Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? It’s time for celebrating the fall harvest, when supermarkets are busting at the seams. Canned green beans are flying off the shelves, and the aisles suddenly have car-sized boxes of bagged bread to navigate around.
From basting the bird to preparing the pies, there are a lot of things to get ready before the doorbell rings. And we all know that guests can’t help but look at the Thanksgiving table as soon as they arrive. It’s the one time of year when even folks who don’t normally set a formal table will break out the turkey shaped gravy boat and use tiny pilgrim salt and pepper shakers.
Let your guests know that you’re a Thanksgiving pro and use a stunning centerpiece to set the stage. While extravagant floral arrangements will always impress, these eco-friendly nature inspired “harvest” centerpieces set a down-home and family, friendly feel.
5 Centerpieces Ideas for Thanksgiving
Lanterns: Lanterns are a great way to have an informal, yet classic, candlelit dinner. They allow you add candles to the table without the fear of an accidental fire and prevent wax from dripping onto your new tablecloth. They can easily be removed if the table gets too crowded with food or drinks. This simple yet beautiful centerpiece can be created using a new or old lantern and a simple store-bought wreath.
Butternut Squash Vase: These seasonal favorites make eco-friendly, interesting vases. Their ceramic-like finish and upright shape is the perfect backdrop for a seasonal spray. After the holiday, your “vase” can be tossed into the compost pile to help next year’s garden bloom even better.
Gourd-Geous: Spray paint real or faux pumpkins, gourds and pine cones with metallic silver or gold. Add glittery candles for over-the-top glam. This look works best juxtaposed with a matte or roughly textured runner, like burlap. We love this kid-friendly project that can easily put together a few days before the holiday. This easy and inexpensive look is a great way to add nature inspired finishes into a modern or contemporary décor setting.
Fall Harvest: Use apples or pears (or a combination of both) to create a fruity, autumn harvest centerpiece. Small fruit can easily be skewered onto a topiary foam ball. Fill in any gaps with fresh sprigs (a dot of hot glue works best) and your edible Thanksgiving centerpeice is ready to go!
White Pumpkins: These began trending in the last few years and continue to be seen indoors and out in the fall season. White pumpkins can either bought (real or fake) or created using white spray paint. Embellish with rhinestones or dots of puffy-paint in swirling designs for an enchanting evening table.
TIP: If you plan to using pinecones from your garden in your centerpiece, be sure to kill off any critters first. Bake at 200 degrees on a tinfoil lined cookie sheet for at least 45 minutes.