If you are in the process of planning a table setting for your thanksgiving dinner, then a beautiful table runner will add interest and value to your Thanksgiving table setting. Even better is a table runner, handmade at home, that will add an edge to the decor.

3 Creative DIY Thanksgiving Table Runner Ideas

Here are three easy ideas to create your own table runner this thanksgiving:

1. Book page runner

Old book pages that have yellowed over the years can add a rustic touch to your table décor. Look for an old book in your bookshelf that you no longer refer to or get in touch with your local library for old books that they might be giving away.

Measure your table for size and calculate the number of pages required. Carefully cut out the pages. Preferably use the pages from the middle of a chapter so that the pages are full and do not have blank spaces. Arrange the pages on a table so that the edges are barely touching. Use packing tape to attach the pages together. Finally, use decorative punch hole to create a design all around.

Image via: Fiskars

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2. Burlap runner

Burlap is a beautiful, versatile fabric that can be used in both a casual and a formal setting. Simple burlap fabric can be used creatively as a table runner in a matter of minutes. The warm color of the burlap fabric works well with both traditional and contemporary thanksgiving décor.

Cut the fabric into desired length according to the size of your table. Gather the fabric together a few inches above the end and simply tie a twine of jute or ribbon and the runner is ready for use. You can also tie burlap sashes to the dining chairs for an extra decorative punch.

 Image via: Pinterest

 3. Pinwheel runner 

Add color to your table setting by crafting a runner out of scrapbook or craft paper.

Start by selecting 3 to 4 colored paper sheets and cut these into different sized rectangles with varying widths. Fold these evenly in a fan fold like an accordion. Snip the edges with a scissor to make a pattern.

Open the fan and stick the two ends together such that it looks like a circular disc. Use decorative punch hole to create a design along the edge. Stick different sized discs together to form a table runner.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

These handmade table runners can be easily made on a budget. Make your runner the focal point of the table by decorating with elements like paper and tissue flowers, jute chargers and dry flowers that complement the vintage and rustic look of these ideas.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Being hospitable can be expressed in so many ways, especially at Thanksgiving time. One of the best ways to provide a warm welcome is by making a beautiful front door wreath to greet your guests. It will certainly make a gorgeous impact to the looks of your front door. A Thanksgiving wreath will be a perfect example for this hospitable idea.

Image via: Pinterest

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We have a new wreath tutorial site – How to Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Thanksgiving harvest wreath idea is a great way to use nuts and ribbon for your front door entrance. Watch this video from Better Homes and Gardens to see how to make it.

Thanksgiving Nut Wreath

Link to video –> How to make a Thanksgiving nut wreath

Natural Thanksgiving Wreath

Making a Thanksgiving wreath craft should never be a problem. It’s a DIY project that you can do during your free time like weekends or holidays.

Image via: Southern Living

Here’s how you can create a DIY Thanksgiving wreath craft for your front door:

Materials Needed

• Oval grapevine wreath
• Moist florist foam
• Wire snips
• Chicken wire
• Florist wire
• Flowers (Red Rover, Fuji mums, chrysanthemums, etc.)
• Foliage (sorghum, oak leaves, etc.)
• Pheasant feathers

Procedure

1. Start by assembling the wreath. You can do this by cutting a piece of moist foam to hold the flowers and foliages. The length depends on how you want the diameter of your wreath will be. It would be better if you will consider the dimension of your door.
2. Secure the form of the wreath by using the chicken wire to fit around the foam. Use the wire snip to cut the chicken wire. Squeeze the edge of the chicken wire to hold the wire in place.
3. Using the florist wire, secure the foam to the wreath by fitting them around in random places.
4. Start inserting your choice of flowers at the bottom of the wreath. Cluster each type of mum to make it look more gorgeous. Carefully fill in the sides of the wreath with flowers and make sure that they are inserted securely in the florist foam.
5. After all the flowers are attached, add your foliages. Insert these foliages carefully and securely in the florist foam. You can insert the foliages in random but make sure you distribute the foliages evenly on every corner.

