7 Bold Thanksgiving Colors To Make Your Home More Inviting

If you want your home to be more inviting for your next family gathering, here are the best bold Thanksgiving colors you can incorporate into every space. I’m not just talking about the traditional reds and oranges — we’re going to explore bolder, more vibrant seasonal hues to give your home the refresh it deserves.

Thanksgiving has always looked the same in my house. Fall decor, warm hues, natural textures, the works. And while I love the cozy, traditional feel, there comes a point when it all starts to blur together – pumpkins, plaid, and orange leaves on repeat. 

When you look through Pinterest for inspiration, you’ll see all those pretty homes with gorgeous decor, but let’s be honest, they all start to look a little too similar. The warm reds, oranges, and browns are classics, but sometimes you want your space to stand out while still keeping that undeniable fall charm.

I love the aesthetic, don’t get me wrong, but it got me thinking: What if I change things up a bit? Nope, I’m not talking about a major renovation. The easiest way to give your home a new look? Adding colors through decor. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some tips to get you going.

Why Do Colors Matter?

Why should we pay attention to colors in the first place? And why is it important to choose the right colors for your home?

One of the best wellness tips to reduce stress in your life is to create a comforting environment, and a great way to do that is to add color to your home. According to Mental Health America, bright colors like yellow and orange can elevate your mood, while cooler tones like blue and purple can promote relaxation.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to bring in some bold hues that not only capture the festive spirit but also make your home feel warm and inviting for your guests. Let’s get started with some bolder options.

Best Bold Thanksgiving Colors To Add To Your Home

Traditional Thanksgiving colors revolve around warm shades, such as red, orange, yellow and brown. Why not explore other hues and tones? Here are some options you can try.

Emerald Green

When you think of Thanksgiving colors, emerald green might not be the first hue that comes to mind, but it’s a surprisingly versatile and elegant choice for the season. Emerald green brings a rich, earthy tone that complements the traditional fall palette of warm oranges, deep reds and golden yellows. 

According to color psychology on Mental Health America, green can help relieve stress and sadness because of its association with nature. However, unlike regular green, emerald green is a darker, cooler color that can be more relaxing to the eyes.

“Jewel tones offer a fresh take on Thanksgiving decor, providing a striking contrast to the usual fall colors.”

— Austin Skoog, Sky Side Exteriors

Deep Plum

Deep plum is a rich, luxurious color that adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to your Thanksgiving decor. With its hints of purple and deep red, deep plum perfectly captures the essence of fall while standing out from the more traditional fall colors. 

Incorporating deep plum into your Thanksgiving setting can be as simple as adding velvet pillows, plush throws or candles. It goes best with natural elements like wood, stone and greenery for a balanced look.

Burnt Orange

Here’s a more classic color for Thanksgiving. Burnt orange is one of those colors that just screams fall, doesn’t it? It’s warm, earthy and offers a cozy vibe that can easily remind you of traditional fall elements.

“I would recommend incorporating burnt orange, crimson and amber tones for a bold yet warm Thanksgiving color scheme.”

— Elsa Rao, Golden Teak

Sapphire Blue

Sapphire blue is a stunning choice that adds a touch of sophistication to your space. While it’s not a traditional fall color, sapphire blue brings a rich, luxurious vibe that can make your space feel vibrant and inviting. I find it most beautiful with warm autumn colors like gold, burnt orange and deep plum.

Consider incorporating sapphire blue into your Thanksgiving decor through elements like table linens, glassware or even a bold centerpiece. If you’re short on time, try making a last-minute centerpiece with sapphire blue mini pumpkins or painted pillar candles.

Burgundy

Burgundy is one of those colors that just feels right for Thanksgiving, but it’s a bit bolder than traditional red. It’s rich and warm and adds an elegant touch to your decor, making your home feel cozy and inviting. Skoog suggests pairing such a rich color with an accent of gold or copper for a touch of luxury.

Navy Blue

Navy blue is another non-traditional fall color I love. This deep, rich hue pairs beautifully with the warm tones of fall like burnt orange and gold, creating a modern and timeless look. 

Plus, blue is one of the best colors for sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation. Adding shades of blue to your bedroom or guest room can help the whole family regulate their circadian rhythm after all the Thanksgiving festivities.

