Thanksgiving Centerpiece

I can't believe Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away. It is my favorite holiday of the year, and I always love creating a special tablescape for the meal. This year I plan to use this easy yarn-covered branch centerpiece. If you are hosting the Thanksgiving meal and want a quick DIY centerpiece, make this!

Photo by Annie Sturgis Photography

I initially saw this idea in the October issue of Martha Stewart Living, and modified it a bit from their instructions. You likely already have everything you need to make it:

Supplies for Yarn-Wrapped Branches

• A branch (from your yard, or if you are yard-less like me, from the florist for $2! Look for a branch that has an interesting shape, with lots of little branches on it)
• Yarn in your choice of colors (I didn't use any special type of yarn, just some skeins I had leftover from my fall yarn wreath. One was a  variegated skein, and I like the effect it had mixed with the single color branches)
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors

How to Make Yarn-Wrapped Branches

It is actually so simple to make this, I didn't even bother taking any step-by-step photos. Here's all you have to do:

1. Pick a spot on the branch and start wrapping yarn around it (make sure to wind the yarn back over the cut end of the yarn, so it is secured in place)
2. Once you have covered as much of the branch as you want, cut the yarn and secure to the branch with a little hot glue
3. Repeat the process with different colors, on different parts of the branch until you've achieved the look you want

If you don't want a tall centerpiece for your table, you could do the same thing with smaller twigs. You  could even make a neat place card with a small yarn wrapped twig and a name tag tied on. 

A centerpiece doesn't get much cheaper and easier than this. Plus you can put the branches on display somewhere else in your home for the rest of the winter. I hope you give it a try!

Photo by Annie Sturgis Photography

Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to make the colorful burlap table runner also making an appearance on our Thanksgiving table. And if you missed it, here is how I covered our dining chairs in gold-striped oilcloth.