24 Ideas for Thanksgiving Decorations with a Touch of Gold

Gold is definitely in this year! And even more so for the upcoming holidays. For Thanksgiving, why not give the usual brown, orange and yellow a rest—and celebrate with gold! In this one mega-post, we’re presenting 24 ways to gild up the scene from your table settings to centerpieces to place cards to garlands and banners. See how touches of gold can turn traditional decorations trendy!

PLACE CARDS

Thanksgiving gold place cards ideas from pumpkins to leaves.

How to bring in the gold:

Glam up mini pumpkins or gourds with a gold-dipped / color block look (1) and just tie on tags with twine. (Inspiration from Cupcakes and Cashmere)

For a fall harvest setting, personalize seasonal apples or pears with gold paint calligraphy (2) and place one atop each guest’s plate. (Inspiration from Craftberry Bush)

Gather autumn leaves from your yard, gild them with a gold leaf pen (3) then write on guests’ names with a marker. (Tutorial from Polka Dot Bride)

You could also opt to coat an entire fruit (real or faux) in gold glitter spray paint (4) and add little name flags to the stems. (Tutorial from Freutcake)

Or simply make any design you wish on little white pumpkins using a gold marker (5) and tuck a name card underneath each one. (Inspiration from Pepper Design Blog)

And if it’s a touch of whimsy you’d like, how about wooden clothespins spray-painted gold (6)? Just add a sprig of berries and your guest cards. So cute! (Tutorial from Centsational Girl)

CENTERPIECES

Thanksgiving gold centerpieces from bottles to fruits.

How to go “mod” with gold:

Make bottles the star of your centerpiece (in assorted sizes and shapes), dress them up with spray paint in varied shades and finishes of gold (1), then group them as vases and candle holders. (Tutorial from Weddingstar)

Remember the calligraphy-pear above? Instead of names, brush on Thanksgiving phrases in gold paint (2) and pop the fruit amidst an arrangement of gourds and autumn leaves. (Inspiration from Craftberry Bush)

More fun with upcycled bottles! This time using gold stripes and dots (3) to create a playful geo effect, displayed with gilded faux pumpkins and gourds. (Tutorial from Place of My Taste)

High impact in a jiffy with these gold geometric designs (4) that you simply free-hand onto little white pumpkins. Then arrange them any way you like on your Thanksgiving table, mantel, or sideboard. (Tutorial from Lovely Indeed)

Get really trendy with the color block technique (5) in gold and other colors to suit your holiday motif. Who says a Thanksgiving centerpiece can’t be cool? (Tutorial from Michaels)

Rustic autumn candles can go modern, too! Like these log candle holders with gold leaf trim (6). Just group them together for a rustic-glam arrangement. (Tutorial from Design Happens)

GARLANDS & BANNERS

Thanksgiving gold garlands and banners from feathers to pinecones to acorns.

How to add gold to hanging decor:

Feathers are an easy, inexpensive and non-pumpkiny way to decorate for fall. Just glitz them up with a gold-dipped look (1), hot glue them to string, and hang them as a garland! (Tutorial from Simple Stylings)

Spray painting pinecones is pretty basic, but adding a sprinkling of gold glitter (2) makes them extra festive for a holiday garland from Thanksgiving through Christmas. (Tutorial from Simply Happenstance)

Gold glitter paper (3) is the secret behind this striking, yet simple Give Thanks banner. Just cut out the letters in your choice of font, and string up on your mantel. (Tutorial from Sugar Bee Crafts)

No need to feel guilty about using dollar store leaves for your fall decor. Simply coat them with gold spray paint (4) and they’ll make a luxe-looking addition to your home. (Tutorial from Sincerely Sara D.)

Metallic ornaments of any kind, like these handcrafted brass-plated bells (5), would make a truly unique and quaint garland all through the holidays. (Available from Viva Terra)

If you happen to have acorns handy, simply paint either the caps or the bottom half of each one gold. Or look out for metallic acorns (6) in craft stores (these ones are “jingle bells”), hang them on jute twine, and enjoy! (Inspiration from Life, Gluten Free)

TABLE ELEMENTS

Thanksgiving gold table elements from gold rim glasses to table runners.

How to grace your table with gold:

Napkin rings made with gold floral picks (1) is a great example of using Christmas accents for Thanksgiving! All the holiday decorations are on display anyway, so take advantage. (Inspiration from A Pumpkin and a Princess)

Gold-rimmed glasses (2) for wine, cocktails, or even water are a simple and stylish way to keep within that modern look for your table. (Available from Anthropologie)

Understated elegance is the look you’ll achieve with place settings of gold-edged china and gold chargers (3). Contrast these with rustic touches, like hand-lettered menu cards with feather accents and pine cone place card holders. (Inspiration from Griffanie)

One entertaining investment to consider is gold flatware (4). These will instantly up the glam factor of your tables as you set them out for every special occasion, year after year. (Available from Crate and Barrel)

Now, this is one really cool way to add gold to votive holders. Wrap them in metallic-finish leather laces in gold (5) and place battery-operated candles inside. (Tutorial from Creature Comforts)

Even the popular burlap table runner can get an update with gold polka dots (6). Don’t worry, this comes as pre-printed fabric! So you just cut to size and make neat, no-sew hems. (Tutorial from Inspired By Charm)

Now, if all these 24 ideas don’t get you excited to “go for gold” this Thanksgiving, we don’t know what will! Such a gorgeous way to celebrate gratitude with those you love.

6 Comments

  1. These are all so pretty, I love love gold!

    • Gold is definitely it! Love it, too!

  2. Thanks so much for sharing my gold leaf garland!

    • It was so pretty! We had to share it. Have a nice day, Sara!

  3. Thanks so much for including my feather garland!

    • You’re very welcome. Thank you for stopping by!

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