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20 Thanksgiving Nail Ideas That Are Totally Worth a Toast

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Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and from elaborate meal planning to gathering with loved ones to decorating, it can be easy to forget about self-care during all the chaos. But don’t worry, we got you covered with festive mani inspo that’ll not only get you into the spirit but will also keep your hands looking fresh for fall. 

Get ready to gobble up nail trends that are perfect for cozy fall weather: deep orange tones, earthy ombré, and even turkey and pumpkin designs that really steal the show. Whether you’re going minimal or full cornucopia, scroll on for a multi-course nail art feast that’ll leave your eyes hungry for more. 

1. Gold and Bronze Chrome Leaf Thanksgiving Nails 

This twist on the fall foliage trend gets elevated with a touch of shiny metallic. How to get it: Rub two shades of your favorite gold and bronze chrome into a base coat and clean with a soft brush. Using a top coat, draw leaves (don’t wipe!) and cure for 60 seconds. Finish by cleaning the rest of the chrome off with rubbing alcohol and you’re all set!

2. Burgundy Curve Thanksgiving Nails

Fall has officially arrived, and burgundy nails are a definite staple. This design balances a darker oxblood shade with sleek negative-space accents for an eye-catching minimal look.

3. Emerald Green Marble Thanksgiving Nails

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When the weather cools, gorgeous jewel tones enter the chat. These marbled jade beauties add elegance to any occasion, whether you’re  serving looks or pumpkin pie.

4. Bold Hand Turkey Thanksgiving Nails

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without at least one turkey-inspired nail idea. This colorful twist combines vivid fall hues (aka tail feathers) with a thumbs-up to the big beautiful bird.

5. Mountain Thanksgiving Nails

Reach new heights and snag fall feels with this wilderness-inspired look. Start with a nude or white shade as your base, then with the edge of your nail polish brushes, continue cascading your favorite warm-toned colors from lightest to darkest until you’ve painted your way to the peak.

6. Earthy Gradient French Manicure Thanksgiving Nails

Transition into the new season with this modern ombré take on a classic French mani. It stylishly delivers autumn harvest vibes by incorporating gradients of the same color family on each of your tips, from lightest to darkest.

7. Fall Rainbow Thanksgiving Nails

This gradient manicure builds on autumn shades. Pick must-have hues of orange, yellow, red, and brown for a flawless Thanksgiving look. 

8. Tortoiseshell Thanksgiving Nails

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Tie together warm caramels with this neutral print nail design—start with a sheer amber base coat, allowing it to dry, then add a second sienna layer on top, leaving it wet. Speckle with chocolate and black shades and finish with a super shiny top coat.

9. Thanksgiving Feast Nails

Serve up your entire Turkey Day menu with this delicious feast of beauty. Pro tip: Coordinate your designs with all your can’t-miss dishes, and don’t forget the gravy.

10. Nude With Merlot Tips and Golden Shimmer Thanksgiving Nails

Bring some glam to the Thanksgiving table with a touch of merlot sparkle. Keep things simple with a nude base for a minimal yet glitzy look.

11. Pumpkin Thanksgiving Nails

From dessert to decor, pumpkins have earned their place at the Thanksgiving table. At this year’s get-together, your nails will be the centerpiece with this gourd-geous trend.

12. Fall Freestyle Mani

This fall freestyle mani gives you the opportunity to display all your favorite things about the season on your nails: pumpkins, golden vines, monarch butterflies…it’s your chance to get creative!

13. Caramel Apple Nails

Inspired by the golden hues of decadent caramel, these nails are sure to be the sweetest style at the Thanksgiving table.

14. Classic Cranberry

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Keep it classic this fall with a cranberry hue that goes with everything. There’s a reason why burgundy and merlot shades are always trending for the holiday season…it’s classic!

15. Brown Chrome

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This brown chrome mani has us swooning! Not only is it a staple color that goes with everything, but the chrome detail adds just the right amount of spice.

16. Floral For Fall

This neutral fall manicure effortlessly blends soft, earthy tones with delicate floral details to create the ultimate autumn look for all your holiday plans.

17. Polka Dot Princess

Who could forget Julia Roberts' iconic brown polka dot dress in Pretty Woman? This playful manicure perfectly channels that unforgettable look for a fun, nostalgic twist that’s sure to get you compliments on Turkey Day.

This chocolate brown, baby blue, and tortoise shell combo is giving “it” girl and trendsetter vibes and we need it on your nails ASAP!

How we nearly made it to the end of this list without mentioning plaid is beyond us! This classic fall pattern is the ultimate cozy manicure design, perfect for curling up by the fire after a delicious Thanksgiving feast.

20. So Demure

Keep it mindful and demure this Thanksgiving with this cutesy manicure. The baby pink paired with delicate bows brings a soft, playful vibe to your nails—perfect for an understated yet chic holiday look!

Craving more inspo for your next mani? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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About the author
Morgan Donahue
Morgan Donahue
Morgan is a copywriter at IPSY. With experience working for brands such as Free People and ThredUP, she loves covering a variety of topics from beauty to fashion.
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Article Last Updated October 20, 2024 12:00 AM