feel so overwhelmed trying to figure out how to switch gears. Do I need to buy all new decorations? How can I make my home feel warm and grateful without a total, time-consuming overhaul?

Then I discovered the secret isn’t about redecorating—it’s about a simple “decor swap.” This easy guide shows you exactly what to put away and what to add, helping you create a warm, welcoming Thanksgiving home in no time. Get ready to feel festive and relaxed! ✨

My Top 3 Favorite Decor Ideas

• Easiest to Make: Display a ‘Give Thanks’ Printable or Sign
• Most Unique Idea: Ditch the Dark & Dreary: Replace Stark Black with Rich Browns
• Biggest ‘Wow’ Factor: Layer in Coziness: Add Plush Textiles & Blankets

1. Swap Spooky for Subtle: Pack Up the Skulls & Spiders 🍁

I love a good haunted house vibe, but once November hits, it’s time to create a feeling of gratitude. Packing up the skulls and spiders is the first and easiest step to shift the mood from spooky to serene and welcoming for your Thanksgiving guests.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 15-30 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Seasonal Transition

🎯 Best For: A quick, high-impact cleanup to instantly change your home’s atmosphere.

Image-1: A person smiling while placing a decorative skull into a storage bin labeled “Halloween.”

2. Tone Down the Palette: Retire Bright Jack-O’-Lantern Orange 🍁

That electric, vibrant orange is so fun for Halloween, but it can feel a little too loud for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner. I find that swapping it for deeper, earthier tones like rust and terracotta immediately makes my home feel warmer and more elegant for the season.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Seasonal Transition

🎯 Best For: Creating a sophisticated and warm color scheme without buying all new decor.

Image-2: Side-by-side shots of a bright orange pumpkin pillow and a rich, burnt sienna-colored one.

3. Say Goodbye to Ghouls: Remove Witches, Ghosts, and Monsters 🍁

The ghouls and ghosts have had their moment to shine! Clearing them out makes way for a theme centered on the beauty of the harvest and the joy of gathering with loved ones. This simple act really helps focus your decor on a feeling of thankfulness.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 15-30 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Seasonal Transition

🎯 Best For: Making your home feel family-friendly and focused on the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Image-3: A cheerful shot of decorative witches and ghosts being packed away neatly in a box.

4. Ditch the Dark & Dreary: Replace Stark Black with Rich Browns 🍁

While a little black can be very chic, too much of it can feel harsh for a warm Thanksgiving setting. I love replacing my black crows or dark wreaths with items in chocolate brown, copper, or bronze. It’s a subtle change that makes a huge difference in creating a soft and inviting space.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Seasonal Transition

🎯 Best For: Warming up your existing decor with a simple and cozy color swap.

Image-4: A close-up of a cozy, chocolate brown throw blanket draped over an armchair where a black one was before.

5. Clear Out the Creepy: Take Down the Cobwebs & Cauldrons 🍁

This is my favorite part of the transition because it instantly makes everything feel fresh and clean! Taking down the faux cobwebs and packing away the cauldrons prepares your home to be a welcoming, cozy haven for family and friends. It sets the perfect stage for all the warmth to come.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 15-30 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Seasonal Transition

🎯 Best For: The final step in saying goodbye to Halloween and fully embracing the Thanksgiving spirit.

Image-5: A hand gently pulling a strand of fake cobweb from a fireplace mantel.

6. Embrace the Harvest: Bring in Corn Stalks & Gourds 🍁

Now for the fun part—adding in the beauty of the season! Nothing feels more like Thanksgiving to me than natural harvest elements. I always place corn stalks by my front door and scatter a few interesting gourds on my dining table for a simple, rustic centerpiece that celebrates nature.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $$ | Style: Rustic, Farmhouse

🎯 Best For: Adding instant, authentic fall character to your porch or entryway.

Image-6: A welcoming front door flanked by two bundles of corn stalks, with a colorful pile of gourds on the steps.

7. Set a Tone of Gratitude: Display a ‘Give Thanks’ Printable or Sign 🍁

This is such a simple and heartfelt way to center your home on the meaning of the holiday. I have a favorite “Give Thanks” printable that I put in a rustic frame on my entryway table each year. It’s the first thing guests see, and it sets a beautiful, grateful tone right away.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 5 minutes | Cost: $ | Style: Modern Farmhouse, Traditional

🎯 Best For: An easy, affordable way to add a meaningful touch to your decor.

Image-7: A beautiful “Give Thanks” sign hanging on a wall above a console table styled with mini pumpkins.

8. Infuse Warmth with Color: Introduce an Earthy, Muted Palette 🍁

With the bright orange gone, it’s time to layer in those gorgeous, warm Thanksgiving colors. I love swapping my pillow covers for ones in rust, mustard yellow, and deep burgundy. It’s an easy way to build a rich, inviting color story that makes any room feel cozier.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $$ | Style: Elegant, Cozy

🎯 Best For: Quickly updating the color scheme of your living room or family room for the season.

Image-8: A stylish sofa decorated with a mix of velvet and patterned pillows in warm, earthy fall tones.

9. Layer in Coziness: Add Plush Textiles & Blankets 🍁

My absolute favorite way to make my home feel ready for Thanksgiving is by adding cozy textures. Draping a chunky knit blanket over the sofa or placing soft velvet pillows on an armchair instantly invites guests to sit down and relax. It’s all about creating that warm, hug-like feeling in your home.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 5 minutes | Cost: $$ | Style: Cozy, Hygge

🎯 Best For: Making your living spaces feel incredibly warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Image-9: A cozy armchair corner featuring a plush, chunky knit blanket and a cup of steaming tea on a side table.

10. Create an Intimate Glow: Scatter Candles & Warm Lighting 🍁

The final touch is always the lighting! I swap out any leftover spooky lights for the soft, flickering glow of candles. Placing them in amber or brass holders adds an extra layer of warmth and creates a beautiful, intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a heartfelt Thanksgiving gathering.

Decor Snapshot: Difficulty: Easy | Active Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $-$$ | Style: Elegant, Romantic

🎯 Best For: Setting a magical and intimate mood for your Thanksgiving dinner table.

Image-10: A beautiful tablescape with a row of glowing candles in amber glass holders running down the center.

🍁 Creating Your Cozy Thanksgiving Haven

Transitioning your home from Halloween to the warm embrace of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a big project. As you can see, a few simple swaps are all it takes to create a beautiful space that captures the spirit of gratitude. By clearing out the old and bringing in the cozy, you’ll have a welcoming haven for your loved ones to gather in.

What’s your favorite way to make your home feel cozy for Thanksgiving? Share your go-to decor swap in the comments below