Written by Administrator | 01 November 2004

A colorful centerpiece makes the Thanksgiving table all the more beautiful, especially when it is a collection of leaves, grasses and flowers. Here are a few ideas to create your own. You may also use these in other places besides the table. To make a simple centerpiece, place several small mums or carnations inside a basket with floral foam, or planted in a terra cotta pot. Place a drip tray or plate underneath to catch any water. Then arrange fall items such as moss, leaves, raffia, small pumpkins, berries, nuts, or candles inside the plate or drip tray around the flowers.

You may also choose a green plant with trailing vines such as a Pothos, or any variety of ivy. Place it in the center of the table in a basket, pot, or hollowed out pumpkin. Insert a few fall leaves into the plant and add a few more down the table. If you hollow out a pumpkin to use as a plant container, be sure to place a plastic saucer inside to catch the water.

For a “pumpkin patch” decoration, set a large pumpkin in the center of the table with medium pumpkins on either side. Add smaller pumpkins at each end, filling in the spaces with mini pumpkins and fall leaves. To protect your table from the pumpkins, use plastic circles or glass plates underneath

Another idea is to fill a basket with fall leaves, adding a few berry branches or pinecone clusters for interest.  To save money, you can use materials from your yard.

A clear glass container or vase filled with these fall items can also make a lovely decoration.  For unique place cards, find the prettiest fall leaves and either press them or dry off, and write names on them with dark marker. Acorns or a dried grass or bloom can be glued on. To stand this up, glue the leaf to a small paper cup, completely covering the cup. Fill the cup with nuts or mints, and your favors are complete.