Make it as colorful and vibrant as possible. Choose attractive flowers to make it stunning and captivating. Welcome in your Thanksgiving guests with a gorgeous wreath to greet them!

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here

]]> https://stagetecture.com/diy-front-door-idea-thanksgiving-wreath-craft/feed/ 0 56698 https://stagetecture.com/diy-craft-thanksgiving-inspired-beaded-napkin-rings/ https://stagetecture.com/diy-craft-thanksgiving-inspired-beaded-napkin-rings/#respond Mon, 19 Nov 2012 01:34:59 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=36814 Entry #1838, November 18, 2012

Thanksgiving is the best time for bringing out your favorite seasonal decor, especially at the dinner table. Everyone at home must be very excited and busy with the preparations especially in the Thanksgiving meal. Well, if you are not into cooking or doing household chores, you can still contribute something for the holiday. You can enhance the table setting with this beautiful napkin ring.

Image via

Typically, table napkins are just folded like a triangular-shaped hat on top of the plate or encase the utensils. This is good but let’s make it look better. The beaded napkin ring will definitely make a difference in your table setting. It makes it look more elegant and stylish.

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Materials Needed

• Beads
• Charms
• Memory wire
• Needle nose pliers

Image via

Directions

1. Cut the memory wire to at least 10 inches.
2. Using the needle nose pliers, create a loop at one end of the wire. This will hold down the beads from slipping out of the wire. It will also serve as a lock.
3. Insert the beads according to the pattern you prefer.  You may have it done alternately if you have several beads. Use your creativity in finishing the pattern.
4. After all the beads are inserted and you are satisfied with the pattern, cut the wire with at least half an inch to create another loop to lock.
5. Roll your table napkin and lock up using the beaded napkin ring.

Make sure that you are using a colorful beads or something that will complement the color of your table napkin. You can also have it in accordance of the color motif. This will definitely enhance your table setting and improve the dining experience.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Table setting is very essential to any meal preparation. A great Thanksgiving table setting provides an appetizing ambiance and sets the mood of a sumptuous meal. Also, the beauty of a well-designed table setting adds elegance and style to any theme or occasion. Entertaining expert and designer Julie Blanner decorated a Thanksgiving table with subtle color hues.

All images by Jule Blanner via

For Thanksgiving dinner, you can try this easy to decorate table setting idea that you can finish in less than an hour. If you have all the materials readily available, you may only need 10 minutes to complete the whole tablescape.

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Here’s how to set up a soft fall color Thanksgiving table setting:

White plates and silver utensils

Although this is your usual elegant settings for plates and utensils, these types of supplies are what you need to achieve the simple and elegant looks of your whole settings. It will create a perfect tone for the fall theme table set up.

Plaid napkins

This type of table napkin will create a nice contrast on a white plate and silver utensils. The plaid design will provide the fall colors and style that you need for this theme. These gorgeous linens are loved since Victorian times and will definitely make an impact on the whole set up.

Add pumpkins at your center table

Pumpkins are very popular during the fall season and this trend makes it perfect for the setting. You can line in several pumpkins at the center table and arrange them all creatively. It is best if you can find pumpkins in different varieties and sizes.

Add a couple of frosted glass votives to enhance the soft appearance of the table. The candlelight placements are intended to provide a romantic look at the table. You can also add a mini pumpkin on top of each plaid napkin to make better the fall theme of the table setting.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Is your Thanksgiving decor finished yet? How about adding this creative DIY pumpkin craft to your holiday table? A doily is a decorative mat of lace that is usually laid on or even under the plates. It’s a great ornamental mat that has several patterns available for crocheting or knitting. A lot of enthusiasts are still engaged in making this tough laborious hand craft.

However, doilies are not only great for plates but also for pumpkins. Of course, it’s not for Halloween decor rather for fall or the Christmas season. People love orange during the fall season and this makes it perfect to use pumpkin and doily to create a decorative item. Here’s how to create a doily pumpkin decor for your home.

