Thanksgiving is such a fun holiday filled with all the wonderful flavors of fall and reminders of life so long ago. I like to decorate my Thanksgiving table using natural elements representative of the season. Here are 10 inexpensive and simple ways to dress-up your Thanksgiving table.
1. Tablecloths
Both decorative and efficient! Tablecloths can be purchased at many stores like Walmart, Target, or even your local grocery store. If you expect spills, this is a great solution to help protect the dining room table. Don’t want to spend money on a tablecloth? Use a clean bed sheet that is in good condition. To add even more dimension, layer additional fabrics in your color palette on top of it. You can even dress up that sheet by painting designs on it with fabric paint or by adding some leaves by stamping them on (paint freshly fallen leaves with acrylic paint and press them onto the sheet). Be sure to follow the manufacturers directions for which ever paint you decide to use. Most paints take a certain amount of time to dry. Fabric paint generally takes up to 24 hours to dry, so plan accordingly.
2. Placemats
Again, these are great for saving your table from messes, yet they add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread. Check out your local stores to track down the ones you like best. If you are really daring, you can make your own using a simple pattern. I also came across some disposable ones at Target.com. I love the idea of lightening the clean-up load once everyone has gone home. These can also be added to the crackling fire instead of being thrown in the trash!
3. Acorns and Other Nuts
Gather the kids and gather some nuts. Acorns and other shelled nuts are so characteristic of Autumn. They can be used to fill votives or large vases that candles sit into, attached to place cards, or simply fill decorative bowls placed on the Thanksgiving table. Play around with the different varieties of nuts. The chestnut, when found in its casing, can add a unique touch of texture.
4. Squashes and Gourds
Another symbol of the season. Pumpkins, squashes, and other gourds come in a variety of colors and sizes–perfect for any Thanksgiving table. Place them in groups down the center of your table, group them in vases or bowls, or use them as place card holders. Pumpkins can also function as candle holders (carve out a small hole where the stem would be that is big enough to hold a votive candle ).
5. Fruit and Berries
Fruits, such as apples, oranges and pears, provide a natural accessory to the Thanksgiving table. They are not only inexpensive, but provide colors representative of Autumn and can be eaten once they have served their purpose as decoration. Look for dried fruit slices to fill large bowls or vases as well as dried cranberries to fill votive holders.
6. Pinecones and Other Wood
Pinecones can be used for a variety of decorative projects. Have the kids help you gather some in varying sizes. Make sure they are cleaned up before adding them to the table. Line them up down the center of the table, hang them from the chandelier, use them as place card holders, or fill your favorite bowl with them. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to hang on to them once Thanksgiving is over, they can be reused during the Christmas season. To add height to your table, cut some small tree branches or purchase some pussy willow to fill a tall vase.
7. Leaves
Another free item offered by nature. Don’t you love it when you find a good deal? Again, grab the kids and go on a leaf hunt. Some of you may need to plan accordingly. If you know that the leaves are pretty scarce by Thanksgiving time, do your gathering ahead of time and dry the leaves. Faux leaves can also be purchased at your local craft store. Either way, leaves can be used under plates, votive holders or vases, hung from the chandelier, windows, or from cut branches placed in a vase as well as for place card holders.
8. Candies
Okay, this one isn’t found in nature, but it is super fun. In addition to your most beautiful candy dishes, fill vases or votive holders with some small candies that match your color palette. Try candy corns, toffees, malted milk balls, amber colored rock candy (I love this one), brown Jelly Belly’s, candies wrapped in gold, orange slices, gummy lemons, the options really are endless. Save this idea for Christmas too.
9. Legumes
You may not think of legumes as decorative items, but you’ll be surprised at how well candles sit in them when they fill a vase or votive holder. Try split peas and colored pastas as well.
10. Feathers
Although found in nature, you may have a very difficult time collecting enough in nature to thoroughly decorate with. For that reason, I suggest buying some natural feathers at your local craft store. Use them as place holders, in flower arrangements, group them and fill a vase or hang them from the chandelier. You can also use them to make a pinecone turkey.
**When gathering items from nature, it is important that you not disturb any animals or elements that are critical to the habitat. When in doubt, leave it alone. Additionally, assist children in gathering items and make sure to clean everything before taking it into your home.
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