Simple but beautiful Thanksgiving decorating ideas...

I'm going to my parents for Thanksgiving this year, so aside from a few ornamental gourds and pumpkins I haven't done much Thanksgiving decorating. But if I was hosting this year I'd definitely being making some of these ideas my own...

For a more modern spin on a harvest theme, paint some leftover Halloween pumpkins white and use them on your Thanksgiving table.

Use some autumn colored leaves in place of these green ones if in your climate they're no longer green.  You could also try pine branches or just interesting bare branches.

We're used to seeing a lot of dark and earthy tones in Thanksgiving decor, but I actually like these fresh, light spaces. See the little pumpkins hanging from natural-fiber rope in the back?

images above via Digs Digs

Some really pretty ideas for dressing up candles.

I absolutely love this table setting

and this chair is gorgeous
via The Portfolio of Vickie Lan


Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year - what Thanksgiving decor do you like to use?

Gorgeous Autumn and holiday decor and how to make it!

I am ashamed I'm not posting this DIY earlier. I've always though that gilt gourds is were so pretty, I just needed a good excuse to try it out! It makes gorgeous autumn decor - so I should have posted this in plenty of time for anyone interested to make it before the holidays. Regardless, I still thought it'd make a good post. My original inspiration was this gallery from Country Living.

I looked up a couple of step-by-step instructions, but the best instructions I found in the Mona Lisa Gold Leaf Kit, which I picked up at Michaels. This is what I recommend for beginners as it includes everything you need - primer, adhesive, gold leaf, sealer, and antiquing glaze.



My parents grew many gourds so I had my pick. You can get gourds online or from supermarkets if they're in season. Make sure they are dry, and have no punctures.


Here are a few supplies you may want to have on hand - gesso (which I used as a primer on the gourds that I only painted, not leafed). Paint (some of the gourds I just painted metallic gold to ad variety alongside the gilded ones). Brushes, paint stirrer, paint tray, palette knife for mixing small amounts of paint, a pencil and masking tape for creating designs on the gourds, and a leafing kit or supplies.

After picking the gourds I wanted to paint, I primed them with gesso, applying it only where I planned on painting them or applying the leaf.

This gourd I painted the top a metallic gold, and applied leaf on the bottom half. (Notice the red leaf primer on the bottom.) A dark color primer makes the gold leaf "pop" a little more.

Once the primer dries, apply adhesive as instructed on the label. I found applying the gold leaf was easy it I placed a piece of waxed paper over it, warmed the wax paper a little just by rubbing my hand over it, and then applying the leaf to the gourd. Try and touch the leaf with your fingers as little as possible. You only have to press the leaf to the gourd very lightly.

Brush off any excess flakes with a soft, dry, brush. A light touch will do. After that, coat it with the sealer well. After the sealer dries, apply the antiquing glaze as instructed on the label. This project does require a good amount of surface space, and can be messy so make sure you've allotted space and cover any surfaces. Also various amounts of drying time will be needed between steps.

So...without further ado...here are my results!





I lined a wood bowl with dried rye and than arranged the gourds to create a centerpiece.


What do you think?

Forgot to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy your families, and the food on the table, and all the gifts in your life!

via Tip Junkie

via Country Living

via Toast and Tables



Okay, so the top image is their Halloween console, but I just loved it.
via Young House Love

Really cute and easy DIY ideas for your Thanksgiving table

I first found this adorable pine cone turkey idea over at the Simplified Bee, and thought to myself, "that is soooo cute, and so my mom!" It's also wonderful because we have everything except the pipe cleaners; pine cones in the woods and feathers around the chicken and turkey coups.

via Simplified Bee via Martha Stewart
Isn't it cute?!


I love this too...all of these ideas are fast and easy but so elegant!

Click here to see all of these plus more and how-to's

very elegant
via Simplified Bee

And just for reference - and something I am always in need of when setting a table a handy reference chart.
via Simplified Bee