Imagine stepping into your home on Thanksgiving and being greeted by vibrant paper wreaths, charming garlands, and a warm, seasonal vibe—all created by hand. This guide gives you 15+ Thanksgiving paper wall decoration ideas that are easy, affordable, and fun to make, turning any blank wall into a holiday centerpiece. From leaf wreaths to interactive gratitude walls, every idea has been tried, loved, and designed for busy families who want a festive home without breaking the budget.
Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and creating a space that feels welcoming. Paper decorations are not only budget-friendly but also versatile enough for any room, from kitchens to living rooms to classrooms. Plus, they’re a great bonding activity for kids and adults alike. Pair them with classic statement pieces like our Family Map Wall Art for a home that’s warm and personal.
These ideas are organized so you can start with the basics and move to more detailed projects. Each idea can stand alone or be combined for a cohesive Thanksgiving wall theme. Let’s dive into the designs that will make your home holiday-ready:
Bring the beauty of fall indoors with a handcrafted paper leaf wreath that feels warm and welcoming.
Start by tracing and cutting out leaf shapes like maple, oak, and elm from thick cardstock in rich fall colors—think burnt orange, mustard yellow, cranberry red, and deep burgundy. Slightly curl the edges with your fingers or a pencil to give the leaves a natural, lifelike texture.
Arrange the leaves in layers around a 12-inch foam ring or a sturdy cardboard circle, overlapping them for fullness. Secure with hot glue. Add small details like acorns, mini pinecones, or a rustic burlap bow at the bottom for an extra farmhouse-style touch.
📍Where to Display: Hang it in your entryway, kitchen, or classroom door—wherever you want to greet guests with cozy fall vibes.
Prefer a cleaner, more elegant seasonal look? This white and gold wreath brings Thanksgiving glam without losing that homemade charm.
Cut out stylized leaves, snowflakes, or even laurel shapes using white textured paper and accent pieces in metallic gold cardstock or foil. Alternate the colors as you layer them around a gold-painted ring or foam base. You can also sprinkle in gold beads or ribbon tails for subtle sparkle. To keep things balanced, aim for a symmetrical design and consider adding a thin gold ribbon bow at the top or bottom.
📍Where to Display: This wreath pairs perfectly with refined spaces—try placing it above your mantel, next to Family-themed wall art, or on a white accent wall to let the gold shine.
Want something more playful and rustic? This turkey feather garland is fun to make and adds instant movement to any space.
Cut feather shapes from patterned paper—mixing neutral browns with bold fall tones like burnt orange and golden yellow. String them onto twine or jute cord, spacing them evenly or layering for a fuller effect. You can even add wooden beads or tiny paper leaves in between for extra texture.
Keep the shapes slightly varied for a more organic, natural look. You can also write thankful words on each feather for a meaningful twist.
📍Where to Display: Hang this garland along your entryway wall, over a doorway, or across your Thanksgiving dessert table. It’s a charming DIY that feels handmade and heartfelt.
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like gratitude. Create a banner using cutout letters on twine with a “Give Thanks” message. Display it on a central wall or buffet table where it doubles as a photo backdrop. It’s a simple way to set the tone, similar to the look featured in our 15 DIY Thanksgiving Wall Decorations.
📍Where to Display: Drape this banner on a focal wall, above a sideboard, or behind your dining table for a perfect photo-ready backdrop.
Add texture and dimension with pumpkin-inspired paper rosettes—easy to make, easy to love.
Start with orange cardstock in various shades. Fold into accordion-style strips, then shape into circular fans. Stack smaller fans on top for a layered look, and cut simple pumpkin stems from brown paper or felt. Want to get extra festive? Add glitter edges or gold paper leaves. For a polished result, group them in clusters of 3 or 5 in varied sizes.
📍Where to Display: Try these near your dining nook, above a console table, or lining a hallway wall. They bring harvest cheer while staying lightweight and reusable.
Want a fun photo corner? A bold turkey silhouette with layered feathers adds instant Thanksgiving flair and makes for great photos.
Cut a large turkey silhouette from dark cardstock, then create vibrant feathers using layered paper in autumn hues—orange, yellow, red, and brown. Use hot glue or adhesive dots to fan them out behind the silhouette. Add googly eyes or a simple hat for a bit of humor.
📍Where to Display: Place it at kid height near a family photo wall or gratitude corner. It pairs wonderfully with a Memorial Tree Wall Decor to blend fun with meaning.
