How to make simple table decorations for Thanksgiving?

Hi Karen, sounds like my house! I love your elegant base. I usually hit the grocery store for inexpensive seasonal flowers and then put them in mason jars with a bit of twine at the neck and pepper them around the tables. Here's a link to show you what I mean. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2015/05/easy-and-inexpensive-summer-floral.html

I've also picked up some inexpensive seasonal bowls and cookie jars and used them as vases. They add pop and interest, but are super simple to make. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2015/10/cookie-jar-pumpkin-vase.html

Perhaps they will give you some inspiration.

Hi Karen,

If you live in the Northeast as I do, pressing Fall leaves and gathering acorns and pine cones to go the length of the table with the votives makes for a lovely decoration. And they are free.

*If your pinecones are dirty or very pitchy wash them in water with a little white vinegar and dry them in a 200 degree oven till they open up again.

Laura

Karen, it is good you are planning ahead so you have time to seek some great ideas that appeal to you. This year I went to nearly all beige and white them base on one project and multicolors for another. Here are some ideas you can easily adapt to your table: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/centerpieces/fall-flare-in-a-planter-39550588

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/seasonal-decor/great-update-with-paint-for-fall-decor-39119818

Hi karen!

I use pine cones like Laura suggested. Some i have painted the tips for color, or glitter on the tips for sparkle. I was considering using hot glue to attach pine cones to fall ribbon and lay the length of a table Vines are great too...pull from trees, curl into small wreath, let dry...and use with the votives. The cones look great in wood bowls or even crystal bowls! Don't forget to "shop your house". I have been rediscovering things tucked away and re-work them as current decor. Tea cups, tea pots, colorful glass, colorful bottles or other glass. Dollar store has "column" vases that work well with flowers and dried grasses, ribbon, or candles. If tables are large and need some texture or color...runners are a quick fix...in burlap or other fabric that needs no edging. If you can sew, then consider inexpensive holiday tablecloth cut and edged into multiple matching runners.

Hello Karen,

Like you I have an average of 40-60 people in my house every year!! I serve the foods buffet style and I usually use my desserts for table decorations!! I have a separate drink/wine station and another area for appetizers. I have the pies displayed or carrot cake with nice placemats and candles on chargers with fall leaves, gourds and pinecones. It helps to keep things low for conversations and keeps their mouths watering for dessert!! I've also used burlap as a runner with mason jars and raffia and candles. I always look thru the house to find what I have and shop the thrift stores Good luck!!

Dollar Tree stemware...turn upside down. Put single flower (cut from Dollar Tree dried flowers) inside. Tie fall colored ribbons around stem of glass...tealights on top. 8 tables decorated for under $20!

Hello Karen, maybe add nuts, cranberries,acorns into decor. Scatter on table, add to water votives. Utilize attractive branches, twigs, leaves, stones...battery operated mini lights, small ceramic forest creatures, spray paint them all gold, or copper, or bronze. Here’s a view visuals.

I float cranberries in water in a glass salad bowl that is on a round mirror and place votives in glass holders around it. At Christmas time I add pine tree branches and pine cones on the outside edge of the mirror. So you could just any fall items that you have in your yard and trees.

I use an artificial fall leaf garland down the center of the table and fill in with votives, pine cones, small pumpkins, etc.