The turkey leftovers are almost gone, and the last slice of pumpkin pie is nothing but a sweet memory. Thanksgiving has come and gone, but we’re not ready to let go of the holiday spirit just yet! If you’re looking to keep the festive vibe alive from Thanksgiving all the way through New Year’s, neon lights can be your best ally. From warm gatherings to midnight countdowns, neon lights add a dash of fun and brightness that can work for both Thanksgiving and New Year’s celebrations.
Step 1: Transitioning Your Thanksgiving Decor for the New Year
Thanksgiving decor is cozy and rich in color, with earthy tones, pumpkins, and touches of orange and gold. New Year’s, on the other hand, is all about that glitz and glam. But who says you can’t have both? With a few tweaks, your Thanksgiving setup can glide right into the New Year without a hitch.
Warm to Bright: Adding Shine to Your Thanksgiving Setup
- Thanksgiving Vibe: For Thanksgiving, neon lights in warmer tones like amber, orange, and red are perfect for a welcoming, harvest feel. Think “Gather” signs in neon near your dining area or a simple “Thankful” sign over your fireplace.
- New Year’s Twist: To transition into New Year’s, add pops of metallic decor—silver or gold accents can bring an instant touch of celebration to your existing Thanksgiving setup. Swap out pumpkins for glittery ornaments or disco balls around your neon signs. It’s an easy way to take your decor from cozy to party-ready.
Swap Out Seasonal Details
- Thanksgiving Touches: Thanksgiving decor often includes seasonal foliage, gourds, and warm-toned table runners. Neon signs like “Grateful” and “Home Sweet Home” can make great focal points.
- New Year’s Update: Replace fall foliage with sparkling string lights or metallic garlands around your neon signs. A quick change of accent colors and textures (think metallic table runners or sequined cushions) can transform the look and prepare your home for the glitz of New Year’s Eve.
Keep the Cozy but Add the Glam
- Thanksgiving Ambiance: Thanksgiving lighting is all about warmth—candles, soft neon lights, and earthy tones.
- New Year’s Sparkle: As New Year’s approaches, mix in brighter, cooler-toned lights like blues or whites. You can keep your cozy Thanksgiving pieces but add a more vibrant neon “Cheers” or “Happy New Year” sign to set the celebratory mood.
Using the Same Neon Lights for Both Thanksgiving and New Year’s
One of the best parts of neon lights is their versatility. With a few strategic choices, you can easily reuse your neon lights from Thanksgiving straight through to New Year’s. Here’s how:
Choose Versatile Neon Phrases
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Thanksgiving Friendly: Words like “Gather,” “Home,” and “Thankful” are perfect for Thanksgiving. These signs create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s right in line with the holiday’s spirit.
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New Year’s Ready: These same signs can carry over to New Year’s with a little creativity. Pair a “Gather” sign with sparkly garlands or surround a “Home” neon sign with silver or gold decorations. Even simple words like “Cheers” or “Celebrate” can go from a Thanksgiving dinner to a New Year’s bash with just a little added glitz.
Multi-Holiday Symbols
- All-Season Stars and Hearts: Stars and hearts are universally festive symbols, working well for both Thanksgiving’s warm gatherings and New Year’s celebration. A star-shaped neon sign, for example, can start off as a seasonal decoration in November, then shift to New Year’s centerpiece in December.
- Snowflakes and Sparkles: While snowflake neon signs work well for New Year’s, they can also be added into Thanksgiving decor, especially if you’re leaning into a winter wonderland theme. Snowflakes add a soft, wintry look that complements both holidays without being overly specific.
The Best Neon Light Styles to Work for Both Holidays
Picking neon lights that easily blend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is all about finding the right colors, shapes, and phrases. Here are some of the most versatile styles that will bring joy from one holiday to the next.
Warm Whites and Golden Yellows
- Thanksgiving Warmth: These colors create a cozy glow that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Signs in warm white or soft gold, like “Family” or “Gather,” add warmth to the room without overwhelming other decor.
- New Year’s Shine: For New Year’s, pair these colors with metallic or jewel-toned accents. Warm whites blend well with silver and gold decorations, making your space feel festive and elegant without changing up the main decor.
Festive Reds and Greens
- Holiday Spirit: Red and green are traditional holiday colors, and they can look great from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. While typically seen as Christmas colors, they also bring warmth and brightness that work well with Thanksgiving themes.
- Modern Vibes: Look for POP Art neon shapes in red and green, like a modern turkey outline, star, or abstract shapes. Once Christmas has passed, you can still use the red and green neon signs as part of your New Year’s celebration decor.
Classic New Year’s Phrases with Thanksgiving Appeal
- All-Season Phrases: “Cheers,” “Joy,” or “Happy” are simple phrases that capture the spirit of both holidays. They’re neutral enough to fit Thanksgiving, yet celebratory enough for New Year’s Eve.
- Transition Words: Phrases like “Family” or “Blessed” can carry over the Thanksgiving vibe into New Year’s. Adding these phrases with the right lighting colors (white, gold, amber) creates an atmosphere that’s both warm and exciting.
Bright Ideas for Festive Lighting from Thanksgiving to New Year’s
Adding the right lighting doesn’t just brighten your space—it elevates the whole experience. From neon lights to complementing decor, here are a few extra ideas to bring your festive lighting from Thanksgiving straight into New Year’s.
Neon Tablescapes
- Thanksgiving Table Setup: Create a cozy Thanksgiving table by placing a neon “Gather” sign near the dining area. Use candles, mini pumpkins, and natural centerpieces like pinecones or leaves to bring it all together.
- New Year’s Twist: After Thanksgiving, replace the pumpkins with glittery ornaments or small disco balls. Swap the candles for metallic votives, and your neon tablescape is instantly ready for New Year’s Eve.
Neon Party Corners
- Thanksgiving Gathering Spot: Create a special area in your home, like a cozy corner or side table, where guests can gather for snacks and drinks. A neon “Home” sign in this area adds a warm, inviting feel.
- New Year’s Celebration Spot: For New Year’s, add a “Cheers” or “2025” neon sign near the same corner, transforming it into a mini bar or drinks station for midnight toasts.
Layer with String Lights
- Warm Thanksgiving Glow: Layer neon lights with string lights for a soft, inviting glow. Drape string lights around a neon sign, like “Thankful,” to add depth and warmth to your decor.
- Brighten for New Year’s: Add silver or gold garlands to the mix for New Year’s. Swap out the warmer string lights for cooler-toned ones if you want a more lively, celebratory look. The layering effect is a simple way to transition your decor without needing to change much.
Keeping the holiday vibe alive with neon lights from Thanksgiving through New Year’s is as simple as making a few strategic choices. Opt for versatile phrases, flexible colors, and a mix of seasonal elements that can transition from one celebration to the next. With these ideas, you’ll have a home that feels both welcoming and festive all season long. So here’s to enjoying every bright, cozy, and joyful moment of the holidays!
