How to Make Your Own Thanksgiving Centerpiece This Year

Making a centerpiece doesn't have to be a chore. In the spirit of the holidays, it can actually become a Thanksgiving tradition that you look forward to each year. Don't purchase a high-end centerpiece from the store or florist when you can make one for about half the cost. (Who wouldn't like to save a few dollars this year?)

You want to concentrate on using just one container to build your centerpiece in. This will make it easier and help you keep organized. Get a footed bowl, silver punch bowl, a bowl made from pottery; any kind of fascinating looking bowl will work. The overall shape, size or depth won't matter, just use what you think looks great.

Just find something from around your house that you aren't using and get ready to fill it for a beautiful centerpiece. Filling your container with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, leaves, and other decorative, colorful pieces is all you have to do!

These arrangements in a single bowl are easy to make and you can personalize them with your own creative touches. If you need something even quicker, try the following 15 minute ideas:

Quantity is the key! When you are filling your centerpiece use more items to make it appear plentiful, lush, and over-flowing.

Get candlesticks in a bunch of different pillar sizes and arrange them down the center of the table. The tallest should stay nearest the center.

Now get leaves, branches, pinecones, acorns and other harvest-like décor and place it around the candles and down the table too. Be sure to use only dry outdoor décor or else you may damage your table if it is made of pure wood. You could always make your arrangement on a tray so that it can be moved easily and won't hurt your table.

If you happen to have a beautiful, full green plant with long vines (ivy works nice), place the pot in the middle of the table. A great idea is to use a carved out pumpkin to place the pot into! Take some colored fall leaves from outside and stick them artfully inside the plant then scatter them down the rest of the table. Next, use some small pumpkins or gourds to cozy up in the vines.

That's it! You're project is now complete! Take a step back to admire your creativity. The best part of creating your own centerpieces for Thanksgiving is the decorations are special since you put your own time and efforts into making them. Why not get more family members to participate this year? Isn't that what the holidays are all about?