For a cascading effect, cut leaves from kraft and patterned paper and attach them in a falling pattern. It’s simple yet impactful, giving a sense of movement to otherwise flat walls. This design is perfect if you have a large blank space to fill quickly without heavy décor pieces.
📍Where to Display: Ideal for large blank walls, hallways, or stairwell spaces where you want an eye-catching but low-effort piece.
Celebrate abundance with a layered paper cornucopia filled with colorful fruits and vegetables. Use multiple paper textures for a dimensional look that feels almost 3D from afar. Hang it in the dining room or near the kitchen for a thematic nod to Thanksgiving’s harvest roots.
📍Where to Display: Hang it in the dining room, breakfast nook, or kitchen wall to tie the theme of abundance to your shared meals.
A family-friendly favorite, perfect for kids’ participation.
Glue paper feathers in assorted fall colors onto the back of a paper plate. Add googly eyes, a red paper wattle, and a yellow triangle beak on the front for the turkey’s face. Older kids can get creative by drawing unique feather patterns or writing something they’re thankful for on each one.
📍Where to Display: Group them for a fun classroom wall display or hallway installation for family gatherings.
Turn your wall into a living memory board of gratitude.
Cut small paper leaves or note cards from earthy or pastel cardstock. Provide guests with pens to write one thing they’re thankful for and attach the notes to strings or a corkboard grid. Add paper leaf borders or metallic word cutouts like “Thankful” or “Blessed” for polish.
📍Where to Display: Place near the entrance or dining room, inspired by ideas from 20 Thanksgiving Wall Decor Ideas.
Bring humor and holiday spirit to your walls with a giant turkey face.
Cut out large circles for eyes, a red paper wattle, and colorful feathers, then arrange them in a simple turkey face design. The oversized look creates instant charm and works well in kids’ spaces. For added texture, layer feathers slightly or use patterned paper for extra depth.
📍Where to Display: Great for playrooms, entryways, or a kids’ crafting corner, similar to the charm of Creative DIY Pinecone Wall Decor.
Add a subtle, nature-inspired touch with acorn garlands.
Cut acorn shapes from tan and brown cardstock, adding texture to the caps with crimped or embossed paper. String the pieces onto twine with small wood beads or mini paper leaves for a rustic accent. The result is lightweight, easy to hang, and perfect for layering with other garlands.
📍Where to Display: Hang on a fireplace mantel, along a staircase, or above a kitchen window.
Brighten your home with bold, cheerful sunflowers.
Cut several layers of yellow petals and stack them around a brown circular center for depth and detail. Slightly curl the petals for a realistic look and add green leaves for contrast. These flowers bring instant cheer and complement rustic home styles.
📍Where to Display: Surround windows, mirrors, or pair with your Family Wall Art to create a lively harvest theme.
Give your walls dimension with layered paper pumpkins.
Cut pumpkin shapes from various shades of orange and brown paper. Stack layers slightly offset to mimic natural ridges and add a twine “stem” with paper leaves curling off the top. You can also glue on raffia or jute bows for added farmhouse charm.
📍Where to Display: Ideal for living room walls, above console tables, or in entryway nooks.
Inspire your guests with uplifting seasonal words.
Cut words like “Gather,” “Blessed,” or “Harvest” from metallic cardstock or thick foam-core paper. Use raised adhesive dots to make them stand out from the wall for a shadow effect. Accent with small paper leaves or flowers to tie the theme together.
📍Where to Display: Hang above your dining area or integrate into a gallery wall for a polished holiday touch.
Go green and rustic with a recycled leaf chain.
Cut leaves from brown paper grocery bags and crease them down the center for texture. String them onto twine with small wooden beads or natural raffia knots for added charm. This idea is perfect for eco-conscious decorators who want a warm, organic vibe.
📍Where to Display: Hang in doorways, across a stair rail, or along bookshelves for a casual, earthy accent.
Thanksgiving decorating doesn’t have to be expensive or wasteful. Use recycled grocery bags, leftover craft paper, or dollar-store cardstock for most of these projects. Combine your paper crafts with natural touches like pinecones and dried wheat (see 10 Best Church Thanksgiving Wall Decor Ideas) to add layers of texture while staying sustainable.
You don’t need a full home renovation—just one paper decoration idea can make a big difference. Try one this weekend, share your results with family and friends, and watch how quickly your space transforms into a Thanksgiving-ready haven.
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Ornament – Perfect accents to tie together your Thanksgiving theme
Need help designing your Thanksgiving wall display? Call us at +1 (815) 576‑6618 or email sales@familywalldecor.com—we’d love to help you build a wall of wonder this season.
