Decorating A Buffet For Christmas

Rustic Thanksgiving Decorations We Love

Thanksgiving is traditionally the time to celebrate a bountiful harvest and spend time with family and friends while enjoying delicious food and drink. These traditions call to mind warmth, simplicity and nature — all of which are hallmarks of the farmhouse aesthetic. In our opinion, Thanksgiving and farmhouse design go hand in hand. So, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to dress up your dining table, front porch, guest bedrooms and more for the coziest, most beautiful Thanksgiving yet. Keep reading to find quick and easy ways to turn things you already have around the house — like fruits and veggies, vintage serving ware, craft supplies and more — into charming, rustic Thanksgiving decor.

SEE MORE: Create a Harvest-Inspired Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Layer Seasonal Rugs

Dress yourself and your front porch in layers this fall. Double up on style by stacking a rustic coir mat on top of a larger plaid rug to create a warm, inviting entry. Bonus points if your mat welcomes guests with a cheeky, seasonal greeting. Check out our favorite fall doormats here, then browse our collection of beautiful fall front porch decorating ideas at the link, below.

SEE MORE: How to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall

Create a Bountiful Entry

This year, put the spoils of fall to work prettying up your front porch. Fill planters with an assortment of faux pumpkins, gourds and dried fall foliage that will stay gorgeous all season long. For an extra cozy touch, nestle beautiful lanterns and faux-flame candles into the greenery, then arrange small mums and cabbage plants around the base.

Seasonal Swap

Give your front door a mini makeover just in time for Thanksgiving with a sweet, simple fall wreath. We love the bright spray of seasonal orange and yellow berries sprinkled throughout this farmhouse-style twig wreath. Check out our collection of fall front door decorations you can DIY at the link below.

SEE MORE: 30 Fall-Tastic DIY Wreaths

DIY Pumpkin Topiary

Made from zero-maintenance materials, this gorgeous nature-inspired topiary is a breeze to make and will stay beautiful all season long. Grab the step-by-step instructions below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Natural Pumpkin Topiary

Hitch Your Wagon

Filled with a seasonal display of pumpkins, pinecones, berries and greenery, this wooden wagon planter would make a beautiful statement on any fall front porch. Follow the link below to shop or, if you're feeling crafty, try your hand at transforming an old wheelbarrow or wagon into an autumnal container on wheels. Bonus: This planter doubles as a drink holder — perfect for entertaining large Thanksgiving crowds.

BUY IT: Plow and Hearth, $199.95

Mudroom Makeover

Is your mudroom the first thing people see when they walk into your home? Clean it up just in time for Thanksgiving with a little inspiration from designer, Karen Wolf. This elegant entry is equal parts welcoming and functional with warm tones, hand-lettered signs and a boho-luxe style that looks lived-in in the best way possible.

SEE MORE: 38 Mudroom Storage and Decorating Ideas

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Turn Recipes Into Art

Bring a tear to grandma's eye and put a cherished family recipe on display by transforming it into an oversized work of art. Get the easy step-by-step instructions below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Turn Your Favorite Recipe Into Rustic-Chic Wall Art

Basket Feature Wall

Do you have an awkward, empty wall in your home that you can't figure out how to decorate? Fill it with pretty, woven baskets. The perfect combination of rustic and timeless, a basket feature wall can be created using items you likely have around the house or can source easily from your neighborhood thrift shop.

SEE MORE: 12 Unique Ways to Fill the Space Above Your Sofa

Gorgeous Fall Mantel Decor

Who says decorating the mantel is reserved for Christmas? Click the link below to check out our favorite ways to spruce up your fireplace for fall, including this swoon-worthy display of pumpkins and dried greenery from blogger and shop-owner of Georgia Mae's, Michelle McLeod.

Harvest-Inspired Tablescape

Grab inspiration from the harvest season by using beautiful fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors and textures to create a lavish centerpiece that spills across the table. Get the full tutorial, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Create a Harvest-Inspired Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Decorate the Foyer for Fall

Turn on the charm the moment guests walk through your front door by decorating your foyer table in pretty DIY farmhouse decor. Follow the link below to learn how to make this quick fall wreath and upcycled shutter sign, get links to free printable art and more.

