Designers Share 5 Halloween Decor Items That Work for Thanksgiving

This article was prepared from the source material provided, which includes interviews with interior designers Bree Steele of RJ Living and Jan Odesanya of Mondän & Co. as quoted in the original piece.

Most Halloween decorations come down before Thanksgiving, but interior designers say five categories can stay up with minor adjustments. Bree Steele, an interior designer with RJ Living, and Jan Odesanya, founder and interior designer of Mondän & Co., told the source publication that lighting, blankets and pillows, pumpkins, branches, and a unified centerpiece can all bridge the two holidays.

The advice is aimed at people who want to avoid decorating twice in two months, whether for simplicity, sustainability, or a minimalist approach.

Lighting and candles

Steele says Halloween and Thanksgiving lighting can remain virtually the same. A dimmed overhead light paired with candles and glass lanterns works for both, she said. "For Halloween, they can create a more dark and moody atmosphere, but at Thanksgiving, they can create a more cozy and warm feeling," Steele said. She recommends fall-based scents such as pumpkin spice, crisp fall leaves, and apple cider for scented candles, and notes that DIY candles can be made for a specific aroma.

Blankets, pillows, pumpkins, and branches

For blankets and pillows, Steele advises dropping themed prints like ghouls, spiders, and goblins but keeping autumnal colors—reds, browns, and oranges—and textured knits. "If you use textures in autumn colors, like reds, browns, and oranges, they allude to Halloween and autumn in general, making them great for establishing the earthy feeling," she said.

Odesanya says uncarved pumpkins transition easily to Thanksgiving, suggesting white pumpkins, heirloom pumpkins with unique shapes, or mini pumpkins in a simple wooden bowl. Carved jack-o'lanterns can be turned around to show the uncarved side, though she notes they may only last about a week after carving.

Bare branches also work for both holidays. A statement branch with a spotlight can create haunting shadows for Halloween, while the same branches can sit in a vase with pinecones and pumpkins for Thanksgiving. Adding a few leaves provides color.

A centerpiece that does double duty

Steele suggests building one centerpiece with pinecones, candlestick holders, scented candles, and branches as a base. "This will be a good base for Halloween, where you can jazz it up by adding some fake cobwebs and using black candles in the holders," she said. "Then, swap them out for white candles when Thanksgiving rolls around, and you will be good to go."