Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. While many of us gather around the dinner table, not everyone can be physically together. Thanks to technology, however, virtual Thanksgiving gatherings on Zoom have become a fun and meaningful way to stay connected. Adding a Thanksgiving-themed Zoom background can make your virtual celebrations feel more festive and bring a little holiday spirit to everyone’s screen.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Thanksgiving Zoom backgrounds, how to set them up, and tips to make your virtual celebration memorable!
Why Use a Thanksgiving Zoom Background?
Whether you’re hosting a virtual dinner or just catching up with family and friends, a Thanksgiving Zoom background adds warmth and joy to your online space. Here’s why it’s a great idea:
1. Set the Festive Mood
A Thanksgiving background instantly sets a cozy and festive vibe. From autumn leaves and pumpkins to a hearty dinner table, backgrounds help create an ambiance that celebrates the season.
2. Fun for All Ages
Thanksgiving backgrounds aren’t just for adults. Kids love seeing their screens transform with fun, themed settings. You can even pick different backgrounds throughout your call to keep everyone entertained.
3. Easy to Use and Free
Zoom offers easy setup for custom backgrounds, and there are plenty of free options online. This quick customization doesn’t cost a thing but can make a big difference in creating a memorable experience.
Popular Thanksgiving Zoom Background Ideas
Below are some popular Thanksgiving background ideas to consider. Choose one that fits the tone of your gathering, whether you’re looking for something classic, cozy, or playful!
1. Fall Foliage and Autumn Leaves
Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like the beautiful colors of fall. Choose a background featuring autumn trees, vibrant orange and yellow leaves, or a scenic nature view. These backgrounds feel warm and inviting, making everyone feel at ease.
2. A Cozy Fireplace Setting
A fireplace background creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Look for an image with a crackling fire, candles, or rustic decor. This background can make your virtual celebration feel like an intimate gathering around the hearth.
3. Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Set the scene with a virtual Thanksgiving feast! Many backgrounds display a beautifully decorated dinner table with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. This type of background can make your online event feel like a true Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Pumpkin Patch or Harvest Festival
Bring in the outdoor fall fun with a pumpkin patch or harvest festival background. These scenes, complete with hay bales, pumpkins, and perhaps a scarecrow or two, bring the essence of autumn to your call. This background is especially enjoyable for families with children.
5. Classic Thanksgiving Icons
For something simple, choose backgrounds with Thanksgiving icons like cornucopias, pumpkins, and acorns. These designs are festive and easy to recognize, providing a little holiday cheer without overwhelming the screen.
How to Set Up Your Thanksgiving Zoom Background
Setting up a Zoom background is simple and works on most computers and mobile devices. Follow these steps to get your background ready before your Thanksgiving call:
Step 1: Download a Thanksgiving Background
First, find a high-quality Thanksgiving image that you love. You can search on websites like Unsplash, Pexels, or even create your own. Be sure to download an image that fits Zoom’s requirements: a file size below 5MB and in formats like JPG or PNG.
Step 2: Open Zoom and Go to Settings
Once you have your image, open Zoom. Click on the settings icon, usually found in the top-right corner of the app.
Step 3: Choose the “Background & Filters” Tab
In the settings menu, select “Background & Filters.” This tab will show you the option to add a virtual background.
Step 4: Upload Your Thanksgiving Background
Click on the “+” icon to add a new image. Choose the Thanksgiving background you downloaded, and it will automatically appear as your virtual background.
Step 5: Adjust If Needed
Make sure you’re centered on the screen, and adjust your lighting if necessary to ensure the background looks its best.
Tips for a Memorable Thanksgiving Zoom Gathering
Once your Thanksgiving background is ready, you can take a few extra steps to make your online celebration even more special. Here are some fun ideas:
1. Plan a Virtual Dinner Menu Together
Why not cook the same dishes and enjoy them virtually? Share recipes with your family ahead of time, and plan to make similar dishes. That way, you can “share” a meal, even from a distance.
2. Host a Thanksgiving Trivia Game
Prepare some fun Thanksgiving trivia questions and quiz your friends and family. This game can be especially fun for kids, and everyone can learn something new about the holiday.
3. Share What You’re Grateful For
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, so take a moment to share what you’re thankful for this year. Go around the virtual table and encourage everyone to say a few words.
4. Dress Up for the Occasion
Adding a bit of festivity to your wardrobe can make the day feel special. Encourage everyone to dress up in Thanksgiving colors like orange, brown, and red.
Where to Find Free Thanksgiving Zoom Backgrounds
There are many resources for free Thanksgiving Zoom backgrounds. Here are a few trusted websites:
- Unsplash: A wide variety of high-quality images, including fall and Thanksgiving-themed photos.
- Pexels: Great for free autumn and holiday images.
- Canva: Allows you to create custom backgrounds with Thanksgiving themes, and offers many free templates.
These sites are easy to navigate, and most images are royalty-free. Just download, set, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Using a Thanksgiving Zoom background is a wonderful way to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your virtual gatherings. Whether you’re connecting with family across the country or joining a holiday call with friends, a festive background sets the scene for a joyful celebration. Remember, it’s the small touches that make Thanksgiving memorable—no matter the distance. So, set up your background, prepare a plate of your favorite holiday treats, and enjoy the company of loved ones, even if it’s on-screen.
Happy Thanksgiving!