SEE MORE: 5 DIY Decorations That Transition From Halloween to Thanksgiving

Gather Here

Turn a basic wood serving tray into a rustic-chic coffee table decoration using our handy chalk stencil technique. Step-by-step instructions and our free, printable "Gather" stencil can be found at the link, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Hand-Lettered Farmhouse-Style Tray

Bountiful Basket Arrangement

No floral skills? No problem. This simple arrangement takes advantage of the bulk and texture of a pair of graduated, stacked baskets to create an impressive focal point that family and friends won't believe you made yourself.

GET THE HOW-TO: How To Make A Tiered Basket Centerpiece

Printable Pumpkin Art

Looking for a quick fall decorating idea? Simply download our free design, print and insert into an existing photo frame. Display on a console table, your kitchen counter or other empty space and pair with a small pumpkin and seasonal candle for a cozy vignette.

SEE MORE: 5 DIY Decorations That Transition From Halloween to Thanksgiving

Succulents & Pumpkins

With succulents trending in home decor and gardening, it's the perfect time to incorporate them into your holiday tablescape. Follow the link below to see how we topped seasonal pumpkins with clipped succulents to create a darling centerpiece.

GET THE HOW-TO: Craft a Succulent-Topped Pumpkin Centerpiece

Darling DIY Slipcovers

Have your dining chairs seen better days? Give them a feminine, farmhouse-inspired upgrade just in time for fall guests with this simple-sew DIY. The best part? The covers are removable and washable in the event of an inevitable spill or dribble.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Slipcover a Dining Chair

Swap Out Your Drapes

Add cozy, country charm to any room simply by swapping out your usual curtain panels for a pair of warm, red and white buffalo check drapes. The primitive pattern instantly boosts the farmhouse feel of this beautiful guest bedroom designed by Marian Parsons. See the full space, pulse more farmhouse-inspired bedroom decorating tips, below.

SEE MORE: Create a Cozy Guest Room With Farmhouse Flair

Dough Bowl Centerpiece

Add a rustic touch to your Thanksgiving table with a low centerpiece created by filling a vintage or reproduction dough bowl with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

GET THE HOW-TO: Create a Rustic Fall Centerpiece in a Dough Bowl

Orchard Inspiration

Inspired by the look and feel of an apple orchard in fall, designer Brian Patrick Flynn mixed burnt reds with inviting neutrals to create an autumnal mood in this dining space. The kitchen table is set with a mix of rich red hues, including a checked table runner, earthen mugs and a low-lying tray of fresh apples, which pop against the understated sage green cabinetry.

Pretty Presentation

Most serving dishes sit low to the table, creating a visually boring buffet spread. Add varying heights with cake stands, pedestals or even items found around the house like stacked books and wooden boxes. Even a mixing bowl can be turned upside down to act as a pedestal for a serving plate in a pinch.

SEE MORE: 10 Tips for Setting Up an Easy + Elegant Thanksgiving Buffet

Edible Arrangement

Inspired by the classic cornucopia, this abundant, edible arrangement was made by stacking two footed dishes on top of one another, then filling with an overflowing assortment of grapes, nuts in shell, apples, pears and artichokes. Tip: If you don't have a cake plate or footed dish, center a large plate on top of an upside-down bowl using double-sided tape.

SEE MORE: Our 70 Favorite Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Give Faux Pumpkins a Fall Upgrade

Don't put away those Halloween pumpkins just yet! Turn faux or real pumpkins into beautiful decorative accents by painting them white, then topping with ribbon, pinecones and our free, printable "gather" tag.

