In a few weeks, Thanksgiving will arrive, and family and friends will gather around the table to celebrate the joys of the season. While a few place settings and a vase of flowers can get the job done, now more than ever people are reveling in the beauty of DIY projects that add color and style to the holiday table. Getting crafty is easier than you might think…

Are you looking for that perfect centerpiece? Hoping to add fall motifs to your decor so you can set the stage for the big day? Searching for a handmade favor idea to hand out to guests? We’ve rounded up a slew of Thanksgiving crafts for you to enjoy. Put on your DIY hat, gather supplies, and let your imagination take hold. From the super easy to the more involved, the ideas below will bring an element of creativity to your Thanksgiving holiday!

Thanksgiving Centerpiece DIY Projects

A striking Thanksgiving centerpiece is the decorative focal point of your holiday table. Why not make it special? Or unusual, as shown in our first featured image. A halved globe holds an assortment of pine cones, bittersweet, acorns and branches. The combination of earth tones and aqua blue is stunning and fresh. [from Better Homes and Gardens]

The vases below are made from hollowed out gourds filled with blooms and berries. Don’t forget to choose interesting hues for the flowers, such as purple and eggplant. [from Better Homes and Gardens]

If you’d rather paint your produce than cut into it, try the DIY painted pumpkin project in the next image, which uses fabric paint to create a series of dots in vibrant shades. For a full tutorial, check out A Beautiful Mess.

Speaking of paint, it can go a long way in creating a Thanksgiving message, especially when added to a series of white pumpkins. To dress up the centerpiece, place a couple of the pumpkins on cake stands, then add candles and other small produce. [from Shelterness]

The DIY project below involves glass bottles, vinyl lettering and wheat stalks. The repetition of vases in a straight line makes a powerful statement, especially when placed in front of a vivid wall. Check out the full tutorial at the crafty blog Choose to Thrive.

Our final featured autumn centerpiece is easier to pull off than it looks! A log, a drill and some tea lights get the job done, and an assortment of pine cones, pumpkins, squash and fall foliage jazz up the vignette. A full tutorial can be found at SAS Interiors.

Thanksgiving Decoration Projects

Are you hoping to extend your Thanksgiving decor from the table to your surroundings? Adorn your windows with a doily banner, created with the help of craft paint and other supplies. Fall festivity has never been so charming! [from Mod Podge Rocks]

For another banner idea, get out the German glass glitter and bedazzle a series of chipboard letters. Spell out the thankful message of your choice, and display the final product against a wall, as shown in the image below. For a full tutorial, check out HGTV.com.

Crinkled paper and a collection of small twigs from the yard can be combined to create a quirky fall leaf garland, shown in the next image. Undeniably handmade and fabulously artistic, this decoration is child-friendly and whimsical. [from Better Homes and Gardens]

Welcome guests at your door with an argyle wreath in shades of gold and chocolate. Yarn and felt are the ingredients of choice. Don’t forget to add flourishes like flowers and an owl so your wreath has a focal point. Taken from Pinterest, this image is a helpful illustration of the argyle wreath concept. For a similar DIY, check out Handmade is Heartmade.

Extend the fall festivity to your seating with the help of a seasonal pillow that boasts a colorful tree design. The secret to this pillow’s success: fabric scraps. Simple cutouts make the project manageable, and a variety of fabrics add interest. Check out the full tutorial at Cluck Cluck Sew.

Metallic shine adds power to our next featured DIY project, a duo of copper-leafed glass hurricanes. Visit HGTV.com for a full tutorial on how to apply the copper finish.

Are you spending your Thanksgiving in the fresh air? These pressed flower luminaries are an amazing way to add fall festivity to the outdoor table. The project by Kelly Wilkinson and is featured in her book Weekend Handmade. [from A Practical Wedding via Apartment Therapy]

Thanksgiving Projects for Entertaining

The background decorating is done, and it’s now time to focus on the art of entertaining. Will you be visiting another destination for your Thanksgiving meal, or is the party at your house? If you are looking for a  hostess gift, wrap a bottle with two strips of linen and secure them with hot glue. Next, tie a wheat stalk to the design with the help of leather cording. If you decide to keep your creations, they’ll add a touch of festivity to your Thanksgiving table. [from Better Homes and Gardens]

Another hostess gift/Thanksgiving favor idea? Wrap up little goodies and incorporate braided pipe cleaners into the mix. This tutorial from Oh Happy Day will even teach you how to braid with five different strands!

Looking for a way to decorate Thanksgiving place cards, greeting cards, or favor boxes? Try constructing a turkey from card stock, satin ribbon and a few other simple supplies. The result: an adorable feathered friend. Visit Tonality Designs for the full tutorial.

Handmade place cards are a wonderful way to add personality and warmth to the Thanksgiving table. These clothespin place card holders from Centsational Girl can be created with the help of spray paint and faux berries.

Looking for an easy place card holder idea? Cut simple cards from the wrapping paper of your choice, then tie them to pumpkins and other fall produce, as shown below. This table setting is from photographer Matt Armendariz. Check out all the details at Design Sponge.

It’s as easy as alphabet soup! Our next featured project utilizes noodle letters and bird-themed art clippings for a look that is both vintage and modern. For a full tutorial, visit Oh Happy Day. [via Anthology]

We end with an edible treat! The Mayflower cupcake toppers below add height and fun to a seasonal goodie. Check out the full tutorial at Reader’s Digest. [via Blowout Party]

How will you decorate your house for Thanksgiving? Will you go modern and minimalist with clean-lined decor? Are you a fan of the handmade, crafty look illustrated by today’s DIY projects? Perhaps you will combine both styles for a contemporary-meets-vintage vibe. Tell us what inspires your style as you prepare to celebrate with family and friends…