5 Cheap Dollar Tree DIY Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas: Budget-friendly, quick Dollar Tree DIYs to style a festive Thanksgiving tableUncommon Author NameOct 17, 2025Table of Contents1. Faux Greenery Runner with a Pumpkin Accent2. Mason Jar Candle Clusters — Upcycled and Glam3. Personalized Kraft Paper Placemats and Name Tags4. Napkin Rings from Ribbon, Twine, and Faux Leaves5. Layered Charger Look Using Dollar Store TraysTips 1:FAQTable of Contents1. Faux Greenery Runner with a Pumpkin Accent2. Mason Jar Candle Clusters — Upcycled and Glam3. Personalized Kraft Paper Placemats and Name Tags4. Napkin Rings from Ribbon, Twine, and Faux Leaves5. Layered Charger Look Using Dollar Store TraysTips 1FAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once had a client ask me to dress a tiny dining nook for Thanksgiving with a strict $25 budget — and I accepted the challenge, partly because small spaces force clever solutions and partly because I adore a bargain victory. That experience taught me that a small space layout can still feel grand, and that you don’t need expensive items to make a warm, memorable table. Small space can spark big creativity, so I’m sharing 5 Dollar Tree DIY Thanksgiving table decor ideas I actually use in real projects.1. Faux Greenery Runner with a Pumpkin AccentGrab faux eucalyptus garlands, mini foam pumpkins, and a spool of twine. I layer a couple of garlands down the middle, tuck in a few foam pumpkins, and tie twine bows around clusters to make it look thoughtfully composed. It’s cheap, forgiving if you reposition things, and looks seasonally luxe — the only challenge is avoiding overstuffing the runner on very narrow tables.save pin2. Mason Jar Candle Clusters — Upcycled and GlamDollar Tree mason jars plus metallic spray paint = instant charm. I place battery tea lights in different jars, spray one or two with gold or copper, and group them on a mirrored plate for extra sparkle. Pros: safe, reusable, and kid-friendly; cons: spray paint needs ventilation and drying time, so plan ahead.save pin3. Personalized Kraft Paper Placemats and Name TagsKraft paper rolls, seasonal stamps, and a black marker are my go-to for one-hour personalization. I sketch a quick border, stamp a leaf or acorn, and hand-write names for a cozy, handmade look. It’s playful and budget-friendly, and if you’re arranging a tight kitchen table arrangement, these placemats help define each guest’s space without clutter.save pin4. Napkin Rings from Ribbon, Twine, and Faux LeavesI love making napkin rings with ribbon, a loop of twine, and a faux leaf or two hot-glued on top. They’re tiny details that elevate the whole table. Easy to mass-produce for guests, though be careful with glue guns if you’re doing a family DIY session — they can be addictive and a little messy.save pin5. Layered Charger Look Using Dollar Store TraysUse plastic chargers or inexpensive trays under your plates and top with a patterned napkin to mimic expensive charger sets. I once layered a thrifted ceramic plate over a gold-painted tray from Dollar Tree and the result read much pricier than it was. If you’re thinking of rearranging furniture for a bigger gathering, pairing this trick with simple planning (or a quick 3D floor planning) helps you visualize flow and seating.save pinTips 1:Quick shopping list: faux garland, foam pumpkins, mason jars, LED tea lights, kraft paper roll, seasonal stamps, ribbon and twine, faux leaves, hot glue sticks, and a couple of plastic trays. Budget tip: buy duplicates of versatile items (like jars and garlands) — they work across many setups and survive the season.save pinFAQQ: Can I use real candles from Dollar Tree?A: I prefer battery-operated candles for safety and longevity; they won’t drip wax or blow out if a gust hits the table.Q: How do I make DIY decor look intentional, not cheap?A: Stick to a simple color story (two neutrals + one accent), repeat materials (same ribbon or greenery), and layer heights for a cohesive, curated feel.Q: How much time should I allow for these projects?A: Most of these ideas take 15–45 minutes each. Set aside an hour for the runner and candles if you want to spray-paint or let glue dry.Q: Are Dollar Tree faux greens realistic?A: They vary by season, but with a little trimming and mixing of stems you can create very believable arrangements at a fraction of florist prices.Q: How do I store these DIY pieces for next year?A: Wrap fragile or painted pieces in tissue and store flat containers inside a sturdy box. Label the box so you can repeat the look next season without hunting supplies.Q: Can kids help with these crafts?A: Yes — kids can assemble napkin rings and stamp placemats. Keep hot-glue and spray paint for adults, but let little hands add finishing touches.Q: Any safety tips about using decor near food?A: Keep spray-painted items well ventilated and fully cured before contacting table surfaces. For open flames, keep flammable decor at least 12 inches from candle flames; according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), candles should never be left unattended.Q: Will these ideas work in a very small dining nook?A: Absolutely — the key is scale and choosing low, long centerpieces so sightlines and conversation aren’t blocked. Small tables demand restraint, which often yields the coziest results.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE