Thanksgiving Ideas for Decorating

Bring the outdoors in this year for your Thanksgiving gathering.  Using nature’s gifts, you can inexpensively and creatively spruce up your home for the holidays.

Even though flowers aren’t plentiful this time of year, there are still beautiful boughs of greenery to be had.  Clip small branches of evergreens, such as pine, live oak, or even holly (but be careful of the pointy leaves!) and place in a tall vase.  Or, cut branches of a tree that is turning color to bring the reds, oranges, yellows and browns into your setting.  These vases are perfect for table centerpieces and buffet tables, as well as entryways and front porches.

Find some lovely-colored leaves in a variety of shapes.  Oaks, maples and other large-leafed trees are perfect specimens.  On a piece of posterboard (12 inches by 18 inches) or heavy cardstock (fall colors work great for this, or even a light or dark brown depending on the rest of your decor), arrange the leaves in a haphazard way, then cover with clear contact paper to make a fall-themed placemat.  Make as many as you need.  They can be used over and over by simply wiping them down when you are done using them!

Make some fall-themed candle holders by taking a vase and filling it with gathered items, such as small acorns, pecans, or other nuts and seeds.  Place a tealight (in a holder) in the middle to burn.  Votives can also be used, just be sure to keep an eye on the candle level to avoid burning the decor!  Another fun candle idea is to use small gourds or pumpkins.  Make one end “flat” so the gourd will stand as you want it, then carefully cut open and hollow out the food, making room to place a candle.  This is a wonderful idea for apples, pumpkins, even pineapples!  Here’s the link to a great demonstration of some of these ideas.

Add a splash of earthiness to your tablesettings.  Tie your tableware in a rolled napkin with a bit of raffia, and tuck a sprig of a plant inside.  A stalk of wheat works great in this way for Thanksgiving!  Or, for a more “wintery” approach, try spray-painting a stem of leaves in either a snowy-white or silver paint, dusting the edges with the paint.

Want to make a centerpiece reminiscent of a cornucopia?  You don’t need a horn of plenty to pull it off.  Gather a variety of fruits, gourds, and hearty vegetables.  Scatter them across the center of the table.  Tuck sprigs of plants and earth-toned ribbons among the foods to bring focus to the display.  This is also wonderful on a buffet spread as well!