Ok, so let’s be frank for a moment. This year’s Thanksgiving dinner is going to be PRICEY- so cutting corners on your decorations may be in order. Thankfully (seasonal pun intended), there is plenty of thrifty inspiration for Thanksgiving craft ideas that are budget-friendly. And they’re the kind of craft projects for adults to do that look nice enough to use as seasonal decor.
Upcycled Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The centerpiece of this Thanksgiving tablescape started out on a thrift store shelf. And even though it was upside-down, I immediately saw it just like this: as a pilgrim hat centerpiece on my Thanksgiving table. The best part, though? It only took a few minutes to create.
Beaded Pumpkins
Image credit: The Navage Patch.
Here’s a fantastic Thanksgiving craft project to make for your dinner table. And it uses supplies that are easy to find (like wood beads) and that you may already have (like jar lids). These could even double as favors for your holiday guests, as well!
Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for the Door
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It’s hard to believe that this chic and elegant Thanksgiving wreath started out as thrift store finds, but it’s true! And it’s possible that this wreath would have never even come to fruition if the DIY supplies hadn’t ended up next to each other on the same thrift store shelf.
Recycled Napkin Rings
Image credit: Mod Podge Rocks.
If you want thrifty craft supplies, start with your recycling bin. Because it is FULL of possibility- such as cardboard tubes you can transform into these festive napkin rings. Aren’t they fantastic?
Chic and Simple Sign
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A bamboo tray like this is a fairly common find at thrift stores. Thankfully, they are ideal for Thanksgiving craft ideas like this decorative sign. But the best part is, it’s really a double-duty DIY, too, because it can still be used as a tray, too.
Thanksgiving Crafts for Favors
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
One of the sweetest things you can do for any dinner party is create something the guests can take home with them. In addition to leftovers, of course! And while there are plenty of Thanksgiving craft ideas for favors, this one is a personal favorite of mine. Perhaps because I love to make popcorn at home…
Indian Corn Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These Indian corn dishes are so lovely with their autumn color palette, but they actually didn’t start out this way. They started as bright yellow and green corn dishes from the thrift store!
Flannel Pumpkin Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A ready-made burlap canvas from the craft store can be decorated in any number of ways. But for Fall, a fuzzy flannel pumpkin from an old shirt is just delightful for your wall or on a display easel.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Harvest-Coded Candle Holders
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
There are any number of ways to paint and embellish glass jars into thrifty decor. And since they come in different sizes and widths, they can be transformed into a simple but elegant centerpiece of candle holders like this. Wouldn’t these look lovely clustered on your Thanksgiving table?
Thanksgiving Craft Ideas with Buttons
Image credit: Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.
If you’ve got a button jar, box, or tin filled with buttons that could use a good craft project, perhaps this is the one! How adorable is this Indian corn art project with a variety of buttons?
Yarn Ball Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a great idea for anyone who knits or crochets and has leftover yarn balls laying around. Don’t they look adorable when jazzed up as little yarn pumpkins? Not only is it a fun and easy craft project for this time of year, but it’s also super thrifty. Don’t forget to check out your local Creative Reuse Center for leftover yarn balls, as well.
Table Decor that “Pops”
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Since I always see large jars (and bowls, and bottles) at thrift stores, this easy Fall/Thanksgiving decorating idea really caught my eye. Don’t the colorful kernels look FANTASTIC in these glass jars? Such a great nod to the harvest in perfect November hues.
Tweed Sleeve Acorns
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Plush acorns made from tweed jackets are the unexpected Thanksgiving decor project you didn’t know you needed until now. And their cap? A thrifted salad bowl, believe it or not.
Updated Harvest Art
Image credit: Shop at Blu.
This vintage mid-century modern gravel art had been damaged by a flood. Thankfully, though, the gravel art itself was ok- it was the background that wasn’t salvageable. Luckily, though, it could be given a new lease on life with a new background and is a fun retro addition to Thanksgiving decor now.
Pilgrim Silhouettes
Image credit: Atta Girl Says
Pilgrims, for better or for worse, are a huge part of Thanksgiving history, no matter how you feel about them. And these DIY pilgrim silhouettes are an unexpected, but clever way to incorporate them into your Thanksgiving decor.
Thanksgiving Craft Ideas with Glass Bottles
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Brown and amber glass bottles are always on trend each Autumn, and it turns out you can make your own. Once again, the recycling bin is your best friend and you can tint your glass bottles in perfect Thanksgiving-colored hues.
Pilgrim Hat Place Cards
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Place cards are a staple at larger and more formal Thanksgiving gatherings. For an extra dash of whimsy, these place cards look just like pilgrim hats. But the best part is that they’re made from repurposed (and inexpensive!) light fixtures!
Chic Sheaf
Image credit: Inspired by Charm.
Talk about a gorgeous way to dress up wheat for a simple but eye-catching seasonal centerpiece. This is definitely one of those Thanksgiving craft ideas that looks straight out of a magazine, isn’t it?
Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Adults
Image credit: The Navage Patch, Sadie Seasongoods, and Inspired by Charm.
If nothing else, crafting is a wonderful way to unplug and escape from the stresses of the world. Perhaps, especially at this time of year with all the holidays piling up. I hope these Thanksgiving craft ideas have given you some inspiration and excitement for your own decorations this year. And as always, I love hearing which ones resonate with you the most.
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods, The Navage Patch, and Inspired by Charm.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!