Fall is the time for decorating with Indian corn. These colorful ears of ornamental corn (also known as flint corn and calico corn) have been around for centuries.
Indian corn is a natural element that can be used in fall decorations. I especially love the texture that Indian corn adds.
Ornamental corn is available in many colors. It comes in solid colors like red, blue, and black. The plant also produces multi-colored ears.
The ears can be used in wreaths, door swags, and as accent pieces for table decorations and centerpieces.
Below, you’ll learn how to display Indian corn in several ways for a rustic holiday look.
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How to decorate with Indian corn
Consider Indian corn as an add-on to the other elements in your decor projects. Add the ears to give height, texture, and color to your design.
Here are some creative ideas for using ears of decorative Indian corn.
Indian corn door swag
No round-up of Indian corn decor ideas would be complete without a door swag project. The shape of the ears is perfect!
Just grab three long ears of Indian corn with stalks attached. Wrap a piece of raffia around the center of the stalks to secure them.
Add several sprigs of faux fall leaves and attach to the area of the stalks. Hang on your front door and presto! You have a door decoration made in just minutes that looks fabulous.
The vibrant red color of this door is a perfect backdrop for this Indian corn door decoration. It pairs well with the colors in the leaves and ears of corn.
Indian corn on door meaning
Indian corn used on a door can signify many things. This can vary depending on the cultural and regional context, but here are a few common interpretations:
- Harvest and abundance: In many cultures, Indian corn is associated with the harvest season and abundance. Placing Indian corn on a door can symbolize a bountiful harvest and the hope for prosperity in the coming year.
- Autumn and Thanksgiving: Indian corn is often used to decorate during autumn, particularly around Thanksgiving. It can symbolize the spirit of gratitude for the abundance of the season.
- Protection and warding off evil: In some indigenous Native American cultures, Indian corn was believed to have protective properties. Hanging it on a door or at the entrance of a home could be seen as a way to ward off negative energies and bring good luck.
- Cultural and decorative significance: Indian corn can be used simply for its cultural and decorative value. Its vibrant colors and unique appearance make it an attractive decoration for doors.
- Tradition and ritual: Some individuals or families may have specific traditions or rituals associated with Indian corn. For example, they might hang it on the door as part of a family tradition passed down through generations.
Harvest lantern decoration
As with most ornamental Indian corn decorating ideas, this pretty display is easy to assemble.
To make the project, you’ll need four mini pumpkins, a bundle of Indian corn, a brass lantern with a candle, some straw, and a few pieces of cut wood.
Use the wood to give height to the pumpkins. Light the candle, position the Indian corn, and sprinkle on some straw. This project is simple to put together but has a professional look!
Indian corn fence decoration
Do you have a picket fence on your property? Decorate it for fall with double ears of Indian corn.
Tie two ears of Indian corn together and position them over the space between the pickets. You can decorate just one area of the fence, or go all out with bundles of corn cobs positioned between every few pickets for a more dramatic look.
Using Indian corn with baskets
The neutral color of woven wicker baskets complements the colors of Indian corn.
This simple basket is filled with orange fall leaves and faux berries. Make the most of seasonal produce by adding smooth and warty-skinned pumpkins to your Indian corn table centerpiece.
So impressive and yet it’s put together in just minutes!
Harvest vignette for your table
Bring together a harvest vignette that the kids will love using mini pumpkins, small scarecrow figures, a basket wagon, and ears of Indian corn.
The look is colorful, and whimsical. The only problem will be keeping the kiddos from playing with it.
No need to worry! It will take the playtime in stride since the vignette can be put back together in any number of ways.
Indian corn porch decoration
The rustic look of Indian corn makes it an easy addition to any fall porch decor idea.
To create this look, tuck a few ears of Indian corn in with some pumpkins, pine cones and a planter filled with Dragon’s Breath celosia for a harvest-themed fall look for your front steps.
Indian corn table decoration
The beauty of this next monochromatic design lies in its simplicity!
Put together a table decoration using brown ears of Indian corn and brown leaves. Then add a pop of color with a yellow block candle and mini pumpkins.
This contrast in color is a beautiful addition to the muted tones of this table decoration.
Harvest display for fall
This pretty harvest display uses many of the items that we associate with autumn.
For this design, Indian corn is tied to a rustic wooden fence with coleus in the background.
Ornamental kale, apples, and mums bring in pops of color, while the white and orange pumpkins match the colors of the Indian corn.
Indian corn and yarn pumpkins
The various colors of Indian corn make it the ideal quick add-on for other decorating projects.
In this simple table decoration, quartets of yarn pumpkins are grouped on both sides of this bundle of yarn-tied Indian corn.
Change the color of yarn to suit the Indian corn you are using and your decoration is ready for the Thanksgiving table in just minutes.
