DIY: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

by Vanessa Quirk

Craft goddess you may be, but your culinary achievements are… well, less than stellar. So, if you’re stuck hosting Thanksgiving this year (why oh why did it seem like such a good idea at the time?), we have a suggestion for you: Leave the cooking to the fine chefs at your local grocery store and showcase your skills where they can best be displayed – on the table (and not in the kitchen).

We’ve found some fabulous DIY centerpiece ideas that will make your table absolutely unforgettable! And here they are – in increasing levels of difficulty:

Pumpkin Candles from Better Homes and Gardens

This idea from Better Homes and Gardens is a quick and easy way to reuse items already in your home for a beautiful effect. All it requires is a pumpkin, a knife, a candle, hot glue, and – voila – a pumpkin candle holder is born. Add in a few pine cones and branches from the garden, and you have a stellar centerpiece without having to buy a thing.

Fabric Pumpkins from Thompson Family

These adorable fabric pumpkins, featured on Design*Sponge, are a great way to use up old fabric scraps as well as add color and fun to your Thanksgiving table. While sewing abilities are absolutely necessary to create these gourds, the Thompson Family blog has step by step instructions that should make the journey a little easier.

A DIY Cornucopia from Martha Stewart

Ah, trust Martha to give us a stunningly gorgeous decor idea that looks more than a little scary to attempt. Needed: burlap, twine, wicker, and some serious cajones. Don’t worry though – even Martha suggests getting the cornucopia from a craft store rather than weaving it from scratch. Hard work aside, this “horn of plenty” would be a great Thanksgiving centerpiece you could definitely use for years to come.

November 25, 2009