7 Coastal Thanksgiving Decor Ideas
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7 Coastal Thanksgiving Decor Ideas for the beach lover
Planning a seaside Thanksgiving celebration, bringing coastal style into your coastal holiday decor is the perfect way to embrace your love for the beach. By incorporating natural elements like seashells, sand, driftwood, and tropical greenery mixed with classic seasonal hues of ivory, blue, and cranberry, you can create a soothing and inviting Thanksgiving decor scene with a distinct ocean vibe.
Whether you are tablescaping, designing unique wreaths, or adorning your walls, there are easy yet elegant ways to let the essence of the sea shine through your Thanksgiving decor.
The key is to blend neutral beachy tones with pops of fall inspiration. Here are 7 simple coastal decorating ideas for Thanksgiving to embrace the seaside mood:
- Neutral tones – Stick to neutral tones like sand, navy, light blue, and ivory for your tablescape. Accent with pops of fall colors like cranberry.
- Seashell wreaths – Make mini wreaths out of seashells, starfish, sand dollars, and other coastal finds for your front door or table centerpiece.
- Wood signage – Make or purchase wood signs with coastal sayings like “Grateful for the Waves” or “Let the Sea Set You Free” to decorate your home.
- Ocean-scented or beach-theme Candles – Burn soy candles with beachy scents like ocean breeze, coconut, or driftwood to set the seaside mood. You can also add beach theme candles with a fall twist
- Rope or jute accents – Incorporate rope, jute, or natural twine on your dining chairs, table runners, wreaths, or wall hangings for a nautical vibe.
- Cozy fall Blankets – Layering softly draped blankets in natural tones fosters inviting snuggles amidst Thanksgiving seaside decor.
- Beach theme Flags- Hang shoreline flags with prints featuring seashells, starfish, anchors, and ocean-inspired quotes.
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7 Coastal Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

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1) Neutral tones with pops of beachy colors
For Coastal Thanksgiving Decor, stick to calming, neutral tones like light sand, deep navy, soft sky blue, and creamy ivory for your table linens, dishes, glassware, and decorative elements. These muted oceanic hues pair beautifully with natural coastal textures like rattan chargers, jute napkins, and driftwood accents. They provide a soothing, beachy foundation for your table decor.
While neutrals create an airy seaside palette, incorporate pops of rich fall hues to give it that seasonal touch. Use cranberry red glass votives, wine red berries, or burgundy foliage in your centerpiece and table garland. Orange persimmons, golden yellow citrus fruits, and bronze-toned gourds also make vibrant additions. Just a few accent colors go a long way in bringing warmth and visual interest to the table against those beachy neutrals.
2) Seashell wreaths
A gorgeous way to welcome guests is a Thanksgiving coastal wreath made from seashells, starfish, sand dollars, and other coastal finds. Collect an array of shells in natural hues that complement one another.
The neutral palette of creams, whites, and sands exude the calming essence of the shoreline. Interspersing different shapes and sizes creates visual interest and texture. Tiny starfish nestled within the shells add whimsical ocean personality. Pieces of coral and sand dollars provide an earthy contrast to the sleek seashells.
Embellishing with pearls, ribbons, or netting lends an airy elegance. Hung on the front door or displayed prominently within the home, this natural coastal creation infuses tranquility and joyful gratitude into Thanksgiving gatherings. It welcomes guests into a relaxed beachfront experience
3) Wood signage

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Wood signage with ocean-inspired quotes and sayings lend a casual, beachy vibe to your Thanksgiving decor. If you’re crafty, use driftwood, reclaimed barn wood, or untouched raw planks to make your own signs. Paint or stencil sayings like “Grateful for the Waves”, “Seas the Day”, or “Let the Sea Set You Free” in ocean blues and sea foam greens. Add accents like ropes, shells, or starfish for dimension. Distress the edges for a weathered, coastal look.
For ease, purchase wooden signs with cheerful ocean quotes and images from coastal decor retailers. Opt for light natural wood tones and neutral backgrounds that convey the relaxed essence of the beach. Intersperse your Thanksgiving dishes and candles with the wood signs down the center of your table for some ocean wisdom. Or hang wood signs above your buffet spread on the walls. You can also display them on the mantel among votives and greenery for an inviting vignette.
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4) Ocean-scented or Beach-theme candles
For beach vibes, fill stoneware vessels with candles that smell of coconut, palm, and vanilla – reminiscent of sunscreen and tropical resorts. Layer these beachy candles with pillars in fall scents like pumpkin spice, apple cider, and cranberry chutney.
To blend seasonal and coastal, look for soy wax blends in scents like Spiced Mahogany Surf, Autumn on the Dunes, or Cranberry Tide Pool. Display storm glass votives or carved wave candles for subtle ocean themes.
Cluster an assortment of scented candles in sand, deep blue, and ivory hues along the table, mantel, or entryway. The alternating heights and flickering glow exude cozy seaside hygge. With just their fragrances and colors, candles craft a coastal ambience with autumn charm.
5) Rope or jute accents

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Incorporating rope, jute, and natural twine adds a relaxed nautical vibe to your Thanksgiving decor. Drape thick jute ribbon across the backs of dining chairs for an organic touch. Knot and twist rope into simple hanging wall decor to keep with the beach house aesthetic. For table runners, loosely braid three pieces of twine for an artfully undone look. Or neatly wrap thicker rope around glass cylinder vases for a contrasting shape and texture.
However you choose to use it, rope and jute add coastal character and a casual charm. The natural materials complement both rustic farmhouse and breezy beach-chic styles for Thanksgiving. No matter how simple, their organic unfinished look cultivates cozy seaside warmth.
6) Cozy Fall Blankets

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Textured knits and woven throws in sand, ivory, and coastal blue palette create cozy spaces to curl up with cocoa, cider, or cocktails. Neutral blankets accentuate the tranquility of the oceanfront while providing warmth as seasons change. Whether draped across weathered driftwood chairs, folded at the end of a jute bench, or artfully positioned on the sofa, the blankets beckon guests to sink in. Their fuzzy textures and neutral warmth cultivate a cozy coastal vibe and reflection on blessings.
As evenings cool, there’s nothing better than cuddling on the porch or patio watching the tides under these soothing blankets. They lend fall snugness to breezy oceanfront decor for the ultimate seaside Thanksgiving.
7) Beach Theme Flags
Bring visual interest into your coastal Thanksgiving with flags featuring beachy motifs. Look for nautical signal flags stitched with shells, starfish, seahorses, and sand dollars. Or opt for printed pennant banners with bold anchors, stripes, and ocean quotes.
Hang the beachy flags outdoors on porches, patios, or balconies for a casual festive feel. Line your entrance walkway with a mixed assortment fastened to bamboo posts or hung from jute rope. For indoor decor, affix flags to cabinetry and walls in the dining space for an ocean vibe backdrop.
Grab any of our Coastal Thanksgiving Decor Ideas to invoke a seaside spirit for Thanksgiving by the shore. And won’t you join our SugarsBeach family by popping in your name and email below. xo, Sugar
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