Posted by
Emma Reddington
Friday, October 16, 2009 3:38 PM EDT
Hold your horses! It’s Thanksgiving weekend already? What happened to the month of September?
If you’re feeling anything like me, you’re probably not prepared to host a sit down dinner for friends and family in the coming days. At the same time, Thanksgiving is one of those rare holidays where all you have to worry about is the food (no presents to buy or Easter egg hunts to wrangle). It would be a shame to miss it just because you’re feeling a little overwhelmed.
Below are five easy ways to decorate your Thanksgiving table with items you likely already own. Do one or combine all five together for a very impressive holiday table.
Kraft Paper Runner
Table runners, via Food & Wine and Cece & Co.
Forget fancy table linens this holiday weekend. Instead, roll out a piece of kraft paper and let it do the dirty work. If you’re feeling crafty you could decorate the paper with your own design or just keep it simple and write your guests name above their place setting. Approximate time to set up - five to thirty minutes depending on your level of involvement!
Wood Plank Centrepiece
Table centrepieces, via A Little Bite of Everything and Lavender and Ash
Look no further than your back shed or basement for this rustic centrepiece idea. All you need is a rough plank that is slightly shorter than your dining room table. Place it on your table top and then layer with candles and fresh cut flowers. If you want a more elegant look, place a white linen tablecloth underneath (like in the photos above) or combine it with the kraft table runner for a simple and rustic approach.
Mason Jar Vases and Votives
Mason jars, via Hudson Valley Green and Bueschers in Transit
Dig through your cupboards and pull out as many glass canning jars as you can find. It doesn’t matter whether or not they are all the same height. What you’re going for here is quantity. Then, fill those jars with fresh cut flowers and votive candles and run them down the centre of your table. Combine with the kraft table runner and the wood plank for a more complete look.
DIY Pumpkin Craft
Pumpkin decorating, via Papernstitch
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a couple of gourds or pumpkins on the table or mantlepiece. Make them your own by simply taking a marker and doodling away. A few polka dots here and a couple of squiggles there and you’re done. Layer them in with with your mason jars and your Thanksgiving table is starting to look pretty good!
Leaf Printed Napkins
Napkins, via Craft Stylish
I’ve left this one to the end because it is probably the most time consuming of the bunch. However, if you have children around it would be a great task to keep them busy. You’ll need some plain, lightly coloured napkins, paint and some foraged leaves. Then all you have to do is paint the front of your chosen leaves and stamp away. For full instructions check out the Craft Stylish blog.
Doable? I think so! Now you just need to figure out your Thanksgiving menu!
