9 Welcoming Thanksgiving Entryway Ideas Designers Always Use

That first doorbell ring on Thanksgiving is pure magic.

Suddenly, your quiet home fills with family and friends. It’s my favorite moment. This is why I put so much thought into my home’s first impression.

I’m always looking for welcoming Thanksgiving entryway ideas.

The goal is to create a space that feels like a warm, cozy hug the second someone steps inside. It’s easier than you think. Let’s explore some simple, designer-approved tricks.

9 Thanksgiving Entryway Ideas

1. A Bench Draped in Chunky Knit

There’s something so inviting about an entryway bench.

We can make it the star of our Thanksgiving welcome. Just grab a huge, chunky knit blanket. The kind that looks like it was made with love.

Drape it casually over the side.

Add a single velvet pillow in a rich color like rust or forest green. This creates a cozy spot that just begs you to sit down. It’s an instant message of comfort.

Pro Tip: Add a Personal Touch
Tuck a small, wrapped gift or a favorite fall-themed children’s book on the bench. It adds a layer of personality and story to your welcome.

2. A Mirror Hung with a Delicate Wreath

A large mirror can make any small entryway feel brighter.

I like to lean a vintage-style mirror against the wall. Think of one with a thin, simple gold or black frame. It feels effortless.

Now for the wreath.

Instead of hanging it in the center, try something different. Hang a simple, airy wreath off to one side. Look for one made of dried wheat or silver dollar eucalyptus.

The reflection makes the space feel special.

Pro Tip: Get the Placement Right
Secure the wreath to the mirror’s frame using a small piece of clear fishing line or a thin, decorative ribbon that complements your color scheme.

3. A Console Table with Glowing Amber Glass

Let’s create a warm glow.

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving entryway ideas. Gather a small collection of amber-colored glass bottles and vases. You can often find them at thrift stores.

Look for different shapes and sizes.

Line them up on your entryway console table. When the afternoon sun hits them, your whole entry will fill with a beautiful, honey-colored light. It feels so cozy.

Pro Tip: Illuminate from Within
For evening ambiance, place a strand of battery-powered fairy lights inside one or two of the larger bottles. The warm twinkle is absolutely magical.

4. Layered Rugs with Rich, Muted Color

Don’t forget the floor!

This trick instantly adds warmth and a curated feel. Start with a simple, flat-weave rug in a neutral color like jute or sisal.

Then, layer a smaller, plusher rug on top.

I suggest a vintage-style rug. Look for one with muted patterns in deep reds, golds, and blues. The layered look feels so intentional and cozy. It’s a soft landing for everyone.

Pro Tip: Mind the Gap
Ensure your bottom rug is large enough so there’s a generous border (at least 12 inches) showing around the smaller top rug. This makes the layering look deliberate.

5. A Simple Garland of Dried Oranges

Sometimes, the simplest decor is the most beautiful.

Forget those bulky, faux-leaf garlands. Let’s make something with heart. String together thin slices of dried oranges with a few cinnamon sticks.

It’s wonderfully delicate.

Drape this sweet little strand over your mirror or across the front of a console table. It adds a pop of natural color and a lovely, subtle scent.

Pro Tip: A Quick DIY
To dry your own orange slices, cut them thin and bake them on a low heat (around 200°F) for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.

6. A “Just Set Down” Stack of Books

I love creating little stories around my home.

This makes a space feel lived-in and real. Stack three or four pretty hardcover books on your entry table. Choose cloth covers in shades of cream, mustard, or olive.

Then place a small ceramic mug right on top.

It looks as if you just paused your reading to answer the door. It gives off such a wonderfully bookish and cozy vibe to your home.

Pro Tip: Curate Your Covers
Choose books whose spine colors coordinate with your entryway decor. It’s a small detail that pulls the whole look together beautifully.

7. A Single, Dramatic Velvet Curtain

Here is a designer secret for instant mood.

Do you have a small window by your door? Or even just a blank wall that needs some softness? Hang a single, floor-to-ceiling curtain panel.

Choose a rich, heavy velvet.

A color like deep teal or burgundy adds drama and luxury. The texture makes the whole space feel warmer and more enclosed in the best way possible.

Pro Tip: No-Drill Solution
If you can’t or don’t want to drill into your walls, use a high-quality tension rod. It fits snugly inside a window frame or a small alcove.

8. A Woven Basket Filled with Soft Throws

This is both beautiful and practical.

Find a big, beautiful woven basket. Something made of seagrass or rattan works perfectly. This will become a beacon of comfort for your festive decor.

Now, let’s fill it.

Instead of firewood, roll up three or four plush blankets. Use throws with different textures—chenille, fleece, and a classic plaid wool. It looks so inviting.

Pro Tip: Mix Textures and Patterns
Let one blanket drape over the side of the basket. This makes it look less staged and more like someone is about to grab one and get cozy.

9. A Ceramic Bowl of Artichokes and Pears

Let’s think beyond mini pumpkins and gourds.

We can find beautiful decor right in the produce aisle. Pick out a few gorgeous green artichokes and some pears. Bosc pears have a lovely shape.

Arrange them in a simple stoneware bowl.

The muted greens and earthy shapes feel so organic and sophisticated. It looks like a beautiful still-life painting. It’s a touch of natural, edible beauty.

Pro Tip: Add More Earthy Elements
Tuck a few walnuts in their shells or a dark, moody pomegranate into the bowl. This adds more color, texture, and interest to your natural arrangement.

Your entryway is ready for its moment.

These Thanksgiving entryway ideas are all about personal touches. They show your guests they are walking into a home filled with warmth and care.

It’s a beautiful way to kick off the holiday season.

What’s your favorite way to make your entryway feel welcoming for Thanksgiving?