For much of the country, autumn is a wonderful season of falling temperatures and the changing colors of leaves in nature’s last hurrah. Celebrate this Thanksgiving with eco-friendly, handmade decorations that commemorate the season and honor our living planet.

 

Acorn Wreath

Welcome guests to the house with a wreath that can last for years. Collect acorns from the yard or purchase them from a craft shop. Using a glue gun, randomly affix the acorns one at a time around a 12-inch grapevine wreath, ensuring even coverage. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving. Add a bow by cutting burlap or another festive cloth into a 4-by-20-inch strip. Fold the strip lengthwise and add double-sided tape to hold the ends together. Pinch the middle of the strip and wrap it with a separate 2-by-5-inch burlap strip, then glue it in place on the wreath. 

 

Clove Apple

To add a wonderful, sweet smell to the house, use a bamboo skewer to poke holes in an apple and stick cloves, stem first, into the holes. To ensure the apple will last, the cloves must be fairly close together, but do not need to touch. Once the apple is covered in cloves, tie twine or ribbon to the stem for added pizzazz.

 

Gratitude Place Cards

Giving and receiving thanks is good for the body and soul, and these place cards are a great way to introduce gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Cut scrap card stock into two-inch-by-three-inch pieces and write a guest’s name on the front. With a serrated knife, slice off one quarter of a wine bottle cork longwise so it can lay flat on the table. Make a cut about halfway through on the rounded side and slide a place card into the cut. Encourage guests to flip over their card and write down what they are thankful for. When everyone is done, ask them to share their gratitude with the table.

 

Hand-Turkey Tablecloth

Get the kids in the holiday spirit with this fun project. First, gather the supplies: a new tablecloth, assorted fabric paints, paintbrushes and fabric pens. Paint a child’s palm and fingers, then help them press their hand firmly onto the tablecloth to make an imprint. Slowly peel their hand off the tablecloth to prevent smudges. Using a fabric pen, add an eye, wattle and feet to the hand turkey. Write the child’s name and year next to their imprint. Fill the tablecloth over time to see how their hands grow and remind the family of their blessings.