10 Things Around the House That Can Be Used for Thanksgiving Decorating

November 18, 2016 by Jason Loper

You’ve spent a lot of time planning the menu. You’ve been laboring in the kitchen for a week before the big day. You’ve even thought to seat your conservative aunt Betty three chairs away from your liberal uncle Jack. But what about a little decoration for the holiday? Oops … you hadn’t thought of that. Don’t worry – if you have some apples, a butternut squash or a pile of firewood in the house, you have Thanksgiving decorations.

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Apples: Use a melon baller or a drill with a 1-1/2″ bit to turn an apple into a votive candle holder. (Source: EAB Designs)

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Butternut Squash: Bumper crop of butternut squash in the garden this year? Follow these instructions to turn that squash into a whimsically carved centerpiece. (Source: Paper, Plate and Plane)

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Kale: Put a bunch of kale in a vase to create an easy, verdant and delicious arrangement. (Source: Jason Loper)

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Pine cones: Use some colorful pipe cleaners to create this adorable pine cone turkey. This is a perfect project for getting the kids involved with the decorating. (Source: Slumbering Alligator)

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Firewood: As you’re stacking wood for the fireplace, pull out the most perfect specimens. Drill holes in the most attractive log to create a rustic candleholder. Warning: fire and wood can be a combustible combination. Do not leave candles unattended. (Source: Craftsman Club)

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Grass: Head outside and cut some fountain grass to create a centerpiece. Bundle the grass and tie it with a ribbon or place it in a vase or glass to create a smaller arrangement. (Source: This American House)

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Pumpkins: Spray paint them, group them, turn them into candle holders, hollow them out for soup, or find your own clever way to use pumpkins on your Thanksgiving table. (Source: Kenmore Community)

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Cranberries: A little pop of red will add a touch drama to the table. (Hopefully that will be the only drama at your dinner table this year!) Use cranberries in vases and jars and top them with greens or candles. (Source: Madigan Made)

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Paper towel rolls: Make adorable Thanksgiving-themed napkin rings using those empty paper towel rolls and some construction paper. (Source: Apartment Therapy)

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Acorns: Don’t let that kooky aunt that everyone talks about be the only nut at the table. Use acorns (or other nuts in the shell) as decoration on your Thanksgiving table. (Source: The Busy Nothings)

Now that you’ve got your decorations covered, check out some of the other Thanksgiving content from Kenmore Community:
Our Checklist for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
How to Cook the Perfect Turkey
Alternative Ways to Cook a Turkey
• Last Minute Prep: Thanksgiving Wine Guide
Presentation 101: How to Plate to Please a Crowd

Jason Loper

Jason Loper is a self-professed doyen of the domestic arts. In other words, he hasn’t met a household project he hasn’t enjoyed tackling. His latest project is renovating a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed American System-Built Home in Iowa.