Thanksgiving is all about gathering loved ones together around the dinner table. Between cooking up an entire Turkey day feast and preparing your home for out-of-town guests, dinner table décor often becomes an afterthought. Luckily, with a few simple adjustments your ordinary dining room is elevated to a dinette worthy of the occasion. Try one of these seven DIY Thanksgiving centerpieces sure to award you host of the year.
Hunt and Gather
Take to your backyard to find natural items that add organic ease to your thanksgiving table. Seasonal favorites include dried fruit, pinecones and autumn leaves. If you find yourself with a bounty of fallen foliage, try pressing leaves between the pages of a heavy book. The process takes only a few days, and helps smooth out creases and define crisp edges.
Make Guest Green With Envy
Don’t be shy to stray away from the traditional Thanksgiving palette. Natural green hues found in squash and cedar introduce lively pops of color to your table. Simply grab some shears and head for the woods to gather trimmings from abundant pine trees. Fresh sprigs offer an enticing aroma perfect for a Turkey day celebration.
Get Creative with Candles
Flickering lights and festive gatherings go hand in hand, especially during the holiday season. Elevate your illumination with out-of-the-box holders. Hollow out mini pumpkins and add a tea light for a touch of wimsy. For an earthy and aromatic option, fill glassware with coffee beans and top with a flickering candle.
Minimal Effort
For a minimalist host, an understated yet sophisticated centerpiece is well within reach. Drape eucalyptus garlands across the table and accent with monochromatic candles. Wheat stalks make festive details as well. Bunch stalks together and tie with velvet ribbon for a chic statement piece.
Farmhouse Chic
For a modern meets rustic tablescape, polish up vintage vases or watering cans and fill with autumnal blooms. You’d be surprised what items can be repurposed as seasonal décor. Our favorites include retro tool boxes, gas lanterns and copper pots. The key with bucolic design? Don’t over curate it. Place items with enough thought to look purposeful yet relaxed and effortless.
Lookin’ Gourd
Pumpkins belong in your home long after the passing of All Hallows’ Eve. Hollow out a mid-sized gourd and fill with autumnal wildflowers for a show-stopping centerpiece. This family-friendly activity is perfect for the little-ones who find delight in a messy craft.
Level Up
The first rule of Decorating 101? Height matters. Even an intricate table setting falls flat without a layer of dimension. Stack your Thanksgiving décor on thick coasters and candle stands to create contrast. Gram items from your kitchen, like tiered cake stands, to create an impressive centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer display.
Dress your dining table with easy DIY place cards for an elevated celebratory feast.
If you’d like to leave the cooking to the pros this Thanksgiving, our sister publication Salt Lake Magazine has rounded up 25 restaurants serving dinner this Nov. 25.
