Thanksgiving is a cherished time for gratitude, family, and gathering loved ones around a beautifully decorated table. This year, why not elevate your holiday ambiance with houseplants as part of your decor? These lush, green companions can bring warmth, natural beauty, and a vibrant, fresh feel to your Thanksgiving home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share inspired ways to use houseplants for Thanksgiving decorating, including specific plant recommendations, styling ideas, and helpful tips to keep your plants healthy throughout the festivities.

Why Use Houseplants for Thanksgiving Decor? 

Incorporating houseplants into your Thanksgiving theme has numerous benefits, both practical and aesthetic:

1. Natural Aesthetic Appeal

Houseplants bring color, texture, and a sense of life into your space. Their organic shapes and foliage complement other seasonal elements like pumpkins, gourds, and candles.

2. Stress Reduction

Holidays can be stressful, but houseplants have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. Their calming presence makes your home feel welcoming and peaceful.

3. Diverse Varieties for Any Style

With so many different types of houseplants available, you can easily find varieties that suit your Thanksgiving tablescape, whether you prefer rustic, traditional, or modern decor.

4. Memorable Takeaway Favors

Use small potted plants as decorations that double as memorable party favors. Guests can leave not only with delicious leftovers but also a touch of green to brighten their own homes.

How to Choose the Perfect Houseplants for Thanksgiving Decor

Select houseplants that align with your overall decor theme and meet your space’s needs:

1. Prioritize Fall Colors

Opt for plants with warm, autumnal tones to complement the season. Great options include:

• Maranta (Prayer Plant) for deep reds and greens
• Croton for striking reds, oranges, and yellows
• Calathea for intricate patterns in warm hues

If you prefer a non-traditional palette, match your houseplants to your chosen theme—be it jewel tones, earthy neutrals, or a minimalist vibe.

2. Consider Succulents for Simplicity

Succulents like Echeveria and Sedum add a modern touch and are low-maintenance. These small but sturdy plants can also be easily transported, making them ideal for guests to take home.

3. Pick the Right Size and Shape

• For large areas like mantels or buffets, select tall and slender plants.
• Compact plants in 2” or 3” pots are perfect for decorating tables, shelves, or windowsills. Use decorative dishes as cachepots for an extra festive touch.

Creative Houseplant Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving

Once you’ve chosen your plants, think about creative ways to showcase them:

1. Table Centerpieces

Replace or complement traditional floral arrangements with flowering houseplants like Cyclamen or Kalanchoe. Decorate the pots with natural elements like burlap, ribbon, or mini pumpkins.

2. Wall Gardens and Vertical Decor

Hang plants in macramé hangers or use a repurposed ladder as a vertical display. This adds height and makes use of vertical space, especially in smaller homes.

3. DIY Seasonal Planters

Hollow out pumpkins or gourds to use as temporary planters. They create an eye-catching, eco-friendly display that can be composted after Thanksgiving.

4. Terrariums for an Elegant Touch

Create mini terrariums with succulents, air plants, or small tropicals. These can be placed on the dining table, entryway, or bedside tables in guest rooms.

5. Mantel Displays for a Cozy Feel

Arrange a variety of houseplants, such as Pothos or Snake Plants, on your fireplace mantel. Enhance the display with candles, pinecones, or autumnal branches for a rustic and natural look.

Top Houseplants for Thanksgiving Decor

Explore these plant options to complement your Thanksgiving theme:

Dracaena 'Song of India'  

These elegant Dracaenas, with their variegated foliage, add a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving decor, bringing nature's beauty indoors.

Dracaena 'Colorama'

The rich and warm rusty reds on these Dracaena 'Colorama' are perfect for Thanksgiving decor and they add a bit of vertical lift to the tablescape or mantel as well.

Bromeliad 'Yellow' Guzmania

The earthy yellow blooms of this Bromeliad bring warmth and cheer to your Thanksgiving setting, making it a delightful centerpiece that plays well with the burgundy, purple, mauve, and rusty reds found in the other plants in this collection. 

Red Prayer Maranta

With its captivating, red-veined leaves, the Red Prayer Maranta is not just a plant; symbolically, it can be a visual prayer for a festive and joyous Thanksgiving celebration. 

Croton 'Fireside Flame'

Embrace the fiery hues of Thanksgiving with these Croton 'Fireside Flame'. This variety is one of my personal favorites, showcasing a unique burst of bold reds and oranges. This plant also helps transition nicely to the reds and golds that many folks like to use in their holiday decor after Thanksgiving. 

Croton 'Sunny Star'

The warm yellows of this lovely croton variety complement the browns and earth tones often prominent in Turkey decor and woven baskets. 

Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion' 

These Calatheas, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, bring an artistic flair to your Thanksgiving space, turning it into a botanical masterpiece!

Calathea 'Yellow Fusion'

These calathea are a lovely complement to the warm reds and purples in some of the other selections on this list. Or, they can stand alongside the other plants with earthy yellow tones for a monochrome tablescape that compliments natural wood tones nicely.

Calathea 'Dottie'

The burgundy and mauve in the leaves of this calathea variety are luxuriously rich! And, they may very well be one of my favorite plants to use as a bridge between Halloween decor and Thanksgiving decor.

Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'

The Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' adds a regal touch with its orange-hued leaves, symbolizing warmth and gratitude during the Thanksgiving season.

Chinese Evergreen 'Red Siam' (Aglaonema)

The 'Red Siam' Chinese Evergreen, with its rich red tones, infuses a symbolic sense of prosperity and good fortune into your Thanksgiving home, making it an auspicious addition to your Thanksgiving decor. It's also a nice bridge plant to incorporate into winter holiday decor once Thanksgiving ends.

Final Thoughts 

Decorating with houseplants for Thanksgiving can transform your space into a warm and inviting sanctuary. Their natural beauty and calming energy can elevate your holiday celebration and provide lasting enjoyment long after the last slice of pie is gone.

So, why not try something new this year? Go green (or red, orange, and yellow) with your Thanksgiving decor and create a holiday environment that’s as lively and festive as your favorite autumn leaves.

FAQs About Decorating with Houseplants for Thanksgiving

1. Can any houseplant work for Thanksgiving decor?

Yes, but start with plants that naturally enhance your chosen color palette. Plants with autumnal colors like reds, oranges, and yellows fit particularly well with traditional Thanksgiving themes.

2. How do I care for my Thanksgiving houseplants during the holiday season?

Pay special attention to plants in small pots, as they dry out quickly. Check the soil moisture every few days, especially in warm, dry environments.

3. Are any houseplants toxic to pets or kids?

Yes, some houseplants can be toxic. If you have curious pets or small children, prioritize non-toxic varieties that are considered pet friendly and place plants out of reach.

4. Can I create my own planters, and what materials work best?

Absolutely! Use items like hollowed-out pumpkins, wooden crates, or decorative baskets. Just make sure your planters have good drainage to avoid root rot. For more craft ideas, check out this article.

5. What if I don’t have much space?

No problem! Compact succulents or 2” and 3” potted plants are perfect for smaller homes. Use them in creative ways, like on tiered trays or narrow shelves.