35 Cozy Outdoor Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas

Mother Nature is calling. Take advantage of crisp fall weather and celebrate Thanksgiving in your great outdoors this year with our tips.

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November 05, 2021

By: Kamron Sanders and H. Camille Smith

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Host Thanksgiving Outdoors This Year

Short on space indoors? No worries. Weather permitting, move the party to your patio, deck, backyard or even a local park. The wide open space will give kids plenty of room to run off the sugar buzz from plentiful Thanksgiving desserts while adults will appreciate a little extra elbow room to savor a fall cocktail, catch up with friends and family and soak in Mother Nature's ever-changing scenery.

Plan a Destination Dinner

For a small family-style Thanksgiving in the great outdoors, consider a destination picnic. Bring along a picnic basket filled with your family's Turkey Day faves, and a few decorative items to dress up the table to better suit Mother Nature's beautiful backdrop.

Learn More: Host a Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner Party

Party, Potluck Style

Gathering in a local park with multiple groups of friends, coworkers or classmates is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors if you're a renter or your backyard is too small to host a large group. Party potluck style by assigning meal categories (appetizer, main, side, dessert or beverage) to guests so everyone contributes to the feast and no one is burdened with all the prep and planning. Set the table with basic white plates — whether porcelain, paper or melamine — and just the essential cutlery and linens to minimize items you'll need to take to the site.

Always Include a Centerpiece

This mini arrangement proves that centerpieces don't have to be complicated. For a casual Thanksgiving get-together, just place a few blooms, in fall shades, in a clear water glass. For a fuller look, create several small arrangements to line the center of the table.

See More Photos: Love Wins: Wow Guests With a Rainbow-Themed Vintage Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Don't Forget the Main Event

Whether your Turkey Day tradition includes ... well, turkey, or a vegan alternative, be sure to include the bird in your outdoor dinner plans. Some folks even swear by roasting the turkey the day before, then plating it already sliced to save prep time and simplify serving on Thanksgiving day.

get the recipe: Roast Turkey With Lemon and Sage

(Apple) Pick a Theme

Live close to an apple orchard? You’re in luck. This is the perfect setting for an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. Set up a lightweight or folding table along with a few easy-to-carry chairs and treat your guests to a memorable evening beneath the trees and stars. Stick with the orchard theme by decorating the table with fall's favorite fruit.

See More Photos: Celebrate Fall With an Apple-Themed Outdoor Get-Together

From: Marian Parsons

Light a Fire

Conquer a chill by firing up a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, chiminea or a propane heater. Not only will this add welcome warmth and a beautiful golden glow, crackling flames will encourage guests to linger a little longer and maybe even indulge in fall's favorite fireside treat: s'mores.

Go Shopping: The Best Chimineas to Warm Up Your Outdoor Space

And, Light Up the Night

Don't let the setting sun send guests packing. Keep the party going with twinkling strands of bistro lights. Learn our tricks for temporarily, but safely, illuminating your backyard, below.

get the how-to: String Light Solution: Hang Patio Lights Using Planters and Wood Posts

From: Sam Henderson

Craft Natural Place Cards

When planning your Thanksgiving table setting, remember that beauty is in the details. Thoughtful additions like pretty place cards will make all the difference. These DIY place cards, which repurpose foraged magnolia leaves, have been personalized with the magic of a gold paint pen.

See More Photos: 28 Thoughtful + Creative Thanksgiving Place Cards

Or, Personalize One of Our Free Printables

A printer, colorful card stock and a steady hand are all you need to turn our blank labels into a decorative way to save their seat. Get more free Turkey-Day printables, below.

learn more: 49 Printable (and Free!) Thanksgiving Templates

From: H. Camille Smith

Glam Up the Outdoors

Don’t be afraid to go glam in your outdoor space. A bit of glitz, like these metallic pumpkins, will contrast beautifully with the existing outdoor elements. When mixed with more muted, natural tones, the glam gourds add striking visual interest.

learn more: Stage an Outdoors-Inspired Thanksgiving Dinner

Serve Up Something Seasonal

Make your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner a bit more festive by serving a seasonal sip. This autumn-inspired sangria is packed with the flavors of fall and is perfectly suited for a big-batch preparation. Though it's served chilled, the seasonal spices offer a warming element that'll keep your dinner guests feeling cozy on a cool Thanksgiving evening. Get our fall sangria recipe or try one of our other boozy fall faves, below.

