41 Best Thanksgiving Nail Ideas and Designs 2023
From short and simple to cute and festive, these ideas will win the day.
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Thanksgiving is a busy time, with all of the meal planning, Thanksgiving decorating, and grocery shopping. Don't forget to set aside some time for a bit of self-care, like a manicure and pedicure. Pick out a fun and festive Thanksgiving nail design that will coordinate with your Thanksgiving outfit (even if it's stretchy pants!) and give everyone around the table something to talk about.
Many of these ideas are simple fall nail designs that work all season, but some are more intricate, fun ideas meant to celebrate the holiday. Whether you're a beginner or practically a pro (or plan on enlisting the help of your manicurist!), there’s something here for all tastes—funny, flirty, fancy, festive, and more. Most of these fun nail designs have one common thread—they all feature warm Thanksgiving colors for nails (think oranges, browns, yellows, and deep reds), so make sure you stock up on those polish colors before you begin. We're still swooning over a the entire Peanuts cast inspired by A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on one hand! And tiny turkeys on each nail—Come. On. If you want to do fall nails that are a celebration of autumnal tones we love so much this time of year, we've included simple looks, too.
So take your autumn-inspired look to the next level with creative Thanksgiving-themed nail designs. And why stop after Turkey Day? Check out Christmas nail art designs for dazzling December nails, because the holiday season is just around the corner!
Nude Nails with Plaid Accent
Take a simple look to the next level with this design from nail salon Bellacures. Elevate a basic nude polish with a single accent nail adorned with glittery plaid stripes.
Mocha Brown Nails
For an on-trend look that will give your nails a polished finish, go with a mocha brown color and keep the nails short.
Multi-Colored French Tip Manicure
The classic French tip gets an update with a band of multi-colored brown stripes. This look from Bellacures is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Green Thanksgiving Nails
This beautiful olive green gel color will coordinate with all of your fall attire. Add interest with a white statement nail with a free-hand botanical design.
Mauve Glitter with Leaf Detail Nail Design
This glittery mauve nail polish is holiday ready. Keep it simple and paint all of your nail in that color, or take it to the next level (like in this example from Bellacures) with a detailed leaf design on the ring finger.
Long Sparkly Nails
This deep red sparkly color will keep you going from Thanksgiving through all of your holiday parties. The striking hue works well with both long and short nails.
Orange and Gold Floral Nails
This orange-and-gold design with floral accents is the perfect choice for a festive Thanksgiving nail design.
Orange Marble Nails
These soft orange nails have a trendy twist with the marbled statement nails.
Fall Leaf Nails
These nails will be the show-stoppers of your Thanksgiving Day outfit. The burgundy and yellow nails are taken to the next level with hand-painted leaves.
Burgundy Nails with Gold Flecks
Classic burgundy nails get an elevated touch with gold flakes in this stunning design by Bellacures nail salon.
Neutral Nails with Red Tips
These natural nails have an eye-catching blood-red tip applied at an angle. For clean, straight edges, consider using striping tape.
Forest Green Nails
Nail salon Bellacures points to the earthy neutral forest green to bring in the fall season. We bet this color will match with your Thanksgiving outfit.
Black and Orange nails
This bold look will take you from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Mix up the colors of the graduated oval pattern to fit your holiday look.
Neutral Thanksgiving Nails
Light brown autumn gel varnish makes for a neat manicure. A single maple leaf design on each hand nods to the pretty fall foliage.
Fall Foliage Thanksgiving Nails
What better motif for fall than trees full of brilliant foliage? Layer them for a truly organic look.
Shimmer and Shine Thanksgiving Nails
Get a little fancy this November with shimmery, glittery, fanciful polish. The metallic finish here adds a special touch for fall outings.
Pumpkins and Gourds Thanksgiving Nails
This detailed design not just pumpkins and gourds but plaid pumpkins and gourds! Talk about taking it to the next level! After all that work, you'll definitely want to seal your design with a protective top coat.
Sparkly Thanksgiving Nails
Gold glittery tips make for a special touch to otherwise neutral polish. This nail polish look goes with any wardrobe and will last you well into the holiday season.
Plaid Thanksgiving Nails
This cozy pattern is perfect for fall and has just enough color to fancy it up for the holidays. You'll need a steady hand to get the lines straight. Let each color dry before moving on to the next.
Pastel Thanksgiving Nails
Inspired by the season's softer hues, this pastel manicure keeps things light and feminine.
Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.
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