Cozy and Simple: Decorating Your Cabin for Thanksgiving

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It’s an odd time of year in the Northwoods. Snow dusts the ground, ferns from summer are still holding strong, and my fall flag flaps cheerfully in the breeze. Somehow, all of it works together—and that’s exactly how I approach Thanksgiving decorating at the cabin.

Keeping things festive doesn’t have to cost a lot or fill every closet. I like to start with a statement piece, usually the fireplace mantle or the table. One of my favorite tricks: I put up my Christmas tree on November 1st and decorate it for Thanksgiving first. One year, my nephew and I had the whole "Thank giving Tree" tree trimmed in ten minutes flat. Check them out the turkey ornaments on Amazon [Affiliate Link]. After Thanksgiving, swapping out the ornaments for Christmas is quick and painless—no extra trips to storage required.

One of my favorite (and most budget-friendly) additions has been an over-the-door garden-flag holder [Affiliate Link]. I’ve accumulated way too many flags—every holiday, every season, every excuse—but swapping them out takes seconds and they store flat, so they barely take up any space.

A tiny detail… but a total game-changer.

Outside, I’ll string a few lights or tuck a solar-powered lantern into a planter. Minimal clutter, maximum impact, and a little magic as the glow reflects on the snow.

Indoors, throws and cozy blankets are a must. I scatter them on chairs and sofas—they’re perfect for Thanksgiving and naturally segue into Christmas. Evergreen boughs find their way into centerpieces, planters, and mantles. Add a battery-operated light, and the effect is subtle but festive. Pinecones, acorns, and small branches are easy accents, and you can gather them right outside the cabin door.

Even scents play a role. A candle or simmering pot of apples and cinnamon makes the cabin feel instantly like fall, no matter the weather outside.

The secret, really, is to keep it simple and flexible. Decorations that work for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, inside or out, save space, money, and time. That’s the Northwoods way—cozy, effortless, and perfectly suited to the rhythm of the season.