Rust

Rust is another staple fall color, but maybe not as popular. Nevertheless, rust is a perfect color for Thanksgiving as it brings a warm, cozy feel to your celebration table, especially next to a charcuterie spread. 

If you want to incorporate this shade into your home, try a rust-colored table runner, some napkins or some throw pillows. It looks amazing with natural elements like wood or greenery and pairs best with other warm tones like mustard yellow or deep brown. For contrast, try teal. 

How To Incorporate Colors Into Thanksgiving Decor

Adding new colors to your home doesn’t require a major overhaul. You certainly don’t need to paint your walls just for the season. Instead, try these tips:

• Start with the table: Use table runners, placemats or napkins in your chosen colors. This is an easy way to introduce bold hues like burgundy, navy or rust to your Thanksgiving setting.
• Add accent pillows and throws: Swap out your regular pillows and throws for ones in seasonal colors like deep plum or burnt orange.
• Incorporate colored candles: Candles are a simple yet effective way to bring color into your decor. Choose candles in shades like emerald green or mustard yellow to add a pop of color and a cozy glow to your dining table or mantel.
• Hang Thanksgiving banners: An easy way to incorporate party decor is to add a Thanksgiving banner to the dining or living room. It’s fast, cheap and easy to take down after the festivities are over.
• Use colored glassware or dishes: Mix and match your dinnerware with plates or glasses in bold colors. It’s a fun way to add vibrancy to your table without buying a whole new set.
• Make a balloon arch: If you’re throwing a party, try making a balloon arch to make things more festive. Use two contrasting colors like burgundy and deep plum to make it more visually appealing.
• Add traditional elements: Place pinecones, decorative pumpkins and other traditional Thanksgiving decor to tie everything together. If you’re in a pinch, there’s always time to make some last minute Thanksgiving centerpieces.
• Use colorful wreaths: Hang a bold, colorful wreath on your front door or inside your home. Choose one with rich autumnal shades or even a mix of unexpected colors to create a warm and inviting entryway.
• Create colorful centerpieces: Arrange flowers, fruits, or seasonal items in vibrant colors to make eye-catching centerpieces for your dining table or coffee tables. This not only adds color but also brings a fresh, natural element to your decor.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Redecorating Your Home For Thanksgiving

If you’re anything like me, I get super excited to decorate my home as soon as the leaves start to change. However, in the excitement of it all, it’s easy to make mistakes that can turn your festive vision into a chaotic reality. From overcrowding spaces to skipping important parts of your home, here are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating your home for Thanksgiving:

• Overcrowding spaces: Filling every nook and cranny with decorations can make your home feel smaller. Aim for a balanced arrangement without clutter that leaves some breathing room. Always remember that less is more!
• Neglecting cohesiveness: Using too many bold colors at once can make your space feel overwhelming. Instead, stick to a limited color palette – three to four complementary colors work best. This helps create a harmonious look without feeling cluttered.
• Ignoring the power of neutrals: Neglecting to balance bold colors with neutral tones can lead to an unbalanced decor. Don’t forget to incorporate soft whites, beiges, or grays to ground the bold hues, allowing them to pop without overwhelming the eye. I always add a few homemade rolled beeswax candles to my centerpiece to balance out the bold colors.
• Using trendy decor: While it’s tempting to follow the latest trends in decor, opt for classic pieces that won’t feel dated by next year. Timeless decor can be reused, making your efforts more sustainable.
• Forgetting about texture: Relying solely on color without layering different textures can make the overall look feel flat. For some depth and interest, use a mix of materials like wood, fabric, and metal.
• Skipping the entryway: Aside from your exterior decorations (if you have any), the first thing that your guests will see is your entryway decor so don’t skip it – make sure to decorate this space to create a warm and welcoming first impression.
• Ignoring functionality: Forgetting about the practicality of your space can get in the way of your Thanksgiving festivities. Make sure that your decorations don’t obstruct pathways or interfere with daily activities.
• Forgetting to personalize: Using generic decorations can make your space feel impersonal. I like to include family photos, handmade items, or sentimental pieces to create a warm, inviting environment that reflects your unique style.

Experiment With New Thanksgiving Colors This Season

Incorporating bold, vibrant colors this Thanksgiving can refresh your home and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you go for jewel tones like sapphire blue or classic shades like rust, these colors will make your space feel festive and memorable for your family gathering.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.