All images & craft via

Materials Needed

• Pumpkin (any size)
• Bowl (half-filled with water)
• 4-6 Doilies (you may choose the design and size)
• Liquid Starch

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Directions

1. Prepare all the materials needed. This can be done in a small area.
2. Pour starch into a bowl, half-filled with water. Mix it out by stirring the solution for a couple of minutes.
3. Then, dip doilies in the liquid starch for about 3 – 5 minutes. Ensure that doilies are properly soaked.
4. Place starched doilies on pumpkin carefully and stretch until flat. Continue doing this step until the pumpkin looks they way you want. You can adjust the setup according to your preference.
5. After you are satisfied with the looks, let it dry over night.
6. Then, wipe off the excess starch carefully.

That should take you around 10 to 15 minutes and you will have a lovely Thanksgiving craft for the dinner table.  You can always look and try various doily designs that you think is perfect for your home. The doily pumpkin décor will add more elegance and style to your side table or shelves. You can also place it on your center table as a decorative masterpiece.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Looking for minimalist table setting ideas for the Thanksgiving holiday? You’re in the right page. The Thanksgiving Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without a delicious holiday meal for the whole family, relatives and guests. As the host, you are not just concern about the food but also the whole meal settings.

Your table setting is the first thing that your family members or guests will notice. It will also dictate the festive mood of the occasion and somehow boost appetite especially if the setting is nicely done.

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For those who want it to be simple yet classy, here’s a minimalist Thanksgiving table setting that you can try:

All images via

Materials Needed

• Letter-size paper (It can be a bond paper, Oslo, or any type of paper available)
• Computer with printer
• Table napkin

Directions

1. Using your Word document program, type in your message. In the illustration, you will see the words “Thankful for” then followed by four lines below. You can have your own personalized message if you want. Ensure that you have placed it at the top-center of the paper. This is to provide room for stamping. Print out the copies according to your expected number of guests. It will also be wise to add a few extras. If you don’t have a printer, feel free to just write it down with your pen – this would be more personalized.
2. Fold about 3/5 of the paper under and back. Then, fold back both sides of the paper. If you are not sure about the measurement, you can just stick on your estimate.
3. Fold the table napkin so that it can fit in the paper. Then, insert your utensils and arrange it on your table.

There you go! You now have a minimalist Thanksgiving table setting that is not just easy and quick to do but also very attractive on your table. Topping it all, the materials are readily available at home.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

One of the most anticipated holidays is the Thanksgiving. It is the time of the year when people are busy shopping for great deals and eating sumptuous meals. This is probably the reason why the celebration doesn’t only last for a day but a week – a time to give thanks for everything.

What makes this holiday so exciting is the food prepared for the gathering. More often than not, people get together at home and end the day with a great dinner. This is a longstanding tradition that is still observed when it comes to Thanksgiving Day.

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If you are looking for ideas on how to prepare a small Thanksgiving dinner, here’s our suggestion that your family and guest will surely love:

Meat

Thanksgiving will not be complete without a turkey recipe on top of the table. For this Thanksgiving Day, serve the Honey-Glazed Turkey Breast with Roasted Garlic Gravy for dinner. This is a delicious turkey recipe that will surely pump up your Thanksgiving Day celebration. The sweet taste of honey complemented by the roasted flavor of turkey and dipped in garlic gravy makes this a perfect dinner menu.

Starches

Adding some sort of carbohydrates to your Thanksgiving dinner is worth the preparations. You can add starch menu like Sourdough-Sage Stuffing, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Acorn Squash or Mashed Potatoes.  A Zuni Cafe Bread Salad is a good alternative if the potatoes are not available.

Dessert

The dessert should never be absent on your Thanksgiving dinner. For your dessert, you can have Honey Pumpkin Crème Brûlée that can be baked in a crust for a more traditional pie. Also, you may have Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Sauce, Pumpkin-Coconut Ice Cream and Chez Panisse Gingersnaps.

Have a list of the ingredients you need and rush to your nearest supermarket. Bear in mind that you are not only the one who will prepare dinner for Thanksgiving.

