Hobbies & Crafts

For vases, consider using old-fashioned shaped bottles in various colors of glass – the common dark brown color is very appealing for fall (save the very light glass in green, blue, and similar shades for your springtime table). These can be filled with dried seed pods, various dried flower stems in fall colors, or even pretty dried weeds (weeds can often provide some of the most interesting shapes and textures, and will be unique to your table).

Consider using patterned napkins for a rustic table. Gingham may work with your setting, or a bright fall print of leaves or Thanksgiving theme may be better. You can also use solid colors, of course.

If using napkin rings, you may wish to simply tie the folded napkins with raffia. Look for themed fall buttons to thread onto the raffia to make this even cuter, or tuck in a small sprig of red fall berries. You can also purchase wooden rings and embellish them with silk fall leaves, themed buttons, charms, acorns, tiny pinecones, etc.

A cornucopia is a traditional Thanksgiving centerpieces. Cornucopia baskets can be bought at most large craft stores if you don’t have one, and look lovely over-filled (let them spill out!) with an assortment of small colorful gourds and squash (real ones are usually available in supermarkets, while fakes are often for sale in craft stores). Mix in some assorted nuts in the shell, fall-colored silk leaves, small pinecones, acorns, and/or the heads of a few fall-colored mums to further add interest and make your centerpiece more charming. These can be scattered around the table as well.