Weekend Projects: DIY Thanksgiving Decor

There’s a lot to be thankful for: your health, the roof over your head, and the loved ones who surround you at Thanksgiving. This year, celebrate your gratitude by welcoming guests into a festive atmosphere, one that reflects the special qualities ofautumn. Down-to-earth and beautiful, these DIY Thanksgiving decor projects are as accessible as they are affordable, and each one promises to help make your holiday memorable.

1. CRAFT A GRAPEVINE PUMPKIN

Whether you’re an occasional craft-store visitor or a frequent, preferred-status customer, you’ve no doubt seen grapevine for sale on the shelves. For little more than $3, you can combine grapevine with floral wire to create adecorative pumpkin, the perfect accent for a side table.

2. HANG A BANNER

Nothing says “give thanks” quite like a banner that actually spells out the phrase. In about 20 minutes—with only scissors, glue, ribbon, and adownloadable templatefor the letters—you’ll be able to hang your own loud-and-proud declaration over a doorway or across the mantelpiece.

3. ARRANGE A CENTERPIECE

DIY Thanksgiving decor preparations would never be complete without a centerpiece for the dining table. Gather a loose collection of painted pinecones, raw birch wood, and gourds in a clear vase or a patterned bowl, ordisplay fall flowersin a medium-size, hollowed-out pumpkin.

4. LAY OUT A CALENDAR

Count down to turkey day with aThanksgiving-themed calendar. Arrayed on autumn-appropriate burlap are 30 taped-on felt squares, one for each day in the month. Double the utility by putting December on the reverse side, so you can just flip it over at the end of the month.

5. MAKE A WREATH

If you’re shucking any corn in the days before Thanksgiving, be sure to set the husks aside. (Alternatively, head to the nearest farmer’s market, where you can likely buy husks by the bagful.) Then use them tomake a corn-husk wreathand hang it on the front door. Is there a better invitation to a fall feast?