Create these charming Pumpkin DIY Thanksgiving Decorations using the free printable template included. These simple paper pumpkins are perfect for adding seasonal charm to your table, serving as place cards, or holding small treats to delight guests and kids.
I enjoy making quick, seasonal crafts to get the kids excited for the holidays. My mother always made celebrations special with decorations and hands-on activities, and I try to do the same. Thanksgiving often gets overlooked when it comes to decor, so I made a project specifically for the day — easy DIY Thanksgiving decorations that are attractive and practical.
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Because Thanksgiving sits between other big holidays, it often gets minimized to just turkey and pie. My approach is to add a few thoughtful touches—simple, inexpensive decorations that make the table feel cozy and festive without a lot of work. These paper pumpkins are quick to assemble and versatile: they work as decor through fall, as place cards for your seating plan, or as treat boxes for guests.
For this project choose colored cardstock that matches your decor. I used a pale taupe to mimic my favorite white pumpkins, but orange, cream, or kraft paper work beautifully as well. Print the template onto cardstock, cut along solid lines, and score the dotted lines to make folding easier.
If you have a cutting machine like a Silhouette, it will speed things up—there’s a cut file available if you want to use one. Otherwise, scissors or a craft knife and ruler will do the job.
How to assemble
1. Glue the two pumpkin box pieces together at the bottom, ensuring opposite sides face each other so the pumpkin shape forms correctly. Let the glue dry before moving on.
2. Fold each section up toward the center. Press the two stem pieces down and slide the side loops over them to hold the box closed.
3. For the leaf and tendril, fold the leaf on the dotted line. Cut a 2–3 inch piece of green floral wire, wrap about two-thirds of it around a pencil to create a curl, then fold the short end over and secure it to the back of the leaf with glue.
4. Attach the leaf to the top side piece with a dot of hot glue. Glue it to the side that will be looped over the stems last so you can still open the box to add treats or a name card.
5. Open the pumpkin and fill it with small treats — candy, nuts, or little favors. My kids love peanuts because shelling them keeps them happily occupied while I finish the meal prep.
When the pumpkins are finished, arrange them on your table as part of a simple Thanksgiving tablescape. They add a handmade touch and give every plate a little surprise.
Download the free Pumpkin DIY Thanksgiving Decorations template by filling out the form provided on the original post; the template will be delivered to your inbox.
More Thanksgiving Printables:
Use printables to make your Thanksgiving even more memorable. Here are ideas to keep guests entertained and your table beautiful:
- Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for creative fun for all ages.
- Coloring Thanksgiving Placemats to personalize each place setting.
- Kids Thanksgiving Activity Pages to keep little ones engaged.
- Printable juice box covers and small drink decorations.
- Count Your Blessings printable art to inspire gratitude around the table.
- Free pumpkin place cards to coordinate with these paper pumpkin boxes.
- Printable Thanksgiving recipe cards for sharing favorite dishes.
- A Be Thankful Jar with printable cards to start a meaningful family tradition.
Printable by Houseful of Handmade.
These paper pumpkins are an easy, budget-friendly way to make Thanksgiving feel festive. They’re simple enough to make in batches for a large guest list and pretty enough to leave out around the house for fall decor.
