16 Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Decor Ideas for Table & Living Room

Paper products might seem convenient, but they’re also wasteful. So, my best advice is to opt for reusable linen or organic cotton tablecloths and napkins in neutral tones like cream or grey that can be used year-round.

P.S. For a seasonal pop, layer in napkins with autumnal hues or patterns. A good idea is to roll up the napkins and secure them with twine or a sprig of fresh rosemary. This adds a rustic touch that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. After the meal, simply toss them in the wash, and they’re ready to go for your next dinner party.

Seriously, why buy decorations when you can forage them from your own backyard? Incorporating local leaves, pinecones, and branches into your table setting not only saves money but also brings a touch of nature indoors. It’s one of my absolute favorite green Thanksgiving table ideas.

Take a stroll through your neighborhood or backyard and gather fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, and small branches. When you have everything in hand, lay the branches down at the center of the table to create a natural runner, then scatter leaves and pinecones around your centerpiece.

Pro Tip: If you want to add a bit of sparkle, lightly dust your finds with some eco-friendly glitter or metallic paint made from natural ingredients. After Thanksgiving, everything can return to the earth or be reused for winter décor.

Candles set the mood, but traditional paraffin candles release toxins into the air.

Scour the web for candles made from 100% soy or beeswax, preferably in reusable containers like glass jars or tins. Place a few candles of varying heights down the table, interspersed with your natural centerpiece. For inspiration, check out these non-toxic holiday candles I tested earlier this month. For an added fall vibe, choose candles scented with essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or vanilla. When the candle burns out, reuse the container for storage or another craft project.

Who says décor can’t be part of the meal? These truly organic Thanksgiving decoration ideas with edible items like nuts, fruits, or homemade bread add a unique touch and reduce waste.

Arrange bowls of mixed nuts, bunches of grapes, and freshly baked rolls or breadsticks along the table. As the meal progresses, invite guests to nibble on the décor. By the end of the night, your beautiful display will have disappeared—no clean-up necessary!

Instead of buying new dishes and utensils every year, consider shopping secondhand. Vintage tableware not only adds character to your table but also reduces the demand for new products, saving resources.

Visit local thrift stores to find unique plates, glasses, and flatware that match your style. Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly—eclectic is in! Pair vintage finds with your existing tableware to create a layered, personalized look. If you find something truly special, use it year after year. 

If you’re hosting a big crowd and need to use disposable plates, go for compostable options made from bamboo, palm leaves, or other plant-based materials. These alternatives offer the convenience of disposables without the environmental hangover.

Choose plates and utensils made from bamboo, sugarcane, or palm leaves. They’re sturdy, and stylish, and break down naturally after use. When you have your set, lay it out just like you would with regular dishes, adding in your cloth napkins and natural centerpieces to tie everything together.

Why spend money on plastic garlands and wreaths when nature has already provided everything you need? I’ve had a blast making my own garlands and wreaths from dried oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. I started with some dried oranges, fresh cranberries, and a few cinnamon sticks. If you’ve never dried oranges before, it’s super easy—just slice them thin and bake at a low temperature until they’re dry. I threaded everything onto natural twine, alternating between oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. You can adjust the pattern to suit your style.

Got some old clothes or fabric scraps lying around? Turn them into a festive “Thankful” banner! For this zero-waste Thanksgiving decor idea, you can dig out some old shirts and fabric scraps that were just taking up space. Anything with fall colors or patterns works great. Using some twine, I strung the fabric pieces together and hung the banner above the fireplace. It adds a cozy, homemade feel to the room, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of the memories attached to those old clothes.

Throw pillows are an easy way to switch up your decor for the season, but I’ve made it a point to choose ones that are kind to the environment. I found pillows made from organic cotton and even some with recycled polyester filling. They’re just as soft and fluffy as their conventional counterparts. You can choose a mix of neutral tones and fall-inspired colors like burnt orange and deep green.

• Bonus Tip: If you’re feeling crafty, consider sewing your pillow covers from old fabrics. It’s a fun project, and you get exactly the look you want without the environmental cost of new textiles.

Swapping out synthetic rugs for ones made of natural fibers like jute, sisal, or seagrass is one of my favorite eco-friendly upgrades. For this holiday season, I chose a jute rug for my living room. It’s durable, neutral, and fits perfectly with the rustic Thanksgiving theme.

To add some extra warmth and depth, you can layer a smaller wool rug on top.  Since natural fiber rugs are a bit more delicate, I recommend spot-cleaning them with eco-friendly cleaning products to keep them looking fresh throughout the holiday season.

When it comes to eco-friendly festive decorations, I’ve found that nothing beats the beauty of living plants. Instead of plastic decorations that end up in the trash, I’ve started incorporating more potted plants into my decor. Last year, I opted for a mix of small potted plants like succulents and larger statement plants like a fiddle leaf fig. You can place a few smaller plants on side tables and the mantel, while the bigger ones fill in empty corners of the room.

• Pro Tip: Add a few seasonal touches to your plants, like tiny pumpkins or a sprig of eucalyptus. It’s an easy way to make them feel festive without going overboard.

Nothing says “welcome” like a soft, cozy blanket to snuggle under. I’ve switched to using throws and blankets made from natural materials like organic cotton or wool—they’re just as warm and way better for the planet. I went with a couple of chunky knit blankets made from organic cotton in deep autumnal shades like burgundy and mustard yellow. Wool throws are also great for added warmth. I’d suggest draping them over the back of the couch and on the armchairs, creating inviting spots for guests to relax.  

Store-bought potpourri can be full of artificial fragrances and unnecessary packaging. So, I started making my own potpourri from dried herbs, flowers, and spices. It’s super easy, and the natural scent is unbeatable. For this DIY eco-friendly Thanksgiving craft project, I used dried lavender, rose petals, orange peels, and whole cloves. You can use whatever you have on hand or what smells best to you. Then, go ahead and combine everything in a bowl and give it a good toss. You can even add a few drops of essential oils if you want a stronger scent.

Finally, one of my favorite sustainable Thanksgiving decorations for the living room is simply displaying holiday cards from past years. It’s a simple, sentimental way to add warmth to the room without buying new decor.  I gathered all the Thanksgiving cards I’ve received over the years. Next, all I had to do was string them up with twine along the mantel, but you could also arrange them on a bulletin board or tuck them into the branches of a foraged greenery display. If you’re feeling crafty, try making a few cards from recycled paper or fabric scraps. They double as decorations and can be reused year after year.