Monday, November 18, 2013

A Thanksgiving Centerpiece

 
I never host Thanksgiving dinner simply because my house is too small. 
 I come from a family of eight children, so family gatherings are usually held at those with the largest homes.
Last year I offered to do the tablescaping, which was only possible because I have parts and pieces of four sets of dishes that mix beautifully for Thanksgiving. 
 This year I wanted to set the table differently and decided to make a centerpiece from what I already had around the house.  I didn't purchase anything new, but made it my mission to reuse items I already had.  And this is what I came up with and how I made it.
 
 
I started with a bundle of corn stalks that I purchased in September to use as outside decor.  They had been outside for two months, so I brought them into the garage for a few days to dry out.  Then I cut the tops off, the height
 that I wanted my arrangement to be.
 
 
I used an American Girl doll stand for my center support piece, but you could use whatever you have around your house.
 
 
I put the bundle of corn stalks in the center of the doll holder and 
tied it closed with string.
 
 
Then I cut  a second set of pieces from the remaining stalks and started stuffing and tying them in.  These pieces will not need to be as long as the first set.
 
 
The point is to create the look of a corn shock like you might see in a field and to get the base of the holder covered completely.
 
 
Just keep filling it in until you get the fullness and the look that you want.  Don't worry about the string showing because that will be covered up with ribbon, and I used moss from my yard to fill in the gaps at the base.
 
 
I also tucked in a few faux twiggy pieces and some dried Sweet Annie that I borrowed from another arrangement.  You could add anything you want to make it more colorful, but I wanted to keep mine very natural looking.
I tied my bundle together with a long strip of leftover burlap and off-white grosgrain ribbon, and tucked a few pumpkins around the base.  Here is the finished product.
 
 
The arrangement is a little large for my small table, but will look perfect at my sister's home at a table that will seat twenty or more people.
 
 
I really like the low-key natural look of this centerpiece and the way it matches all the browns, rusts, and off-whites of my hutch.  Even without a lot of color, it definitely makes a statement.
 
 
A very special thank you to Debra at Common Ground for featuring my fall hutch makeover at last week's party.  I feel so honored by her kindness and generosity.
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Linking with
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Stone Gable for The Scoop
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A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
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French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
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Common Ground for Be Inspired

18 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Your centerpiece is lovely. You are creative and it is great you were able to make using things you already had! Well done! Have a great evening and week ahead.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Looks awesome!

Mext year come get some of my corn stalks - free of charge.

I didn't realize you came from a family of 8 - I came from a family of 7. But, well, I always have to host Thanksgiving. Oh well.

Have a great one, wherever you go!

Anonymous said...

So pretty and natural looking. Perfect for Thanksgiving!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

LOVE IT!!!

Mary said...

This is so beautiful, I love how you did this. This looks better than anything you can get at the store.

Unknown said...

This looks great against the backdrop of your hutch! Great job!

My Garden Diaries said...

Yep I love the simplicity too! It is spot on perfect and absolutely stunning!!!! It will look gorgeous for thanksgiving!!! And bravo to you for using what you had!!!

Linda P said...

I always enjoy watching the professionals as they create their flower arrangements and table displays, especially the folk who do them at our church and cathedral. Thank you for sharing the processes to make your beautiful table centre piece for Thanksgiving. It looks very natural and I like the moss and the gourds as finishing touches. Lovely!

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Beautiful centerpiece!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The corn stalks are gorgeous and such a beautiful centerpiece. Love it and great tutorial. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

La Vie Quotidienne said...

This is really beautiful ~ such a lovely addition to Thanksgiving.

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Your centerpiece is beautiful for this coming Tanksgiving. I am new on your blog I am happy I came over to see you.
Diane

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I am back I do follow you.
Been a long time to come over need to come back more.
Diane

The Charm of Home said...

That soup looks amazing and I love your centerpiece and hutch!
Sherry

Unknown said...

Just stunning indeed.
I love using outdoor items to decorate as well. These found items are free and beautiful to say the least. Back when I had a larger house I brought the cornstalks right in and tied them up in bundles and placed around the house near doorways and such, that was just wonderful.
Thanks for sharing.
Visiting from Common Ground today.
Michele

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

This is just lovely!

Debra@CommonGround said...

totally LOVE this, you are so smart to use that doll holder!!! great photos too, I'll be featuring this on Be Inspired tomorrow, thanks for joining in!

Leslie Harris said...

How did I miss this? This is absolutely wonderful, I love the shape and color. What a great idea for a Fall wedding too. I can see so many ways this could be used. I love to see how simple items from the season can be dressed up. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your big family!

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