SEE MORE: 30 Chic, Crafty and Creative Ways to Decorate With Pumpkins

Front Door Friend

Welcome fall guests and greet passersby with a smiling DIY wood scarecrow plaque that's far from frightening. Pair with a tall concrete planter filled with zinnias, then complete the inviting display with orange pumpkins and a seasonal doormat. Oh, and the best part? This DIY sign is reversible, featuring an adorable snowman on the back so you can take your decor from fall to winter in a snap. Grab the step-by-step instruction, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Snowman + Scarecrow: Two-in-One Front Porch Decor

Create the Ultimate Plate Wall

A gorgeous plate wall is a fantastic way to create a bold focal point in any room, no matter what your style. Hit your local thrift store to hunt for beautiful, mismatched pieces or proudly display your family's heirloom china that (let's face it) you'd never let anyone actually eat off of.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Create the Ultimate Plate Wall

Prep for Guests

Don't forget to the guest bedroom! Spruce it up with a touch of farmhouse flair by incorporating warm colors like golden yellows and buttery creams — perfect choices for making your guests feel at home. Also, save money by using leftover decor or thrifted furniture pieces to create a comforting, collected space guests will rave about. Grab more tips for turning your guest bedroom into a farmhouse-inspired haven, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Create a Cozy Guest Room With Farmhouse Flair

Homemade Cookbook Stand

Everyone could use an extra hand in the kitchen, especially when they're whipping up a Thanksgiving feast. Beginner woodworking skills and our step-by-step instructions will help you turn lumber into a beautiful stand for cherished family recipes.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Modern Tablet or Cookbook Stand

Yarn Pumpkins

Spruce up plastic or foam pumpkins with the warmth and texture of chunky wool yarn. These cozy-chic decorations are a cinch to make and look lovely on a mantel or sprinkled throughout your Thanksgiving tablescape.

GET THE HOW-TO: Easy-to-Craft Yarn Pumpkins

Frame Family Treasures

Give your kitchen a big boost of cozy cottage style and preserve precious family memories by turning handwritten recipes and hand-me-down tea towels into framed art. You can even make multiples to send home with each member of the family as a sweet favor they won't forget.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Frame a Favorite Family Recipe

Terra-Cotta Table Setting

Today's farmhouse look leans more towards an Italian garden party than a country hoedown. Here, hammered copper accents add elegant vintage charm when layered with earthy terra cotta clay chargers. Rough textures are softened by the addition of raw linen and soft breezy blooms laced with lush greens.

SEE MORE: 28 Thoughtful + Creative Thanksgiving Place Cards

Make a Rustic Bread Board

Authentic, antique bread boards make beautiful additions to your fall table but can often be expensive or hard to find. With basic woodworking skills, you can turn a piece of old or reclaimed wood into a gorgeous piece you'll be proud to display on your Thanksgiving table.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Rustic Bread Board

Or Turn Them Into a Feature Wall

If you're lucky enough to own a whole set of vintage boards, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to put them on display. In this beautiful, moody home, a jet black wall provides a dramatic backdrop for the homeowner's collection of rustic wood cutting, serving and bread boards.

Effortlessly Autumnal Design

In keeping with a less is more vibe, designer Brian Patrick Flynn outfitted this kitchen with small touches of fall inspiration in the form of cut branches and seasonal serving ware in deep shades of yellow and terra cotta. Black taper candles set in gorgeous brass candlestick holders set a sultry scene and are a stylish alternative to traditional white wax candles.

SEE MORE: How to Cozy Up Your Home With Fall Colors

Artichoke Appetizer

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to sample nature's bounty — so why not use it as decor? Here, an elegant, shapely artichoke makes a great holder for a place card and looks lovely when paired with fresh fruits, veggies, gourds and fall flowers on a Thanksgiving table.

SEE MORE: Create a Harvest-Inspired Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Chic Shutter Sign

The possibilities for this easy wood shutter craft are endless. Dress it up for Thanksgiving and fall, then easily swap out the letters for Christmas and beyond. It's even perfect as everyday decor, displaying words like "home" or "love".

