DIY Centerpieces for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I hate that so many stores are opening on Thanksgiving Day and hope that not enough people shop that day to make it worthwhile next year. But for those of us staying home and creating big feasts, I’ve got some great ideas for easy DIY centerpieces. All you need for the first one are some clear glass jars, a selection of almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts still in the shell, and candles. Put the candles in the jar first, then gently sprinkle the nuts around the candle. I like to group the vases in a set of three, but a single container would work, too. I would also include some greenery on the table to tie it all together.
This next centerpiece is a DIY for someone with a drill. Just take a long piece of wood and drill a series of holes the same diameter as votive candles. The type of drill bit you need for this is called a “spade drill bit” and they come in all sizes. Pop in the votives and place in the center of your table. Then surround the log with miniature pumpkins, gourds, and colorful leaves. The votives will add a subtle glow to your Thanksgiving festivities.
This centerpiece requires a trip to your local craft store for some small, artificial pumpkins and metallic craft paint in the colors of your choice. Simple paint the pumpkins using brush strokes from the stem to the bottom of the pumpkin, following the ridges. Once dry, simply place on top of candlesticks in the center of the table. Brass candlesticks are pictured here, but you can use wooden or crystal ones, too. For glitzy pumpkins you can brush glue and spinkle with clear glitter after the paint has dried.
This last centerpiece is one of my favorites, because it keeps the kids involved and thinking about what they are thankful for. Start with a large ball of brown yarn and a smaller ball of tan yarn. Use two wooden skewers to connect the two of them together. Cut lots of leaves out of colored paper and have your kids write one thing they are thankful for on each leaf. Glue a toothpick to the end of the leaf and stick it into the brown ball of yarn. Add eyes, a beak and a red snood to finish off the look.
Do you have any favorite centerpiece ideas for Thanksgiving? Share them in the comments section below.
Barbara Green is the owner of Sensibly Chic Designs for Life and the host of Ask the Design Diva radio show. Her showroom is located at 830 Lamar Avenue in Charlotte and is open by appointment only. Give her a call at 704-608-9424 with any questions or to schedule your private consultation.