Images via: 1 & 2,

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Is your holiday table ready for a formal dinner? Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and all of the other formal holidays are on the way are you ready for entertaining?  Formal dining often has many people nervous because they don’t know how to set a formal or informal dinner table. Before the holidays set in, I thought a fitting post on formal and informal dining table setting would be perfect. Thanks iVillage for these great ideas.

1. Chargers and Placemats

For a formal table:

Place a charger, or presentation plate, at every place setting. If you like, you can place a soup bowl or salad plate on top of it when you serve those courses, but the charger should always be removed before you serve the main course. You also have the option of removing it immediately after guests sit down — the idea is to dazzle them with a beautifully set table when they enter the dining room, and to hold their places at the table. Finally, if you don’t have a set of chargers or just don’t want to bother, you can cheat with the dinner plate instead, or simply use placemats. In this modern age, even formal rules are made to be broken — just be careful with Grandma’s china!

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2. Forks, Knives and Spoons

3. Water and Wine Glasses

For an informal table:

The same rules apply as above, although unless you and your guests are serious oenophiles, you can usually get away with just one wine glass for either type of wine — or use a simple glass tumbler instead. And your water glass and wineglass don’t have to come from the same glassware set — feel free to mix different styles.

4. Napkins

For a formal table:

Place napkins to the left of the forks if there’s room on the table; otherwise, you can place them under the forks, or position them on the charger or placemat.

For an informal table:

Place them under the forks, or in the middle of the place setting.

5. Bread Plates

For a formal table:

Rarely seen at home in these carb-conscious days, bread plates go above the forks, with the butter knife laid horizontally or diagonally (pointing toward 10 o’clock) across the plate and the blade facing away from the center of the table.

For an informal table:

Just break bread together the low-key way and pass a bread basket around the table.

6. Dessert Forks and Spoons

For a formal table:

These go directly above the main place setting, positioned horizontally, with the fork’s tines facing right and the spoon’s bowl facing left, and the fork closer to the place setting than the spoon.

Image via: 1, 2, 3

For more dining room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Using natural colors to shape a picture-perfect Thanksgiving table is the best solution for entertaining with style. Crisp colors or soft hues have the power to transform this year’s Thanksgiving Holiday into a cheerful, family-connecting rendezvous. This Thanksgiving dinner should be your best one yet – choose the perfect color combination and remember to match it with your dining room to create a stunning effect on your guests. Give them another reason to give thanks – their part in your perfectly planned Thanksgiving dinner!

Pure white and golden details

Colorful decorations can become themes for this year’s thanksgiving table: imagine a Thanksgiving dinner table lined with red tablecloth only to contrast the cornucopia overflowing with seasonal produce like golden pears, apples and beige pumpkins, as you can see in the photo below. Candle light is preferred to give the Thanksgiving tablescape a magic twist, while the table’s abundance is mostly edible, conferring an extra dimension to this special table arrangement.

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Soft orange and green traces

Decorating the Thanksgiving table with soft colors on a white background brings calmness and a joyful atmosphere to the table. Gourds and tall candles resting in the center of the table can be mirrored in orange plates, while a green garland breaks the monotony. Nuts and leaves shape an autumnal design, a rose here and there softens the seasonal inspiration and guests gather around the table to give thanks – an inspiring Thanksgiving scene.

Bold red mixed with orange

Enjoy a late autumn outdoor thanksgiving in a simple, rural setting – just a few hay bales can sum up to a spacious dinner table and comfortable seating. The table cloth will not be a problem in the soft wind if you tuck it under the tabletop of your choice. Place an orange centerpiece cloth to match the autumnal decorations and choose red tableware to contrast the green surroundings. Having Thanksgiving dinner outside is the weather permits it is as close to your natural surroundings as they come.

Pink and red details on a wooden table

No need for formality if your style speaks a welcoming language – your elegant white tableware can adorn a wooden table without a tablecloth present. Chinese lantern plants alongside pumpkins generate an autumnal feeling of plentiful and beautiful harvest. Place cards can come in the shape of moss plates while lit candles welcome each guest to the dinner table in an intimate setting.