SEE MORE: 5 DIY Decorations That Transition From Halloween to Thanksgiving

Make a New Table Look Old

Do you love the look of artfully aged vintage furniture but can't stomach the price tag? Our designer tricks will help you recreate this lovely timeworn look on a new unfinished piece just in time for the holidays.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a New Table Look Old

Rope Pumpkin Centerpiece

Craft this eye-catching pumpkin-shaped centerpiece in minutes using basic craft supplies and rope from the hardware store. Step-by-step instructions are linked below.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Rope Pumpkin Centerpiece

Welcoming Wheat

SEE MORE: 12 Fall Door Decorations That Aren't Wreaths

Beautiful Buffet

Setting up a buffet when hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to make the most of the space you have in a small room or home. Fill an antique sideboard with beautiful white serving dishes, antique silverware, muted greenery and warm wood accents for an inviting, farmhouse feel. Find more gorgeous Thanksgiving buffet ideas at the link below.

SEE MORE: 10 Tips for Setting Up an Easy + Elegant Thanksgiving Buffet

Silhouette Place Settings

If you're entertaining a small group of your favorite family and friends, go the extra mile and make them feel special with a place card that not only has their name on it, but also their face. These silhouette place cards are equal parts sophisticated and oh-so-sweet. Learn how to make silhouettes at the link below, then paste them onto white paper and "frame" them with golden cardstock.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Framed Child's Silhouette

Put Cutting Boards on Display

A striking display of oversized, rustic wood cutting boards gives this gorgeous autumnal kitchen an infusion of farmhouse style. Pair with vintage candlesticks and fresh flowers for a collected, designer-worthy look.

SEE MORE: How to Cozy Up Your Home With Fall Colors

A Kids' Table They'll Love

Keep kiddos thoroughly entertained before and after dinner with a tablecloth that transforms their table into a playhouse. This no-sew craft is easy to make a few days before the holiday and a fun, interactive activity to do with older kids.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a No-Sew Tablecloth Playhouse

Farmhouse Folding Table

Make room for all your friends and family without sacrificing style by transforming a basic folding table into a farmhouse furniture piece. Get the simple step-by-step instructions, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Dine in Style: DIY Folding Farm Table

DIY Pumpkin Vases

Give your flower arrangements a seasonal boost by arranging them inside crafty, organic vases made from pumpkins. To make your own, cut the top off of a pumpkin and scoop out the guts. Insert a jar or small vase inside the hollowed-out pumpkin, then fill the gourd-geous vessel with seasonal blooms and raw cotton stems for an elegant fall farmhouse look. Or, skip the mess and simply cut the top off of a hollow faux pumpkin, instead.

READ MORE: Turn a Butternut Squash Into a Fall Centerpiece

Favorite Fall Things Sign

Display all your favorite things about fall in your family room or hallway with this hand-lettered sign. Simple block lettering and a slightly distressed, rustic frame make this piece a flawless addition to your current autumnal farmhouse accents.

BUY IT: Etsy, $50.00

Corral With Woven Baskets

A woven basket made of classic materials will always be a must-have farmhouse styling accessory. In this beautiful, rustic hutch, a low basket adds texture and warmth while corralling clutter. For Thanksgiving, consider grouping plates, silverware and napkins in a large basket for easy (and stylish!) grab-n-go service.

Upcycled Display

Transform a piece of unused, antique furniture like a chair or side table into a rustic-chic plant stand piled high with fresh white pumpkins and mounds of seasonal blooms.

SEE MORE: 50 Gorgeous Fall Container Garden & Planter Ideas

Upgrade Grocery Store Flowers With Fruit

Who says you have to spend a fortune to create beautiful Thanksgiving centerpieces? Not us. Fill your favorite ceramic urn (or an upcycled vase) with grocery store blooms like daisies, mums and seeded eucalyptus. This mix can usually be found pre-bundled at the store. Then, elevate it by adding in skewers of soft green pears for a sophisticated farmhouse look.

SEE MORE: 46 Eye-Catching Fall Flower Arrangements & Centerpieces

Layer Earth Tones & Cozy Textures

Warm, earthy colors and cozy knits look lovely in the breakfast nook of this Maine cottage. Layers of clay and rich ochre mixed with mustard yellow, woven textures and a vase of sunflowers combine to create a space that's ready for fall.

