Thanksgiving Decorations

Decorating for Thanksgiving is a longstanding tradition with many families. Pulled from boxes year after year, Thanksgiving decorations conjure up memories of making and using them-it’s what the holidays are all about. Well, that and the turkey. Having a theme is a good place to start: Thanksgiving decorations can be all about the harvest and giving thanks, and ours are no exception. So grab scissors, glue and markers and start making memories.

FLOWER POWER PUMPKINS

This is what happens when your pumpkins want to get all dressed up and come to the party.

What you need:

Scissors
Fresh or silk flat flowers
Pumpkins and gourds
Glue gun and glue sticks

Make it

Using scissors, trim the stems from the flowers.
Glue flowers on pumpkins with hot glue gun.

This craft is not intended for children. Always supervise and assist young children when they are working with scissors or small pieces of craft materials.

"FAMILY" TREE

Getting the family together for a holiday has never been easier: They’re all right here, just hanging around.

What you need:

Small fall fruits such as Seckel pears or lady apples
Small potted tree or shrub
Twine or ribbon
Paper clamps
Family photos

Make it

Arrange fall fruits around tree in pot.
Tie twine to paper clamps.
Clamp two photos (back to back) to each clamp.
Arrange clamps on tree.

Always supervise and assist young children when they are working with scissors or small pieces of craft materials.

VEGGIE BOWLS

Carry the harvest theme one step further with bowls made from fresh squash.

What you need:

Winter squash such as butternut or acorn
Olives

Make it

Cut squash so you are left with the ”bowl” of the vegetable to carve into a container.
Scoop seeds and stringy flesh from the inside of each squash.
Wash and dry well.
Slice a small piece off the bottom of each so they sit flat.
Place on a platter or tray and fill with olives.

Always supervise and assist young children when they are working with scissors or small pieces of craft materials.

HARVEST CENTERPIECE

The bounty of the season deserves a place on the table, and the perfect spot is center stage. This centerpiece works well when you are serving your dinner from a buffet.

What you need:

Colorful fall fruits such as pears, apples and pomegranates.
Colorful leaves
Nuts in the shell

Make it

Arrange fruits, leaves and nuts in a large shallow basket or bowl.

Always supervise and assist young children when they are working with scissors or small pieces of craft materials.

SHEAVES OF GRAIN

The harvest of grain gets the respect it deserves in this beautiful banister showcase. Make it rustically authentic by tying it up with twine, or a bit more elegant by using ribbon.

What you need: