Thanksgiving is about the table, and Friendsgiving is about the people around it. Either way, the setting matters. At 99 Haus Balloons & Decor, we design fall balloon décor that feels warm, grown-up and anything but kitschy — think organic garlands in harvest tones, tablescape accents and backdrops that make your gathering feel like a magazine spread.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26 this year, and many Chicago Friendsgivings land the weekend before. Here's how to plan.
The 2026 Fall Palette: Beyond Orange and Brown
The most beautiful Thanksgiving décor right now skips the cartoon turkey and leans earthy and layered:
- Harvest table: terracotta, rust, sage and cream
- Golden hour: mustard, chrome gold, ivory and taupe
- Moody autumn: burgundy, deep plum, sand and copper
- Neutral modern: oat, stone, white and soft caramel
We often finish garlands with dried florals, eucalyptus or wheat for texture.
Fall Balloon Garlands
A fall balloon garland is the easiest way to transform a dining room, kitchen island or buffet. Run one along a mantel, over a doorway or across the back of a bar cart. Because our garlands are air-filled, they can go up early in the week and still look perfect on Thursday — and well into the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Table Decor and Centerpieces
Your table should invite people to linger. Low balloon centerpieces in harvest tones, paired with candles and greenery, add height and color without blocking conversation. For larger tables, we design a runner-style installation that coordinates with your linens and place settings.
Hosting a big group? We can coordinate with rental partners for tables, chairs and linens so the whole room comes together.
Friendsgiving Party Ideas
Friendsgiving is more relaxed than the family holiday, which means you can have more fun with it:
- A "Grateful" photo wall: a balloon garland with custom acrylic signage — "Thankful," "Grateful & Full" or your group's name
- Bar or wine station accent: a half-arch framing your drink setup
- Dessert table moment: chrome and pastel accents over the pie spread
- Apartment-friendly décor: compact designs that fit a city kitchen or condo party room
Corporate Thanksgiving and Team Gratitude Events
Many Chicago offices host a team lunch or client appreciation event before the holiday. Our fall installs add polish to lobbies, cafeterias and event rooms — with your brand colors and logo signage — and flow straight into a holiday refresh in December. See our holiday balloon decor guide.
How to Order Thanksgiving Balloon Decor
- Shop our Thanksgiving collection for ready-to-go fall designs — pickup at our Forest Park workshop with 24 hours' notice, or delivery and setup.
- Go custom for larger homes, venues and corporate events — start an inquiry and we'll design around your space.
- Order by Friday, November 20 for Thanksgiving week delivery; earlier for Friendsgiving weekends.
We deliver within 30 miles of Forest Park, including Oak Park, River Forest, Hinsdale, Evanston and the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will balloon decor last from Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving?
Air-filled garlands and centerpieces last weeks indoors, so yes — one install can carry you through both.
Are balloons safe near candles?
Keep open flames a few inches away from balloons. We design centerpieces with space for candlelight built in but we recommend LED just to be safe.
Can I order just a centerpiece?
Yes. Smaller pieces are available in our Thanksgiving collection.
Gather, give thanks and let us handle the décor. Shop fall designs or book a custom install.
