Buzz
1. Choose Natural and Seasonal Decor
Thanksgiving is all about honoring the harvest, so using natural, seasonal decor elements sets the perfect mood for both Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Bradley shares, "I adore fruits, bittersweet vines, evergreen branches, nuts, and pinecones."
"A bowl filled with persimmons or pomegranates, accented with bittersweet or evergreen sprigs, looks festive and highlights the season’s change. These decorations can be further jazzed up as we approach the holidays," he added. "Pinecone garlands, small live evergreens left undecorated, or ilex berry branches in crocks, baskets, or vases help create a festive atmosphere without fully embracing Christmas yet."
2. Put Up the Lights
Holiday lights aren't just for Christmas. Pretty candles and white twinkly lights make your home look festive for a Thanksgiving feast, and still look special for New Year's, too.
"Many people have adapted the small, clear, fairy lights for year-round use, and there is certainly nothing like the twinkle of a holiday light to bring a sense of warmth to the long, dark evenings," Bradley says. "String them through an indoor plant, swirl them among the pinecones in the basket, or just arrange them around a vase and let them drip off of the table."
Bonus: Putting up exterior lights early when the weather is milder lets you avoid spending hours outside hanging lights in wintry weather.
3. Carefully Choose a Color Scheme
Instead of the typical red and green associated with Christmas, opt for a more neutral color palette such as cream, gold, and silver, which are timeless and adaptable year-round. Bradley also suggests choosing an unconventional color combination.
"For several years, I've been fond of using brown for both Thanksgiving and Christmas," he says. "It complements the earthy tones of pinecones and creates a striking contrast when paired with vibrant greens."
"The combination of brown with the warm hues of autumnal golds and oranges is the ideal choice for Thanksgiving," he affirms. "When mixed with persimmon, green, and brown, this palette creates an elegant and nature-inspired Christmas look, enhanced by the shine of freshly polished brass and natural moss."
4. Explore Your Own Backyard
Whether you gather your own branches and greenery or purchase them from a florist or farmers market, consider local elements for your décor. Bradley suggests, "In the West, you can find everything from nuts, moss, and lichen-covered branches to rose hips, gourds, and pumpkins—these items can carry you from Halloween all the way through to the New Year," particularly if you choose white pumpkins and gourds in shades of white and green. "If you reside in the North, take this same approach but incorporate snowflakes, snowballs, and snow to complete your display and keep it festive until spring."
5. Decorate with a Tree
Halloween trees have become quite the trend over the past few years, with some people keeping them up well into the Christmas season. The secret lies in the decorations. While pumpkins, bats, and witches' hats are perfect for the spooky season, you can easily swap these ornaments for more festive Christmas or Thanksgiving styles when November arrives.
6. Go Ahead and Do It
If putting up your tree or hanging garlands early brings you happiness, there's no reason to resist. "If Christmas brings you joy, then by all means, put your tree up when the spirit moves you," says Bradley. "Wherever we can find those pockets of joy that make life so sweet, embrace them."
