Affordable Fall & Thanksgiving Decorating
Cozy on a Budget
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As the crisp breeze rolls in and the leaves begin to turn those beautiful shades of rust, orange, and gold, many of us start thinking about how to bring the cozy feel of fall into our homes—without spending a fortune. Let’s chat about decorating, Affordable Fall Decorating on a budget of course.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dinner or simply want to enjoy the warmth of autumn colors around your house, decorating doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your home into a fall-inspired haven using budget-friendly ideas that are just as beautiful as high-end décor.
In this guide, we’ll walk through affordable decorating ideas for every area of your home—from the front porch to the fireplace mantle—all while keeping the cozy, rustic charm of fall front and center.
🍁 1. Front Porch & Entryway: Set the Tone
The front of your home is the first thing visitors see, so why not give it a festive fall glow?
Budget-Friendly Porch Decorating Ideas:
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Pumpkins, Gourds & Hay Bales: Pick up pumpkins and gourds from a local farm or discount store. Many grocery stores sell smaller pumpkins (pie pumpkins) for just $1–$3. Stack a couple on top of a hay bale (often $6–$10 at farm supply stores) for instant charm.
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DIY Doormat: Buy a plain coir doormat for $5–$7 and use outdoor acrylic paint and a stencil (or painter’s tape) to create your own fall message like “Hello Pumpkin” or “Gather Here.”
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Crate Stack: Repurpose old wooden crates (check Facebook Marketplace or local thrift stores) to display fall-themed items—add faux leaves, pinecones, or a lantern for a rustic look.
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Dollar Store Finds: Faux leaves, scarecrows, and floral picks are often available for $1.25 or less. Combine several into a large arrangement using a recycled tin can, basket, or vase.
🚪 2. Front Door: Make a Statement with a Wreath
Wreaths are a classic fall décor piece and surprisingly easy to make on a budget.
DIY Wreath Ideas:
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Dollar Tree DIY Wreath:
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Grab a wire wreath form, faux leaves, mini pumpkins, and ribbon.
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Wrap the leaves around the wire form using hot glue or floral wire.
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Accent with pumpkins and finish with a burlap bow.
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Rustic Look:
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Use dried materials from nature: pinecones, twigs, acorns, and dried orange slices.
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Attach them to a grapevine wreath form (about $5 at craft stores or Walmart).
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Tip: Always check clearance aisles after holidays—stores often mark down seasonal wreaths 50–80%.
🏠 3. Living Room: Warm, Inviting & Cozy
The living room is where we gather, so make it reflect the warmth of the season with soft textures and fall colors.
Mantel Makeover on a Budget:
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Use What You Have: Drape a plaid scarf or an old flannel blanket over part of the mantel as a runner.
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Candles & Jars: Fill mason jars with popcorn kernels, acorns, or dried beans and place LED tea lights inside.
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DIY Garland: Cut out leaves from colored cardstock or leftover fabric scraps. String them together using twine for a simple garland.
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Pumpkin Accents: Foam pumpkins can be painted in shades of rust, mustard, or cream for a cohesive palette. Use matte acrylic paints or even chalk paint for a rustic finish.
🕯️ 4. Fall Scent & Ambience: Low-Cost Cozy Touches
Sometimes it’s not just about how your home looks—but how it smells and feels. Pumpkins and gourds are cheap, cheap at Walmart and the Grocery stores.
Affordable Ways to Set the Mood:
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DIY Stovetop Potpourri: Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, cloves, and orange peel. I honestly do this almost every weekend, shhh!
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Candle Dupes: Dollar Tree and Walmart carry fall-scented candles that rival more expensive brands. I splurged this year and picked up this Hello Fall candle AND Cinnamon Rolls. They smell so, so very yummy!!
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Fairy Lights: Add a warm glow with battery-operated string lights tucked into jars or wound around shelves. I have these from Amazon, they are perfect!
🍽️ 5. Dining Table: Thanksgiving-Ready Without Overspending
A well-decorated table doesn’t have to involve a pricey tablescape. With a little ingenuity, you can create a stunning and inviting setting for fall dinners and Thanksgiving feasts.
Budget Table Décor Ideas:
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Table Runner: Use a roll of kraft paper ($1–$2 at dollar stores or Walmart) as a rustic runner. Add hand-drawn leaves or write guests’ names for a personal touch.
