When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, all of the hoopla is usually contained to the main attraction — you know, the turkey, stuffing, and other sides that fill your plate with nap-impending tastes. But it is possible to get more out of this holiday than a few-hour feast, particularly if you look to the DIY realm.
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From creating a recognizable parade in the form of a tablescape, to collecting leaves for crowns, to putting a twist on classic turkey handprint art, there are lots of fun ways to expand on this holiday’s charms to last the whole month. Read on for 11 Thanksgiving craft ideas that you can start as soon as Halloween is over.
Pies are the undisputed Thanksgiving champion of desserts, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for more. Add a little variety to your post-dinner menu with these easy-to-decorate turkey cupcakes from Little Sunny Kitchen. (And if you make them prior to Thanksgiving Day, we don’t blame you.)
Give the birds and squirrels their own feast with pinecone seed feeders thanks to this 10-minute recipe from One Little Project. You can even make these the day before Thanksgiving and enjoy bird watching as you begin cooking! Debbie also shares alternatives for crafters with peanut allergies.
Sometimes it’s a feat to get everyone to their seats once the meal is ready, including adults! Give everyone a reason to take their places ASAP by printing out enough coloring placements from The House that Lars Built for all. Be sure to add enough markers to the table, too, alongside your centerpieces.
If your family has a tradition of sharing what they’re thankful for, consider turning it into a real-life decor piece in the form of a gratitude tree. Follow the instructions provided by The House That Lars Built — which includes cardstock, twine, and a leaf template — and then have each guest contribute their own words. Once it’s finished, you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful display.
5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tablescape
Pumpkins and candlesticks make for a classic design scheme, but a mini Macy’s Day Parade tablescape might be the most festive of all! The House That Lars Built also created this look by wrapping boxes in bright paper and blowing up small balloons, and there are even printable taxi cabs in the tutorial to use as name tags.
Turkeys take center stage at the kids’ table — in a familiar yet unique form — with these DIY gourd turkeys from Design Improvised. Put out markers, feathers, and a little bit of glue to keep the smallest guests entertained as they play with them. You don’t have to wait for the big day, either, if you want to use what they make as a weeks-long decoration.
Is there anything more classic than a handprint turkey? Amanda from Project Kid admits that she never particularly liked them, though, until she figured out this twist: She used assorted colors of vellum so that her family’s handprints could all be seen together, and paired the prints with a classic brown paper bag for the front. Then she hanged the turkeys in her windows so the sun shines through the paper!
8. Printable Conversation Starters
If you’re worried that conversations might get stuck around the table, take these printable, themed conversation starters from Alice and Lois for a spin. Questions like, “What’s a new family tradition to try?” and, “Describe Thanksgiving in one word?” will open up new ways of connecting. (And if you start using these cards early, bring up the best answers at the table.)
9. Fall Leaf Bean Mosaics
Are you trying to seek out fun decor items that also double as a craft for kids? Look no further than your pantry for inspiration, courtesy of Handmade Charlotte! These bean mosaics take the shape of leaves, pumpkins, and acorns with help from cereal box cardboard and glue. Rachel suggests turning them into fridge magnets, brooches, or table decor once they’re dry.
Turn leaf viewing into a hunt that collects the main supplies for this delightful craft, which was also dreamed up by Handmade Charlotte. Your kids can make the faces as silly as they please with markers, and their new leaf buddies will add character around your home until the season changes.
Fashioning leaf crowns is another way to celebrate fall’s rich colors, and you can do so by following instructions also provided by Handmade Charlotte. Experiment with different leaf types for a mix of shapes and hues, and then position them on a brown paper bag. Cut the bag to fit the head of the wearer, and then adhere the design with double-sided tape. That’s it!
