Fall Table Decorations

Fall table decorations don't have to be costly or have a large impact on the environment. Be a little greener this year and make your own.

Create fall decorations with items in your backyard or park. Collect acorns, pinecones, twigs and leaves. Stop at the orchard for apples, gourds, and pumpkins. Here are some other seasonal items to use in fall table decorations.

Before bringing anything in from the great outdoors, it's a good idea to pre-treat it.

Drying Acorns & Pine Cones:
Set the oven to 175 degrees. Spread acorns and pinecones on an old cookie sheet. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until sap has melted. Check every 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Preserving Fall Leaves:
Add leaves to an old 13x9 inch pan. Mix one part glycerin and two parts water. Add to the pan, making sure there is enough liquid to cover the leaves. If necessary, place a weight on top of the leaves to keep them submerged. Allow leaves to soak for 2-4 days. Remove from solution and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Pumpkin Centerpieces

Pumpkin centerpieces are one of the easiest fall table decorations. Before picking out your pumpkins, think about what you will do with them after they show off on your kitchen table. Will you be carving a jack-o-lantern, or trying a new homemade pumpkin pie recipe? Maybe you will learn how to roast pumpkin seeds or use them outdoors in a Halloween yard decoration?

Turkey Centerpiece
If you are looking for healthy Thanksgiving appetizers, try a turkey pumpkin centerpiece. It makes a great centerpiece for the children's table. This project is also a great way to involve the kids in Thanksgiving preparations. Here's what you need:

Skewers
Toothpicks
Pie pumpkin or melon (body)
Bosc pear or sweet potato (head)
Raisins (eyes)
Apples (front feathers, feet)
Grapes,
Cubed cheese,
Strawberries (back feathers)
Pretzels (hay)

Tips: Use a hard variety of cheese so it doesn't crumble when putting in on the skewers.
The weight of the "feathers" can make it back heavy, so place them evenly along the back and middle of the pumpkin. Serve immediately for freshness.

Flower Vase or Candle Holder
Hollow out a pumpkin. If time permits, allow the pumpkin to dry out overnight. Place fall flowers or a candle inside.

Recipe Favors
For a simple favor centerpiece, arrange sugar pumpkins with various recipes attached. Attach seasonal favorites: a homemade pumpkin pie recipe, pumpkin pancake recipe, or a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Mini Pumpkin Patch
Use a basket, small gourds, straw and a small scarecrow to create a mini pumpkin patch. Kids love this!