Get the Recipe: 42 Flavorful Cocktail Recipes Perfect for Fall

Or, Brew Up Some Bliss

An enticing coffee bar is what your outdoor events have been missing, and Thanksgiving dinner is no different. This setup utilizes a piece of indoor furniture as its base and is fully stocked with everything one could ask for to craft the perfect cup of joe. A cute pennant banner spelling out “coffee” strung above the table adds a delightfully handcrafted touch.

See More Photos: 3 Ways to Set Up a Beverage Station at Your Next Shindig

Cozy Up Hard Seating

If you’re after that magazine-worthy look but don’t want to sacrifice coziness, stock up on faux fur throws to soften seating. This long wooden bench provides plenty of seating but could stand a bit of softening — a cushy throw will encourage guests to linger over coffee and dessert.

See More Photos: Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

No Table? Fake It

No outdoor dining table? No worries, just attach wood blocks to the corners of an old interior or exterior door to create a long, low outdoor dining table that can be broken down and stored away flat between uses.

Choose a Covered Location

For an outdoor Thanksgiving get-together that can brave unexpected weather, dress up an indoor/outdoor space such as a barn, garden shed or even a carport as a rustic and romantic dinner locale. A timeworn wooden table makes the perfect foundation; just cover it with a colorful cloth or table runner for added visual interest.

See More Photos: Our Favorite Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Serve Buffet Style

Keep it casual and free yourself up to mix and mingle by serving buffet style. Just place plates, silverware and napkins at one end of the spread so guests can help themselves. Tip: If guests outnumber the dinner plates you have in a matched set, don't sweat it! Just use plates that are all in the same color family or same style and it'll lend a trendy, collected look to your spread.

See More Photos: Entertain Outdoors: Host a Rustic Fall Open House Party

From: Marian Parsons

Make Dessert Self-Serve, Too

Set up a separate table for dessert so guests can help themselves to a sweet finish to their meal whenever they're ready. Not sure which sweets you're serving this year? Check out our favorite fall desserts, below.

See More Photos: 50 Irresistible Fall Desserts

Incorporate Backyard Blooms

Fresh-cut backyard blooms shine in this outdoor centerpiece. Bright dahlias in shades of orange, yellow, red and pink pair perfectly with golden celosia, while sorrel leaves, ornamental grasses and cabbages stand in for standard greenery.

See More Photos: Our 70 Favorite Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Stick With Classic Fall Colors

We naturally associate warm shades of russet, red, orange and gold with fall, making these colors an easy choice for decking out your outdoor dining area for the feast. Pull in the autumnal shades via taper candles, throws, pillows and the centerpiece itself. Need floral arranging pointers? Check out our best tips, below.

See More Photos: Our 70 Favorite Thanksgiving Centerpieces

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Or, Rock the Rainbow

Setting the table with vintage dishes and glassware makes even an everyday meal feel like a special occasion. However, unless you inherited them, buying a complete set can be pricey. Fear not, mismatched tableware is super budget-friendly — scour local flea markets, thrift shops and estate sales to pick up orphaned glasses and plates in rainbow shades to create your own colorful collection.

See More Photos: Love Wins: Wow Guests With a Rainbow-Themed Vintage Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Consider Hosting a Casual Brunch, Instead

Thanksgiving celebrations don't have to be formal. Gather friends and family together for a casual Thanksgiving brunch with tasty fall fare and rustic decorations inspired by the season. Get all our best tips, below.

See More Photos: Host A Casual Thanksgiving Brunch

Friendsgiving: Offer Up a Light Lunch

Sunny fall days = perfect entertaining weather for a light alfresco lunch with friends. For a picture-perfect Friendsgiving, provide the ever-popular cheese plate or go whole-hog with a guest-impressing charcuterie board. Vegetarian friends will appreciate meat-free dishes like creamy pumpkin soup or roasted root veggies. Don't forget the fall cocktails and everyone's favorite: dessert!

Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Add a Little Drama

It’s okay to break away from the traditional fall color palette and experiment with cooler elements. This stunning tablescape enlists traditional rusty fall shades in the centerpiece, but pairs them with pretty pops of blue for a warm-meets-cool pairing that always works.

From: Blissful Design Studio

And, Include the Unexpected

Every table setting needs a touch of the unexpected. For this outdoor Thanksgiving table, a vintage brass peacock adds a touch of whimsy and a seasonal splash of gold. The addition adds character to the table's overall design and keeps things interesting.

See More Photos: Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter Table Setting

From: H. Camille Smith

Relish the Rustic

Whenever you can sub in a rustic replacement for a standard serving dish, go for it! This DIY wood slice cake stand will ensure your homemade goodies are a slice above. Get crafting with our tutorial, below.