SEE MORE: How to Cozy Up Your Home With Fall Colors

Repurpose Old Furniture

Dust off that old dresser, side table or console table and give it new life as a handy extra storage piece this Thanksgiving. Here, the top drawer of this small chest was used to display delicious, dipped candy apple favors while the top was transformed into a cozy coffee bar.

GET THE RECIPE: How to Make Dipped Candy Apple Party Favors

Sweater Pumpkin

Cozy-up your Thanksgiving decor and add texture to any display by covering faux pumpkins in old or thrifted knit sweaters. Grab the step-by-step instructions, plus more ways to style, below.

GET THE HOW-TO: Fall Upcycle: Give Pumpkins a Cozy Makeover With Old Sweaters

Break Out the Vintage Flatware

A collection of vintage or antique flatware displayed in jars, crocks, pitchers, trays, and totes is a great way to add visual impact and texture to a cabinet, hutch, buffet or counter. If using flatware for their decorative value, look for pieces with interesting handles and designs. You can find tons of antique pieces that aren't well-suited for everyday use at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales.

Dishtowel Napkins

Cloth napkins always take a party to the next level, but not everyone wants to spend money on something that rarely gets used. Consider cotton dishtowels instead of traditional napkins. In addition to working perfectly for your event, they can continue to come in handy as everyday kitchen towels later on. Give the towels a party-centric update by tying them with twine instead of napkin rings.

READ MORE: 47 Gorgeous Autumnal Accents to Set the Perfect Fall Table

Seasonal Flowers & Fruits

Need a quick, easy centerpiece? Grab a produce basket and fill it to the brim with gorgeous red apples or other colorful, seasonal fruit, like pears or whole cranberries. Mix with pumpkins and grocery store flowers arranged in mason jars for a simple, pretty Thanksgiving tablescape.

SEE MORE: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

Put Firewood on Display

Add a textural touch to your fireplace design with a darling rattan log holder. The warm, woven design has a tailored appeal with a sculptural silhouette and sturdy top handle for easy transportation. Fill the rattan holder with logs (bonus points for birchwood!) to round out your cozy farmhouse living room or cottage hearth vignette this fall.

BUY IT: Target, $50.00

Outfit Outdoor Areas

After dinner, relax outside in cozy, plaid pillow-clad chairs and make s'mores by the campfire. Shop your backyard for chunky branches, then use a knife to sharpen the edges for spearing and holding marshmallows above the fire. Don't forget a blanket or two for maximum cozy vibes.

SEE MORE: 55 Gorgeous Fire Pit Ideas and DIYs

Herb Topiary

Tall herb topiaries not only smell amazing but add height and soft farmhouse style to any tablescape. Place centerpieces on cake pedestals for extra height or turn a wide-brimmed bowl upside down and stack a plate on top. Voila! Instant pedestal.

SEE MORE: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

Cozy Up Your Mantel With Sunflowers + More

Give your mantel a farmhouse upgrade with thrifted finds, like a vintage spatterware platter with an equally aged spongeware pitcher, blue glass salt shaker and ceramic salt cellar — all filled with backyard blooms. Add in a favorite book on country style and a weathered winnowing basket for a mantel that's farmhouse fresh.

SEE MORE: 40 Tips for Decorating Your Fireplace Mantel Year 'Round

Entertain on the Porch

When Thanksgiving guests come to call, you might find yourself with less room than you're used to. Free up indoor seating by turning your porch into a farmhouse-style haven with cozy quilts, antique side tables and woven baskets full of fall blooms. Encourage guests to sit and stay awhile by installing a space heater or two nearby.

Set Up a Fall Coffee Bar

A gorgeous gourmet coffee station stocked with all the fixings is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Using an old dresser, console table or writing desk as the base, arrange all the necessities — disposable coffee cups, stir sticks, coffee, cream, sugar and syrups — with cozy, rustic decor like flannel blankets and hand-lettered signs. Get more beverage bar ideas at the link below.

