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6 DIY Table Arrangements for Thanksgiving

Elegant tablescapes are a delightful way to take your Thanksgiving dinner up a few notches. Start planning now using these quick and easy tips.

1. When in doubt, go traditional

Reds, yellows, oranges and browns are sure fall favorites. Think chrysanthemums, dahlias and sunflowers to mimic the changing season.

Pro-Tip: Add larger flowers to the vase first, turning the arrangement as you go for a more even distribution. Opt for a container that is two-thirds the height of the arrangement to ensure that it's fully supported and make sure guests will be able to see each other too!

2. Pumpkin vase

To add a touch of autumn to the table, carve a hole into the top of a pumpkin and remove the pulp (save the seeds for baking). Add a container and rich fall foliage.

Pro-Tip: Clip stems at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove any foliage that sits below the water line to allow water to travel up the stem with ease.

3. Creative accents

Surround your arrangements with fall-themed flair. Fill a glass vessel with pine cones, peppering the tabletop with twigs, colorful gourds and candles for extra ambience.

Pro-Tip: Short on time? Lay a wreath flat on the center of the table, arrange various candles inside of it for a great-looking makeshift tablescape.

4. Festive tablescape

Forego the tablecloth. Simply use a floral arrangement and table runner for a simple, rustic look. Run strands of rosemary, holly or olive branches along the runner so that they twist and wind together.

Pro-Tip: Make a chalkboard table runner to label food, drinks and seats — or to keep the little ones busy with tabletop art. You'll need some black chalk cloth and, of course, chalk.

5. Message on an apple

Want to display a full menu or deliver good tidings to guests? Place an apple on each plate with a pinned note written on decorative paper.

Pro-Tip: For a more meaningful Thanksgiving, ask everyone what they're thankful for. Include a pen and note at each place setting and ask each person to jot down the first thing that comes to mind.

6. Versatile vases

Canning jars are appealing yet inexpensive solutions for vases. Plus, they come in handy for future storage.

Pro-Tip: Enjoy your floral arrangement well after the holiday. For a longer life, recut the stems and change the water every two days.