Transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas Decor

I do realize it’s only October but I’m already decorating with my new favorite Christmas decor. Tell me I’m not alone? In my mind, fall is so last month. I’m ready to trade my pumpkin spice latte for a peppermint mocha. I’m ready for tinsel, twinkle lights, and for Santa Claus to whisk me away in his magical sleigh! So what is a Christmas- decor- loving enthusiast to do when Thanksgiving is still up and coming, but I just want to put out my garland, twinkle lights, and Christmas tree? Luckily I’ve solved this dilemma along with my team, and have a simple solution that you’ll love, so that Thanksgiving doesn't get overlooked. Did I mention all our fall decor is on sale? It's the perfect time to think about your Thanksgiving tablescape!

From turkeys to tinsel, we've got the best tips for a seamless holiday transition from Fall to Christmas. Because let's be honest, who has time for explicit Thanksgiving decor when Christmas is calling? But, don’t put away your pumpkins, leaves, and berry swags just yet! Because these items that you might be tired of seeing are going to look perfect mixed with your holiday garland, trust me.

First off, this is simply what I’ve found works for me. I fully embrace the freedom we all have in decorating our homes how we each see fit. There are certainly no rules regarding when and what holiday decor needs to be put up and taken down, thank goodness! Even Martha Stewart herself doesn’t have a fast and firm rule. So you do you! That said, here is what I do. When I start feeling that “Christmas is coming” feeling, and I’m ready to pull out the Christmas decor, I go with it! Then I follow these simple steps. 

 

1. Take down my seasonal fall decor and place it all on one table so I can see what I’m packing up for next year, and what might make the cut 'till Thanksgiving. Keep out items that are categorically natural, (pumpkins, pinecones, leaves, branches, berries) because you’ll want to save these for your Thanksgiving look.

2. This is the exciting step! It’s time to add your Christmas garland and twinkle lights everywhere you want as your base for the fall decor. I love adding garland all along my kitchen counters, on my kitchen shelves, down the center of my island, up stairways, and along the fireplace mantle.

3. Don’t worry about adding the Christmas colored things to your garland yet! This is when you take a look at the fall items on your table and decide what will look good with the greenery and lights. I love adding pumpkins, leaf stems, and fall colored berries to my garland along my kitchen counters for late fall and Thanksgiving themed decor. 

4. Enjoy until Thanksgiving. After the pumpkin pie, you will truly have had enough of your pumpkins. Pop those pumpkins out of your garlands and add your festive Christmas decor. This is super easy, because your garland is already there and you can just replace what looks too autumnal. I’ve added these touches of red balls and bells. Feel free to get creative. Add brass bells, pinecones, ornaments, stems and sprays that contrast or bring a sparkle to your garland. Combine it and add whatever makes you smile and can be easily tucked into your garland! I like to call this, the garland “filler”. 

5. Now that you have your garland decorated with filler, add festive touches to your shelves and counters like our star cheese board and utensil set with a candle on top and candle ring around it. Voila! You easily transitioned from Thanksgiving decor to Christmas decor! 

 

Even if you’ve already gone full out Christmas with your decorations, you can still use these tips to dial it back for Thanksgiving with some of your recently used fall decor or some pomegranates, gourds, or nuts from the grocery store. Sometimes just a simple velvet ribbon around a candle is all you need in a Thanksgiving centerpiece. You don’t have to go all-out crazy to deck your halls. A little festive finesse is all you need to transition your home from fall to winter wonderland. It’s like a holiday hack, but for your decor. Less stress, more cheer, and a planet-friendly twist – win-win-win! Think of it as a sustainable holiday style swap. You can keep your core decor and simply add or swap out a few festive elements. A few well-placed ornaments, a cozy throw blanket, or a scented candle can instantly transform your space.

Lastly, I’d love to hear from you. When do you unleash your inner holiday elf and deck the halls? Are you a patient, post-Thanksgiving decorator, or do you believe in spreading holiday cheer early? I'm dying to know! Obviously, I'm a bit of a holiday decorating enthusiast. There's just something magical about twinkling lights and festive cheer. But I also understand the allure of a more traditional and patient approach. So, which team are you on? Share your holiday decorating philosophy!

Frequently asked

How do I decorate for both Thanksgiving and Christmas without switching everything twice?

We recommend putting up your Christmas garland and twinkle lights first as a base, then tucking in natural fall items like pumpkins, leaf stems, and berry swags. After Thanksgiving, you simply remove those fall fillers and replace them with Christmas ornaments and bells — no full redecoration required.

What fall decor items work best mixed with Christmas garland?

We love using pumpkins, pinecones, leaf stems, branches, and fall-colored berries — items that feel natural rather than explicitly seasonal. These blend beautifully with green garland and warm twinkle lights for a cozy late-fall look.

What are some easy Christmas fillers to add to garland after Thanksgiving?

Once you're ready to go full Christmas, we suggest tucking in red balls, brass bells, pinecones, ornaments, and festive stems or sprays. The post mentions a star cheese board and utensil set with a candle and candle ring as a simple, festive counter accent too.