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. ~ Linking with ~ Stone Gable for The Scoop ~ A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday ~ French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday ~ Common Ground for Be Inspired