As Thanksgiving approaches, homeowners across the Chicago suburbs from Barrington to Highland Park are getting ready to welcome friends and family for cozy holiday gatherings. While most of the celebration happens indoors, your landscape can set the stage the moment guests arrive. Even with cooler temperatures and fewer blooms, your yard and outdoor spaces can still shine with warmth, color, and creativity.
Here are some simple, stylish Thanksgiving outdoor decor ideas to help homeowners in the northern Chicago suburbs make the most of their landscapes this season.
1. Highlight the Warm Colors of Fall
Late fall is all about embracing rich, earthy tones—burnt orange, golden yellow, deep red, and soft browns. Even after the leaves drop, you can add seasonal color with container plantings filled with ornamental kale, pansies, or dried grasses.
Top them off with natural accents like pumpkins, gourds, and birch branches. These easy, low-maintenance additions provide a festive look that complements the natural surroundings of the Chicago suburbs. For a longer-lasting display, swap in evergreen sprigs or pinecones that transition seamlessly from Thanksgiving into the winter holidays.
2. Add Warmth and Glow with Lighting
With shorter days, lighting becomes one of the most important elements of Thanksgiving outdoor decor. Soft, warm lighting along your walkways and entryway instantly makes your home feel more welcoming.
Try string lights, solar lanterns, or LED pathway lights to highlight trees, shrubs, or garden beds. Wrapping lights around porch columns or along railings creates a festive glow that guests will love. If you’re hosting an outdoor gathering, a few strands of twinkle lights above a patio or pergola can completely transform the atmosphere.
3. Create a Cozy Gathering Space
Even in November, there’s something special about spending time outdoors. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace adds both warmth and ambiance, making it easy for guests to enjoy hot cider or roast marshmallows while taking in the crisp fall air.
Arrange comfortable seating, add blankets or plaid throws, and include a few decorative lanterns to complete the look. For homeowners in the northern suburbs of Chicago, investing in a patio heater can extend your outdoor season well into the holidays.
4. Use Natural Elements for Texture and Style
The best Thanksgiving outdoor decor often starts with what nature provides. Gather pinecones, dried hydrangeas, berry branches, or cornstalks to create porch displays or entryway accents. Pair these with copper pots, weathered planters, or woven baskets for a sophisticated, seasonal feel.
A simple wreath made from dried leaves and twigs can also make a big statement on your front door—tying together the natural tones of your late-fall landscape.
5. Clean Up and Refresh Your Landscape
Before decorating, make sure your yard is clean and well-kept. Rake leaves, prune perennials, and sweep walkways to create a polished backdrop for your Thanksgiving outdoor decor. A tidy landscape lets your seasonal touches stand out and shows guests that your home is ready for the season of gratitude.
Bring the Warmth of Thanksgiving Outdoors
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and comfort—and your outdoor spaces can reflect that spirit beautifully. With a little creativity, your Chicago suburban landscape can become an inviting extension of your home’s holiday celebrations.
Let Martin John Company Help
From seasonal planters and fall cleanups to outdoor lighting and landscape design, Martin John Company helps homeowners throughout Chicago’s northern suburbs create stunning, holiday-ready landscapes.
Contact us today to schedule your seasonal services and bring your Thanksgiving outdoor decor ideas to life.