Get the How-To: DIY Wood Slice Dessert Stand

Enjoy Dinner With a View

Holiday or no, any outdoor dining experience is improved by a gorgeous view. Place your table in a location that benefits from amazing views, then soak in the fantastic fall foliage while you dig into your favorite side dish of choice.

See More Photos: Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Feast

Bring Out the Bar Cart

Bring beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, outdoors to prevent guests trekking in and out of the house to grab another drink. Don't have a bar cart? No worries, our tutorial below will help you get a trashed grill (yes, that's an old grill!) ready to chill for under $30.

get the how-to: Upcycle an Old Charcoal Grill Into a Chill Patio Bar Cart

From: H. Camille Smith

Help Guests Get Cozy

Or, make your bar cart do double-duty by providing storage space for the evening's wine selection and a collection of oversized blankets. Just stack the snuggly wraps so guests can grab one as needed.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Include Non-Alcoholic Sips

Kids and non-drinkers alike will appreciate non-alcoholic offerings like hot or cold tea, coffee, cocoa and mocktails. But, mocktails don't have to be boring. Try Germany's favorite booze-free bevvy: apfelschorle which is equal parts apple juice and sparkling water. Bubbly and not too sweet, it's a tasty sip everyone will enjoy. Get more tips for throwing fall's other favorite celebration: Oktoberfest, below.

See More Photos: Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party

From: H. Camille Smith

Include Some Fun and Games

Encourage guests to work off a bit of their meal by holding a cornhole tournament in the backyard. With a minimal learning curve, this classic lawn game is fun for all ages and is sure to bring out everyone’s competitive spirit. If you’re after some variety, mix in a few other lawn games to keep everyone entertained.

get the how-to: How to Upcycle an Old Pallet Into a Cornhole Game

Host a Pre-Dinner Pie Party

Pre-game your outdoor Thanksgiving dinner by gathering a little early for a pie-baking party. Lay out some ready-to-use pie crusts and a variety of fillings and have everyone whip up dessert to suit their tastes. After the feast, guests can sample a bit of everyone's culinary creations.

See More Photos: 8 Unique + Homemade Pie Crust Designs

Mix In Garden Goodies

Effortlessly add instant fall flair to your outdoor table with a touch of terra cotta. These out-of-the-box elements are really just new terra-cotta saucers, which are both inexpensive and come ready to use in the quintessential fall color: orange.

See More Photos: 6 Place Settings Inspired by Today's Hottest Trends

From: Kristin Guy

Assemble a Gourd-geous Display

Centerpieces don’t get more fall-tastic than this lovely display of flowers in hollowed-out butternut squash vases. Our step-by-step instructions, below, will show you how to hollow out a butternut squash or pumpkin to make an affordable vase for fall flowers.

Get the How-To: Turn a Butternut Squash Into a Fall Centerpiece

Craft a Rustic Floral Centerpiece

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve your Thanksgiving centerpiece goals — you just have to be a little crafty. This rustic fall centerpiece is a quick and easy DIY that utilizes scrap wood to build a jaw-dropping floral centerpiece with picture-perfect fall flair.

See More Photos: Fall Harvest Centerpiece

Try a Different Pie For Dinner

Sure, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of a golden turkey, succulent stuffing and pumpkin pie, but we’ve got another pie in mind. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor pizza oven, you have no excuse not to host an outdoor Thanksgiving pizza party. (Who likes dry turkey anyway?)

Get the How-To: How to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven

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35 Cozy Outdoor Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas

Related To:

Host Thanksgiving Outdoors This Year

Plan a Destination Dinner

Party, Potluck Style

Always Include a Centerpiece

And, Don't Forget the Main Event

(Apple) Pick a Theme

Light a Fire

And, Light Up the Night

Craft Natural Place Cards

Or, Personalize One of Our Free Printables

Glam Up the Outdoors

Serve Up Something Seasonal

Or, Brew Up Some Bliss

Cozy Up Hard Seating

No Table? Fake It

Choose a Covered Location

Serve Buffet Style

Make Dessert Self-Serve, Too

Incorporate Backyard Blooms

Stick With Classic Fall Colors

Or, Rock the Rainbow

Consider Hosting a Casual Brunch, Instead

Friendsgiving: Offer Up a Light Lunch

Add a Little Drama

And, Include the Unexpected

Relish the Rustic

Enjoy Dinner With a View

Bring Out the Bar Cart

Help Guests Get Cozy

Include Non-Alcoholic Sips

Include Some Fun and Games

Host a Pre-Dinner Pie Party

Mix In Garden Goodies

Assemble a Gourd-geous Display

Craft a Rustic Floral Centerpiece

Try a Different Pie For Dinner

Shop This Look

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