Ideas for Thanksgiving Table Decorations

Holiday table decorations should be inspired by nature. The day before Thanksgiving, set off for a walk in the forest equipped with one or two brown paper grocery bags.

Along the walk, visualize how you'd want to create a memorable decorative arrangement for the dinner table. Search for pine cones of different sizes, interesting-looking dried grasses, dried-out thin tree branches, nuts, dried pieces of fungus, and bits of bark, pebbles and moss.

Later in the day, in the garden shed, lightly spray the contents of the bags with insect repellent and let sit for at least half an hour. Afterwords, spread your collections on a work table and sort into various piles.

To create a beautiful center piece arrangement for your dinner table, be prepared to use a hot-glue gun and have available a can of antique gold spray paint. Also have on hand an appropriate decorative container that will display the beauty of the dried collectibles from the forest. And, you should purchase a bag of Spanish moss from a crafts store. Since the holiday is Thanksgiving, consider working into the displayed arrangement some small colorful gourds or tiny pumpkins.

Beginning with the container, glue Spanish moss down in the base and slowly create your arrangement with festive style anchoring everything into the moss. I suggest spray painting a few dried branches you've collected with some antique gold paint. Remember not to build your arrangement too high because it is for the center of your table. A long rectangular container for the arrangement might be a better choice so views across your table don't become obstructed.

Creation of the holiday arrangement could be a family effort. Some can work on the decoration for the dinner table and others might consider creating a welcoming arrangement to place by the front door entrance.

Your holiday guests will be impressed by the combined efforts of the family in creating a special holiday atmosphere.