Easy Outdoor Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Greet your holiday guests with outdoor Thanksgiving decorations. This porch or yard display is eye appealing and easy to make. You do not have to go crazy with buying stuff for a feature yard display when it comes to Thanksgiving less can be more.

For this easy yard or front porch display, you will need a bale of straw, a potted mum, pumpkin and 4 to six stalks of dried corn that are tied together so they stand upright.  I use craft wire to secure the corn stalks the wire is strong and you can easily look the wire so that it can attach to the support. 

If you plan to use feature this display in the yard then dig a hole, insert PVC pipe or plant stake into the ground. Make sure the upright plant stake is at least three feet tall and then tie the corn stalks to this support so that they stand upright. For a porch you can tie the bunch of corn stalks together and set them in a corner, use the porch wall as support.

In front to the corn stalks set the bale of straw, on top of the bale of straw set a potted mum and a pumpkin. Make or buy a welcome sign or “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting sign. And the display is done.

Other outdoor Thanksgiving decorations that you may like:

Easy Pumpkin Decoration Ideas for Thanksgiving

Pumpkins are one of my favorite ways to accent a Thanksgiving table. I use them to create festive centerpieces filled with silk flowers, or hollow them out to hold snacks and dips  small pumpkins are especially handy for serving chip-friendly portions. Their natural shape and warm color make the table feel both eye-catching and inviting.

For this easy decoration, I start by selecting a medium-sized, rounded pumpkin with smooth skin and no visible bruises. Look for one that’s as close to perfect as possible it’ll serve as both a functional container and a visual focal point for your holiday gathering.

Pumpkin Prep Instructions

Rinse the outside of the pumpkin thoroughly. Cut off the top, then use a sharp knife or sturdy spoon to scoop out the pulp. Once the interior is hollowed and most of the puree removed, rinse the inside again. Be sure to clear away any remaining strings and pulp so the surface is clean and ready for decorating or filling.. 

Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly. When the pumpkin is dry you would then fill the pumpkin with a bouquet of silk chrysanthemums cut the stems so they fit nicely in the pumpkin as a bouquet. 

Another way to  create a useful pumpkin decoration is to set a plastic container into the hollowed out pumpkin, before filling with candy.

These pumpkin decorations will make your holiday gathering festive and fun.  Here is an image of the trio. The chrysanthemum bouquet brings floral elegance

The candy-filled pumpkin adds playful charm The dip platter pumpkin invites guests to gather and snack

Footnote: A Thoughtful Way to Reuse Your Pumpkin

Instead of tossing your pumpkin after the festivities, consider giving it a second life outdoors. Rinse it well, chop it into manageable pieces, and place it in a quiet spot where wildlife can safely enjoy it. Pumpkins are rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars  a seasonal treat for animals like deer, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and even birds. The seeds can be especially popular with smaller critters.

If you live in an apartment or don’t have access to a yard, take your pumpkin to a local park or wooded area and scatter the pieces under a tree. Just be sure it’s a space where food scraps are allowed and won’t disrupt the ecosystem. It’s a simple way to honor the season and support your local wildlife one pumpkin at a time.