Thanksgiving is coming near and it’s a time for the family to get together to cook delicious food and to feel comfort in the time spent together. It is time to plan for the holiday and time to begin decorating for our guest. Look outside at all the brilliant colors that are right out front our doorsteps. Look at the fallen leaves from the trees, how bright and bold they are of hues of oranges and reds. Look at the dried branches of your grapevines. So many things can be used to make the most beautiful holiday wreath.

The holiday wreath is always a huge focal point for our homes. Not only does the wreath rest on our very own front doors but it’s the first thing guest see when they arrive to our doorsteps. What a festive way to start decorating by making or purchasing a holiday wreath, before you have your guest over for thanksgiving dinner.

The holiday wreath can be adorned with fall leaves, berries, and many other beautiful things like fresh or dried flowers or plants. Making a wreath for your own home or saving time by purchasing a wreath is perfectly fine. The best tip I have when making or purchasing a wreath for the holiday is that you use items in the wreath that reflect your home, the holiday, and you in the best way possible.

A few examples of great holiday wreaths could be a country floral wreath, a dried wreath, or even an autumn berry wreath. Using the best, such as peonies, hydrangeas and roses would be perfect for a country floral wreath. Dried wreaths and autumn berry wreaths are always a hit and speak to guest traditionalism. Use dried flowers in contrasting colors, fall leaves, and other items that contrast well, such as berries or poinsettias, gives a feeling of comfort. No matter which style you chose for your focal point, make sure it comforts you and shows off your festive spirit. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all of our blessings with our family and friends. You’ve worked hard in your garden all year and enjoyed fresh salads, large potatoes, endless zucchinis and a multitude of delicious veggies. Why not share the benefits of your hard work with a hand-made cornucopia this Thanksgiving?

A cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is a traditional symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The end of the harvest season combined with the holiday of Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to proudly display this symbol of richness in life.

Originally, cornucopias were made with a goat’s horn and filled with grains, nuts, berries, and other fruits. But since goat horns aren’t exactly easy to get, baskets have become much more popular.

Some people prefer the challenge of weaving their own basket using flexible materials such as straw, vines, willow branches, or reeds. And be warned, basket weaving is quite challenging. But it can become addicting as you continue to hone the craft.

Whether choosing to make your own cornucopia or purchase one from the store, your next step is filling it. Have the kids help gather leaves from the yard or the park to include as a bed for the fruit and vegetables.

Make sure you put your basket on top of a flat surface, such as a tray or fabric covered pan, so that the fruit and veggies overflow onto the bedding. This makes it easy to transfer the display and clean up is much simpler.

For a longer-lasting display, choose items with a waxy coat. Place the larger fruits and vegetables in the back and work your way to the smaller ones in the front. Fill in the spaces with smaller pieces to fill out your centerpiece. Choose fruits and vegetables like dried Indian corn, small apples, gourds, miniature pumpkins, pomegranates, peppers, artichokes, cranberries, and nuts.

Also, I always like to include some foliage, like fall leaves or grape leaves, in among the fruit and veggies for a great contrast in textures.

If done correctly, your display should last up to two weeks, if waxy filler is chosen and you will have a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece that is the talk of the day.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cornucopia—Meaning,-History,-Tips-and-Suggestions&id=2886766

http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/thanksgiving-cornucopia.html

http://www.savvyhomemade.com/basket-weaving.html