Thanksgiving cornucopia
The cornucopia is also known as a horn of plenty. It has always been thought of as a symbol of abundance and nourishment.
Place the cornucopia in front of a hay bale. Fill it with leaves and pumpkins and arrange two ears of Indian corn beside it.
It makes a great outdoor fall decoration.
If you want to display this look indoors, swap out the wicker cornucopia with a baked cornucopia centerpiece.
Use an Indian corn wreath as a bird or squirrel feeder
The squirrels and birds will love this Indian corn wreath if you hang it on a fence pole!
Cut the ears of Indian corn in half and poke a hole through the center of each one. Thread a piece of wire or a wire coat hanger through the center of the cobs so that they form a circle.
Tie three mini Indian corn ears together with a piece of jute and attach them to the top of the wreath.
Hang on a fence post or your front door and let the critters feed on it.
Glass gem corn
There is a special type of Indian corn that makes a dramatic addition to any decorating project. It is called “glass gem corn.” 
This type of corn became an internet sensation in 2012 when a photo of it was posted on Facebook.
According to the company that sells the seeds, they produce gorgeous translucent, jewel-colored ears, each of which is unique.
If you can find it, add this type of Indian corn to any of the decorating projects below to give them a more glamorous look.
More ideas for decorating with Indian corn
Don’t stop with these ideas. Here are a few more creative ways to use Indian corn in your fall and harvest decorations.
From door wreaths to fall vignettes and decorated pitchforks, these Indian corn decor projects are quick to assemble. They use one of Mother Nature's decorating supplies - Indian corn! One of the more popular Indian corn decorations is a door wreath. In this creative design, the cobs and stalks are both used to make a unique wreath with lots of texture and color. Making a wreath with Indian Corn is a great way to show off your fall decorating skills. These wreaths are easy to make. All you need are dried mini corn cobs, a wreath frame, and some sturdy glue. This rustic vignette uses mini pumpkins and dried Indian corn to make a wonderful table decoration. This Indian corn candle project is simple to make. All you need are a glass vase, a pillar candle, string, and Indian corn. Since you are using a candle, be sure to trim the stalks so that there is not a fire hazard. This is a different take on decorating with Indian corn. We are bringing it to the table in an edible centerpiece. The Indian corn cakes will brighten up your Thanksgiving table. The cakes are authentic looking and easy to make. The only problem will be keeping the kiddies out of this until after the meal. This lovely Indian corn table centerpiece would be perfect for Thanksgiving. It is also easy to put together. Just add a piece of floral foam to a bowl and then insert wheat stalks so they fan out. Place ears of Indian corn over the wheat, and display. This fast and easy project requires a bare wall, some Indian corn ears, and a pitchfork. Thread the Indian corn on your pitchfork tines, and display. Indian Corn Decorations – How to Decorate with Indian Corn
Share this post about Indian corn on Twitter
If you enjoyed learning how to decorate with Indian corn, be sure to share this post with a friend. Here is a tweet to get you started:
Fall is the time of the year, when you start seeing Indian corn at the grocery stores. Find out how to decorate with it on The Gardening Cook. 🌽🎃🌿🍁🌽 Share on XPin these Indian corn decorations for later
Would you like a reminder of these ideas for decorating with Indian corn? Just pin this photo to one of your autumn decorating boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
Admin note: This post for decorating with Indian corn first appeared on the blog in October 2013. I have updated the post to add new photos, lots of new Indian corn decor ideas, and a video for you to enjoy.
Have you tried decorating with Indian Corn? How did you use it? Let us know in the comments below.
Anna
Tuesday 4th of October 2016
Just curious if the corn will cut easily lengthwise for the bird feeder? What did u use to cut it?
Carol
Tuesday 4th of October 2016
Hi Anna. Corn cobs are hard to cut for sure. I use a very sharp carving knife from Cutco cutlery. I have to rotate the corn as I cut to go all the way through. A meat cleaver would work too. Carol
Linda at Mixed Kreations
Thursday 22nd of October 2015
I'm seen the Indian corn in the stores, but have never bought any. I love these different ideas for decorating with it. Great collection!
Carol
Thursday 22nd of October 2015
Thanks LInda. I think I might make a swag for my door this year.
Renee Fuller
Monday 19th of October 2015
I love Indian corn!
Carol
Monday 19th of October 2015
Me too. It's so festive and crafty!
Shasta
Monday 19th of October 2015
Thank you so much for featuring my Indian Corn Swag on your blog! :) What lovely ideas for decorating with Indian Corn for this time of year. Fall is my favorite!
Carol
Monday 19th of October 2015
My pleasure Shasta. I love the swag. I changed my door this year to one with an oval glass panels, so I am on the hunt for swag decor!