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Nature’s Centerpiece: Fill a wooden bowl or tray with pinecones, small pumpkins, and dried leaves.
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Place Cards: Fold small kraft paper tags and write names in calligraphy (or your best cursive). Tie to mini pumpkins or pinecones.
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Chargers on a Dime: Spray paint dollar store pizza pans in gold, copper, or bronze and use as decorative chargers.
🪴 6. Kitchen Nook or Shelves: Add a Hint of Harvest
If you have open shelving or a kitchen nook, don’t overlook these spaces!
Easy Additions:
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Mugs & Linens: Swap out a couple of everyday mugs for fall-themed ones (look for clearance deals at discount stores). Add a plaid tea towel or oven mitt for just a couple of dollars.
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Faux Florals: Dollar stores often carry mini fall bouquets—display them in tin cans, recycled jars, or pitchers for a farmhouse vibe.
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Mini Chalkboard Signs: Write seasonal messages like “Give Thanks” or “Pumpkin Spice Season” on mini chalkboards.
🛏️ 7. Bedroom Touches: Unexpected But Cozy
Though it’s not often the focus, adding some seasonal coziness to your bedroom can elevate the whole home.
Quick & Budget-Friendly Bedroom Ideas:
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Throw Pillow Covers: Instead of buying new pillows, get or make inexpensive covers in fall hues like burnt orange, deep burgundy, or mustard yellow.
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Blankets: A single plaid or sherpa throw at the foot of the bed adds instant fall feels.
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DIY Wall Art: Frame autumn-themed printables (many are free online) or create your own leaf prints using acrylic paint and real leaves on paper.
🍂 8. Involve the Family: Kid-Friendly DIY Fall Crafts
Fall is a great season to involve your kids in decorating. Not only is it fun, but many crafts double as heartfelt seasonal décor.
Craft Ideas:
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Gratitude Tree: Create a tree trunk from paper or cardboard and tape it to the wall. Each family member can add a leaf every day in November with something they’re thankful for.
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Painted Pinecones: Collect pinecones from outside and paint the tips in orange, gold, and brown.
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Toilet Paper Pumpkins:
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Take a roll of toilet paper, wrap it with fabric (an old shirt works!), and stick a cinnamon stick in the center as a stem.
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🧺 9. Where to Shop for Budget Fall Décor
If you don’t have time for DIY, there are still plenty of affordable places to shop.
Top Budget-Friendly Stores:
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Dollar Tree / Family Dollar / Dollar General
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Target Dollar Spot (Bullseye’s Playground)
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Walmart seasonal clearance
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Thrift Stores & Habitat for Humanity ReStores
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Five Below
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Facebook Marketplace & Buy Nothing Groups
Tip: Shop right after the season for clearance up to 90% off and save for next year!
🎨 Fall Color Palette Inspiration
For a warm and cohesive fall look, stick to a color scheme using 2–4 of the following:
- Burnt Orange
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Rust
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Mustard Yellow
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Olive Green
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Deep Burgundy
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Cream / Ivory
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Warm Browns
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Copper / Gold
Mixing textures (like burlap, wood, and flannel) with these colors will give your space that layered, cozy feel without needing a decorator’s budget.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Creating Warmth Without the Cost
Decorating your home for fall and Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be expensive. With a little planning and creativity, you can turn your home into a seasonal retreat that’s both festive and functional.
Whether it’s a handcrafted wreath on the front door, a cozy throw on the couch, or a candlelit dinner table for Thanksgiving, each small touch adds up to create that warm, inviting feeling we all crave this time of year.
So, take a walk in nature, hit up your local dollar store, get the kids involved, and most importantly—enjoy the season. After all, the heart of Thanksgiving is not how your house looks, but the love and gratitude it holds inside.
Have a favorite budget fall decorating tip? Share it in the comments below or tag us in your photos! 🍂
Happy Decorating!
Howdy there, I’m Kat. I’m so glad your here, WELCOME! I’m a southern gal with a gypsy soul, making North Texas my home!
Married to one amazing man, we have 4 crazy kids, & 4+ crazy cats and the most adorable granddaughter! Pull up a seat, grab a glass of sweet tea & stay awhile!