SEE MORE: 3 Ways to Set Up a Beverage Station at Your Next Shindig

Tasty Tags

There is something special about using place markers at a get-together. Create this fresh, orchard-themed one by tying a cute tag onto an apple stem at each place. Some sprigs of fresh herbs add a little color and fragrance, too.

SEE MORE: 28 Thoughtful + Creative Thanksgiving Place Cards

Dine Alfresco

Take advantage of mild fall weather and move your Thanksgiving celebration outdoors this year. Not only will this free up space inside, but it will keep those inevitable Thanksgiving wine spills to a minimum (we're looking at you, Uncle Don). Here, designer Brian Patrick Flynn dressed up a basic dining table in an antique, fall-hued blanket and a collection of mismatched chairs and stools. The table is set with a spread of greenery and sunflower arrangements for a fresh, outdoor fall design guests will love. Grab more outdoor Thanksgiving party ideas at the link below.

SEE MORE: 20 Cozy Outdoor Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas

Stacked Centerpiece

For a simple, striking centerpiece, skip the flowers and stack heirloom pumpkins in varying shades and graduated sizes to create a rustic topiary. Surround with magnolia leaves and other seasonal accents you can save and reuse as Christmas decor later on.

SEE MORE: 13 Rustic Thanksgiving Table-Setting Ideas

Happy Harvest Porch Sign

Add a charming, country touch to your front porch with this cute "Happy Harvest" sign. Though a distressed finish makes it look like the sign's carved from real wood, it's actually made of metal so the paint won't fade over time. Click the link below to buy.

BUY IT: Wayfair, $41.99

Pumpkin Parade

Invoke the warm and fuzzy feelings of fall with this cozy, effervescent front door design. Cover your door in brown craft paper, then cut store-bought white pumpkins in half. Attach the pumpkins with removable picture hanging hooks and accent with a waterfall of faux fall foliage and plaid ribbon.

SEE MORE: Celebrate Autumn With the Season's Best Porches and Patios

A Collected Look

Hosting a party is a good excuse to shop your house to look for pieces that can stand in to serve food, hold napkins and flatware, or even act as fun design elements. Don't worry about everything matching or being made for fall decorating. Look for elements that speak to the season and your unique farmhouse-inspired style. What works together might surprise you!

SEE MORE: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

Cotton Stems

In place of cut floral stems, consider adding the rich look of cotton stems to your fall setup. Simply gather the stems in odd numbers, five and seven working best, then place them into a large upcycled vessel. The neutral tones work well for year-round use, and pair gorgeously with autumnal tones such as orange and dark brown.

Seasonal Setting

These sweet little bouquets were made by tying dried wheat sprigs and solidago together with simple twine. Use hearty fresh foliage that will look nice out of water for hours, so they don't wilt on the table. When the bouquets are complete, attach tags with the guest's name, a verse, poem, or favorite saying and use them as party favors.

SEE MORE: 28 Thoughtful + Creative Thanksgiving Place Cards

Freshen Up Your Front Porch for Fall

Turn your front porch into a seasonal show-stopper by pairing soft fabrics in seasonal patterns and colors with rustic containers, assorted lanterns, mums and piles of pumpkins. Learn how to recreate this look from managing editor H. Camille Smith at the link below.

SEE MORE: An Autumnal Front Porch Worth Falling For

Wood Slice Trivets

Carve out a spot specifically for drinks. Start with a strip of your trusty butcher paper, and build from there. Consider placing punch on a pedestal and glasses on a wood slice to elevate their appeal. Add in a few bottles of wine, so punch-averse pals have another option. Decorate with greenery and pinecones.

GET THE HOW-TO: Easy Thanksgiving Craft: Tabletop Trivets

Rustic Beverage Container

An old milk crate is put to work in a new way holding soda and water bottles for guests. With temperatures cooling off in November, a cooler isn't necessary, so this keeps drinks handy and does double-duty as a clever display.

SEE MORE: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party