Last-Minute Porch Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving

By Mary Shannon Wells
October 10, 2017
Credit: Pinterest/Lolly Jane
You put out some spooky jack-o’-lanterns or homemade spider webs for Halloween, and you’re already planning which Christmas decorations to put up this year (and how early is too early). But somewhere between fake tombstones and jingle bells, we still have turkeys to think about. Once Halloween ends, it’s hard to turn around and plan an extravagant Thanksgiving meal for the whole family, much less put up new decorations. These last-minute Thanksgiving decorations are here to make guests believe that you had it together all along. These are the cutest and easiest DIY Thanksgiving decorations to make your last-minute Thanksgiving look anything but hastily done. Welcome Thanksgiving guests in with last-minute Thanksgiving ideas like homemade wreaths and easy fall container gardens. Now that you know your front porch will look company-ready, get back to planning that miles-long Thanksgiving menu (and don’t forget the table settings!).
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Corn Husk Wreath

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This cornhusk wreath is an adorable fall DIY project. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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Bountiful Entry

Credit: Helen Norman

Pumpkins aren’t the only fall porch accent. Ornamental kale and cabbage create an overflowing, natural look. Add them in your container gardens or mix them in with pumpkins on the stairs.

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Cornhusk Garland

Credit: Southern Living

This cornhusk garland is an easy DIY that you can hang over the front door or on the porch’s handrails for a seasonal welcome. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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Carve Out a Mumkin

Credit: Hector Sanchez

If you’re over carving pumpkins, we understand, but the mumkin is a project that’s worth it. Watch our step-by-step video tutorial here.

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Pumpkin Topiary

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

For stacking, be sure to purchase flat-topped pumpkins with very short or no stems. Add greenery between each pumpkin for a completed look.

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Cotton Boll Wreath

Credit: Southern Living

This cute wreath will look festive all season long. Watch our step-by-step video tutorial here.

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Door Knocker Accent

Credit: Ralph Lee Anderson

This fun door knocker accent is a small way to add fall charm to the exterior of your home.

Instructions: To accent the door knocker, zip-tie two crookneck gourds together, and then zip-tie them to a foam-core oval about 5 inches long. Cover ties with ribbon. Working at an angle, hot-glue sprigs of coontie palm, croton, holly fern, asparagus fern, and abelia to cover the foam core. Loop wire through one of the back ties, and hang above the door knocker. The hardy foliage will last about two weeks in cool weather and can be replaced.

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Pumpkin and Gourd Wreath

Credit: Helen Norman

Your Thanksgiving guests will ask you where you bought this incredible fall wreath, and you can proudly say that you made it yourself.

Instructions: To make the pumpkin-and-gourd wreath, first cover a 20-inch foam form with sheet moss, using a glue gun to hold the moss in place. Loop a 3-inch-wide burlap ribbon over the wreath to create a hanger long enough so it can reach the top of the door and allow the wreath to hang at eye level. Insert wooden florist picks into the bottoms of pumpkins and gourds, and hot-glue the connection to secure. Once the glue has cooled, stick pumpkins and gourds into the wreath. Fill in with more moss, using a glue gun. To hang the wreath, secure the burlap ribbon with an upholstery tack hammered into the top edge of the door.

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Plant a Vibrant Fall Container

Credit: Hector Sanchez

There’s no better way to add color to your porch than with seasonal flowers. Learn how to make this fall container garden here.

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Fall Wreath with Dried Flowers and Herbs

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This rustic DIY wreath would look beautiful on your front door. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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"Pumpkins" and Acorns Fall Wreath

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Surprise! Those aren’t mini pumpkins. Learn how to make this welcoming seasonal wreath (and what those “pumpkins” are) here.

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Fall Leaf Paper Bag Luminaries

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Light up your Thanksgiving dinner with a path of fall leaf paper bag luminaries. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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Line Your Front Path with Pumpkin Hurricanes

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

These easy-to-make pumpkin hurricanes look seasonal and sophisticated. Learn how to make them here.

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Colorful Fall Foliage Wreath

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

This colorful fall foliage wreath is warm and inviting. Learn how to make it here.

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Plant a Versatile Fall Container

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

This bright container garden is overflowing with fall color that guests will spot from the street. Learn how to make it here.

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Welcome Guests with a Hanging Mason Jar Flower Vase

Credit: Southern Living

You can use this DIY hanging vase all year long. On Thanksgiving, fill it with mums and write “Thankful” or “Gather” on your chalkboard. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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No-Carve Leafy Pumpkin

Credit: Southern Living

These autumn-leaf pumpkins would look cute on the front porch, the mantle, or as part of a centerpiece. Watch our step-by-step tutorial video here.

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Make a Pinecone Hanger

Credit: Pinterest/Inspiring Pretty

This fall hanger could go on lanterns, door knockers, or handrails. You only need wire, burlap, and pinecones to string together this seasonal decoration.

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Simple Arrangement

Credit: Pinterest/HGTV/Brian Patrick Flynn

You can make stunning and subtle front-porch arrangements from items you already have around the house.

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Write a Chalkboard Message

Credit: Pinterest/Lolly Jane

Handwrite a sweet message of thanks or even use a printable sentiment, like this one from Lolly Jane.

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Pumpkins in Planters

Credit: Pinterest/Driven by Decor

If you don’t have a green thumb (or the time to plant a new container garden), all you need are some large pumpkins to place in your front-porch containers, and your home looks Thanksgiving-company ready.

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By Mary Shannon Wells