Pristine white tableware and mouth-watering recipes

A white Thanksgiving dinner table contrasting the aromatic recipes is the perfect choice for an elegant dining experience. White-painted pumpkins and sculptural vases scream for soft patterns on the tablecloth, constructing a fairytale background for the main attraction – the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Food presentation becomes even more important on a white background – if you want to accentuate the look of your tasty dishes, a white Thanksgiving dinner table will serve as your canvas.

Ada Teicu is a dedicated writer sharing finds about architecture, design and creativity. Inspired by the new and exciting things she sees daily, Ada puts pieces side by side to offer the landscape of modern architecture, sometimes entangled with personal experiences on her blog.

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away! Are you ready? If you are still trying to plan out the details… who will cook what, how much food you will need to buy, and what guest is bringing what dish, you need to get organized!

Stagetecture Radio – Helpful Tricks!

If you missed my Stagetecture Radio show – Episode3 – Saving Money & Time this Thanksgiving I encourage you to listen. I give you great tips for:

• Saving money – potluck dinner, catering, buying food from favorite restaurant
• Saving time – have guests help with meal, set a simple Thanksgiving table
• Make-ahead meals
• more!  – Listen in here on download from iTunes

Simple Thanksgiving Turkey Meal – Video

Link to Video –> Easy Thanksgiving cooking Turkey

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Turkey tricks for a beautiful bird

Thanks Southern Living for these helpful tips!

It can take two to three days to thaw a frozen turkey. So, buy it ahead of time while the selection is still good, and plan when and how you’ll thaw it. Find defrosting charts attached to the turkey online at Butterball.com

After the turkey thaws, stick your hand into the cavity and pull out the neck and giblets. They’re usually wrapped in paper. If you forget this step and find these after you’ve finished cooking, your turkey is still safe to eat; just pull ’em out, enjoy a laugh, and go on.

Once you remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with foil to allow the bird to rest. The juices absorb back into the turkey, and it carves easily. This resting is prime oven time for additional casseroles or dessert.

The Roasting Pan

A turkey is best cooked on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. If your roasting pan is missing the rack, line the bottom with 1 1⁄2 inches of roughly chopped fruits and vegetables (onions, celery, carrots, apples). These elevate the bird off the pan and add wonderful flavor. Plus, the rich pan drippings make a delicious gravy. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to picking roasting pans.

• For ease of cleanup, choose a large aluminum foil disposable pan, available at the supermarket. You may need to place it on a baking sheet for support.
• Avoid deep Dutch ovens with high sides (more than 4 inches), and don’t use a lid; you’ll get a steamed turkey rather than a browned roasted one.
• A good roasting pan costs from $45 to $60. We like a stainless exterior with a dark nonstick interior and sturdy handle

Oven Alternatives

If your oven can’t accommodate everything on your menu, consider replacing some recipes with ones that rely on a slow cooker, microwave, or cooktop. Steam vegetables or cook potatoes in the microwave, or sauté fresh vegetables on the cooktop. You can also microwave hard squashes such as acorns and butternut. Make casseroles ahead of time in microwave-safe dishes (make sure they fit your microwave), and reheat them just prior to serving.

When using the slow cooker, set it on a cutting board to protect your countertop from heat fluctuations that might cause it to crack. Also, make cleanup easy with new slow-cooker liners (like a plastic bag inside your slow cooker) available at the supermarket. Just lift the bag out of the slow cooker after the food is removed, and toss it. For smart slow-cooker recipes, see our Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing or check out how we use the slow cooker to hold mashed sweet potatoes until it’s time to eat.

About Desserts

Good cooks take several approaches. The first is to offer selections that can be made ahead of time, such as cakes, some pies, and chilled desserts. Other dessert items, such as cobblers and bread puddings, go into the oven just before you sit down to eat and come out hot just as you finish the meal. Either approach works.

If you prefer something more showy such as a crème brûlée or soufflé, do as much prep work beforehand as possible, leaving the final mixing, stirring, broiling, or blow-torching until the last minute. Invite your guests to help you; they’ll love being a part of the show.

For more Thanksgiving tips on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.