Gen Z Thanksgiving & Holiday Décor: Sustainable, Coffee‑Coded and Castlecore

Key takeaway: Gen Z is reshaping seasonal décor with thrifted treasures, playful patterns and nostalgic palettes. This guide shows how to design a Friendsgiving table, transition into Christmas and weave in opulent Castlecore trends—all while linking to curated products.

How Gen Z celebrates the season

Pinterest’s Fall 2025 Trend Report reveals that searches for “thrifted kitchen” skyrocketed by 1,012 % and “thrifted décor” by 283 % Gen Z values sustainability and self‑expression, so expect thrifted items, retro patterns and DIY touches. Another major theme is the caffeine‑inspired palette—vanilla latte, mocha and matcha tones are crossing over into home décor. And just in time for Christmas, Castlecore and Rococo Revival are bringing gilded grandeur and storybook vibes

Friendsgiving table ideas

1. Vintage prep meets polka dots

Combine classic prep (stripes, tweed) with playful polka dots. Layer a navy stripe runner with polka‑dot napkins. Mix thrifted brass candlesticks with mismatched china for an effortless lookbhg.com.

2. Caffeinated colour palette

Use warm browns and creamy whites with pops of green to create a modern, coffeehouse vibe

  • Paint small gourds or pumpkins with Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus and finish with gold paint markers.

  • Use warm brown linen napkins and pair them with wooden chargers.

  • Serve cinnamon lattes or matcha cocktails; style the beverage station with amber glass bottles and mix‑and‑match mugs.

3. Statement tiles and art deco touches

For a Friendsgiving potluck, display dishes on a sideboard with a statement tile backdrop. Pinterest reports an 833 % increase in searches for terracotta tile textures

  • Install peel‑and‑stick “tile” wallpaper behind the buffet table (easy removal for renters).

  • Decorate with geometric candlesticks or art deco mirrors to foreshadow holiday glamour

Transitioning to Christmas & Castlecore

Once the last slice of pumpkin pie is gone, swap your table linens for velvet and lace. According to Veranda, holiday décor is embracing Castlecore—opulent, old‑world details like gilded accents, candlelit warmth and romantic ornamentation. To set the mood, choose rich wall colors such as Farrow & Ball’s deep Hague Blue or romantic Sulking Room Pink; both have the richness and depth that make Castlecore spaces feel truly regal.

1. Bring on the bows

Oversized bows are trending in holiday décor. Use velvet ribbon on wreaths, garlands and the backs of chairs. Choose colours that echo the 2026 palette (Warm Mahogany red or Divine Damson plum).

  • Velvet ribbon spools: search Amazon for velvet ribbon and apply your affiliate tags. Use leftover ribbon to wrap gifts or tie around candlesticks.

2. Multi‑coloured lights & personality ornaments

Nostalgic multi‑coloured lights are staging a comeback, and unique ornaments like mushrooms, celestial designs and Scandinavian candles express personal stories.

  • Decorate one mini tree in matcha greens and coffee browns, another in plum and gold.

  • Shop for mushroom ornaments or celestial glass baubles and add your Amazon affiliate parameters to the product links.

  • Try DIY ornaments; for example, paint thrifted wooden figurines in 2026 colors or wrap them in velvet ribbon.

3. Oversized garlands & multiple trees

Go big on greenery. Oversized garlands create drama over mantels and doorways, while placing a tree in every room allows each space to tell a different story.

  • Use faux garlands as a base, then weave in fresh eucalyptus or magnolia leaves.

  • Decorate a mini tree in your kitchen with coffee‑themed ornaments (espresso cups, croissants), and a bedroom tree in creamy neutrals and polka dots.

The Big Coloring Book of Interiors link is perfect for a cosy night of colouring and planning. Use it as a conversation starter at your Friendsgiving table.

  1. Dreamscapes link showcases curated design concepts that inspire your Castlecore tree themes.

  2. For more home design inspo (watch here) to see how I incorporate thrifted finds and 2026 paint colors in real life. Be sure to subscribe to Living Bright Interiors.

More gen z Thanksgiving Spaces:

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