Thanksgiving has always been a time for gratitude, laughter, and hearty meals. But recently, something new has taken root among families and friends who crave a different kind of celebration — one that happens under the open sky.
More and more hosts are trading their dining rooms for fall backyard entertaining setups, bringing warmth, food, and togetherness outdoors. This shift isn’t just about novelty — it reflects a larger movement toward living intentionally and embracing the natural world.
From stylish pergola lighting to creative holiday outdoor décor, the modern Thanksgiving is finding its new home in the backyard. Here’s why — and how — you can join the trend.
1. The Rise of Outdoor Entertaining Trends
Across homes, neighborhoods, and social media feeds, outdoor entertaining trends are redefining what gatherings look like. It’s no longer about formal dinner tables or perfect centerpieces — it’s about atmosphere, experience, and connection.
People are investing in durable structures like gazebos, pergolas, and fire pits to extend their living spaces. The outdoor area is no longer seasonal; it’s a year-round destination.
SUNJOY’s collection of wood and metal gazebos exemplifies this evolution. They provide structure, comfort, and sophistication — turning a simple backyard into an inviting, weather-resistant venue for family celebrations.
By combining functionality with elegance, these outdoor settings allow Thanksgiving to feel both timeless and refreshingly modern.
2. Why Fall Backyard Entertaining Feels So Right
Autumn naturally lends itself to gathering. The air is cool but inviting, the colors are rich and comforting, and food just seems to taste better outdoors. Fall backyard entertaining captures all of this magic.
Set up long tables beneath a hardtop gazebo or cedar pergola, lay out soft throws, and add woven textures to reflect the season. It’s about layering warmth — visually and emotionally.
A SUNJOY hardtop gazebo can act as your outdoor dining room, protecting your guests from chilly breezes while keeping the mood open and connected. Add soft string lights and watch your backyard transform into a golden haven.
Unlike summer barbecues, fall gatherings slow down the pace. Guests linger longer, talk deeper, and savor the glow of candlelight against crisp air.
3. Creating Cozy Fall Gatherings
What makes cozy fall gatherings so memorable isn’t extravagance — it’s comfort.
The sound of crackling firewood, the scent of roasted squash, and the glow from lanterns can make even the simplest backyard feel special.
Start with warmth as your foundation: a SUNJOY fire pit table or chiminea fire pit instantly becomes the heart of your celebration. Surround it with soft seating, patterned blankets, and rustic side tables.
Don’t forget the senses — cinnamon, cedarwood, and apple spice candles amplify the atmosphere.
And instead of rigid dining schedules, opt for relaxed serving: buffet-style meals, family-style platters, or even s’mores after dessert. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s participation.
In these cozy moments, laughter feels louder, food tastes richer, and the night stretches just a little longer.
4. Pergola Lighting: Setting the Mood
No outdoor Thanksgiving is complete without the right lighting — and pergola lighting is becoming one of the most popular ways to add warmth and character to a backyard.
The key is layering. Combine practical light with ambiance:
- Overhead glow: Hang warm Edison bulbs or solar lanterns across beams.
- Tabletop light: Use flameless candles or LED votives for gentle flickers.
- Accent light: Add small spotlights or solar stakes around paths and seating zones.
If you have a SUNJOY pergola, its built-in tracks make it easy to attach string lights or hanging décor securely. The soft radiance reflects beautifully off metal or wood finishes, creating a welcoming space that feels almost magical.
Lighting defines the evening — too bright feels clinical, too dark feels unfinished. Pergola lighting strikes the perfect balance: bright enough to dine, dim enough to dream.
5. Holiday Outdoor Décor: From Harvest to Hearth
As Thanksgiving transitions toward winter, your backyard décor can evolve naturally with it. The secret to timeless holiday outdoor décor is versatility.
Start with harvest themes: pumpkins, plaid textiles, and foliage garlands. Then layer in evergreen branches, metallic accents, and twinkle lights to carry you through December.
Your SUNJOY gazebo or pergola provides the perfect framework for these transformations. Hang wreaths from hooks, wrap garlands around posts, or use ceiling hooks for lanterns and hanging centerpieces.
A fire pit surrounded by glowing lanterns and soft chairs creates a cozy focal point for chilly nights. Guests can sip mulled wine or cocoa as they chat under the stars — no walls, no stress, just warmth and gratitude.
6. The Emotional Shift: From Formal to Free
Outdoor Thanksgiving isn’t just a style — it’s a state of mind.
When you move the gathering outside, expectations melt away. People laugh louder, stay longer, and feel freer. You don’t have to worry about messes or formality; nature becomes the backdrop for joy.
This emotional ease is what’s driving so many outdoor entertaining trends forward. It’s not about luxury — it’s about living fully. And with products designed to support that lifestyle, like SUNJOY’s pergolas, fire pits, and gazebos, creating these moments is easier than ever.
7. How to Get Started with Your Outdoor Thanksgiving
You don’t need a huge backyard or professional design help — just a few thoughtful steps:
Define your area. Decide where guests will eat, relax, and stay warm.
Choose your anchor. A gazebo, pergola, or fire pit sets the tone.
Light it right. Use layered pergola lighting and solar lanterns to enhance ambiance.
Add texture. Rugs, throws, and wood accents build warmth and cohesion.
Finish with personality. Scatter pumpkins, candles, and nature-inspired décor.
It’s all about balancing comfort and creativity. When your guests walk in and say, “This feels amazing,” you’ll know you’ve succeeded.
8. Beyond Thanksgiving: The Start of a New Tradition
The beauty of outdoor gatherings is that they outlive the season. Once your space is ready for cozy fall gatherings, it naturally transitions into winter entertaining.
Swap pumpkins for evergreen garlands, fire pits for heaters, and hot cider for cocoa. The setup remains; only the accents change.
This flexibility makes investing in a SUNJOY outdoor structure both practical and timeless. It’s not a one-night setup — it’s a space for a thousand memories.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Thanksgiving outdoors isn’t just trendy — it’s transformative.
It brings people closer to nature, allows creativity in design, and fosters genuine connection. With pergola lighting, holiday outdoor décor, and the right fall backyard entertaining setup, your home becomes a haven of warmth and gratitude.
SUNJOY’s mission is to help you live beautifully outdoors, and this Thanksgiving, that beauty starts with a single step: opening your doors and letting the season in.
