DIY ideas to spruce up your Thanksgiving

By Patty Marsters

pattym@lwsb.com

This year’s Thanksgiving dinner may look a little different, with few to no family and friends around the table, but that doesn’t mean we can’t add a little festiveness and remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for. Presented here are some easy craft ideas to help you dress up your home for the occasion. These items can be reused—and some added to—every year. Table Décor Thankful Tree: Gather some small tree branches and “plant” them in a jar with decorative pebbles or dried beans, or you can arrange them in a glass vase as though they were flowers. Cut some craft paper into small circles or leaves, then write on each a word of gratitude or the name of someone for whom you are thankful. Punch a hole in the top of each circle and pop them onto the twigs of the branch directly or with string, or glue them on.

Autumn Leaf Votive Holder:

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of a clean, dry mason jar or vase. Once it’s sticky, layer on real or fabric leaves, brushing each one in place with another thin layer of Mod Podge. (If using dried leaves, you should dampen them slightly before applying to prevent breakage.) Once your decorative design is complete, spray the outside of the jar with a clear lacquer. After it’s dry, you can tie some raffia or coordinating ribbon around the neck. All it needs now is a candle, and you’re ready to glow.

PumpkinVase: Cut off the top quarter of a small pumpkin, then carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp. If you want to decorate the outside of the pumpkin itself, now is the time to paint on a design, or you can spray it with a metallic or glittery color. Once it’s dry, fill the cavity with floral foam, then add seasonal flowers, greenery or succulents. Wall Decorations Blessing Board: There are a few variations for this one. If you have a large, old frame, you can arrange screw eyes in the interior sides, then string twine back and forth through the holes. Or you can take an old corkboard and staple sturdy ribbon crisscrossed into rows. Using clothespins, attach small notes on which you’ve written what make you feel blessed or pictures of those who have blessed your life. This is even something you can leave up year-round. Or, if you add small magnetic strips to the backs of the clothespins, you can transfer your biggest blessings to the fridge.

Giving Thanks Banner: Cut craft paper or felt into leaf shapes. Write some inspirational messages or what you’re thankful for on some—or all—of the leaves, then attach with clothespins to twine that you’ve strung up (maybe over a window or doorway). When you need a lift, you can always turn a leaf and read what it has to say. Front Door Fall Wreath: There are multiple variations for this one, as well. You can get a simple wicker wreath from the local craft store, then glue on fake leaves and ribbon, perhaps in a jaunty bow? To personalize it even more, add a painted wooden initial—or multiple letters spelling out a message. A more advanced version starts with a Styrofoam wreath base, which you’ll cover with burlap or other fabric. Trace a leaf onto card stock, then cut to use as a stencil. Use the stencil on felt, craft paper or even pages from an old novel. Layer the leaves on the wreath, securing them with straight pins or glue.