Thanksgiving Tips and Design Inspiration

By Krista Roman

It has been over 400 years since the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in America and we have certainly come a long way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or brand new to holiday hosting, these Thanksgiving tips and design ideas are sure to provide a cornucopia of inspiration.

Decorative Pumpkins come in every variety imaginable. Adding luxurious textures like velvet creates a decadent and warm tablescape. Many creative designers sell these designs at a premium but they can also be a DIY project. To add an extra touch of authenticity to your decor, remove plastic toppers from your fabric store-bought pumpkins. Be sure to save the natural stems from your real pumpkins, dry those out, and attach them with hot glue to the top of your fabric pumpkins.

Layering creates depth and dimension. Add varying heights and textures with assorted materials like ceramic ginger jars, cloth table runners and floral stems.

Collections from Grandma's attic add a touch of vintage nostalgia and tradition to your holiday decor. Display a collection in one grouping on a piece like a silver tray. Check your thrift stores and local flea markets year 'round as the best time to collect holiday decor pieces is often during the off-season when prices are low and inventory is high.

Forage in nature for creative touches to your home. This pinecone wreath is an easy DIY to try with young children. Take it up a notch by painting the pinecones to match the magnificent hues of autumnal foliage.

Gobble 'til your wobble with precious Pumpkin Pie Turkeys. Bake the desserts in a cupcake pan for bite-sized delights. A few decorative ingredients makes your little guy fun for kids of all ages.

Handwritten Place Cards add a hint of personalization that your guests will be sure to appreciate. You can either forage for pinecones or leaves, use miniature pumpkins or splurge on fancier brass turkeys for each place setting. Expand your labeling by carrying this look into your tablescape with each dish having its own handwritten notecard.

Natural Elements like Indian Corn, Wheat and Foliage make for stunning centerpieces. Many local farms and pumpkin patches offer these sorts of bundles for a fair price and if you want to use your design year after year, craft stores often carry this sort of decor throughout the fall season.