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Natural Thanksgiving Centerpieces

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Create a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape with these natural centerpiece ideas. I used olive tree branches in my Thanksgiving centerpieces because it’s an easy addition from my farm. There is so much variety in nature for materials and it’s an easy, low cost way to decorate your table.

Centerpiece with Candle and pine cones in glass bowl surrounded by olive tree branches.

We don’t officially celebrate Thanksgiving here in Greece.  But I was raised in the States and have always loved the warm family atmosphere that is created around this holiday.  I always try to at least roast a turkey or bake a pie and we have a special sit down dinner on this most thankful of days. 

First Thanksgiving Centerpiece Idea

I came up with two easy natural Thanksgiving centerpieces. I started out with this piece of wood that my husband had brought home.  And I am very thankful for that husband of mine, who is always on the look out for little treasures like this.

Piece of wood stump.

Now this piece of wood had an unusual shape but I wanted to add a little more to it. I’ve been on a quest these past few months trying out natural wood stain methods, as you can see on my drunken table.  

This time I went to visit my friend Wendi at H2O Bungalow and borrowed her method of staining wood naturally with tea. I am thankful to have such great friends that share these great tips with me.

Close up of stained wood stump.

I also grabbed some olive branches on my way out of the farm.  Why olive branches? Because they are in abundance and they represent the fall months to me.  The olive trees are in full bloom and we start harvesting the olives and the oil around this time of year.  We are always thankful for the abundance of oil we get from our trees.

Olive Branches.

The next step was shaping the branches into a loose circle. This was placed on top of the wood.

Olive branches shaped into a circle.

I am also thankful that we have an abundance of pomegranates at the farm this time of the year.  Their bright red and orange colors punch the landscape.

Pomegranates in a glass bowl.

I place them in a glass bowl and add a lantern off to the side.

Glass bowl filled with pomegranates inside of olive branch circle and lantern to the side.

And what would fall be like without a few pinecones?  I am thankful for the nearby forests that provide us with a plethora of pinecones that come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Pomegranetes and pinecones inside glass bowl placed with in olive branch circle.

I am oh so thankful for all the natural “junk” I found to upcycle.  

I am also thankful that there is still hope for the environment if we do our part.

Side view of glass bowl centerpiece with a wood stump

I am thankful for the health of my family and friends.

Overhead view of glass bowl filled with pomegranates and pine cones.

And that I have a roof over my head.

Close up of pine cones and pomegranates in a glass bowl.

Second Thanksgiving Centerpiece idea

Now let’s change it up a bit and add a candle (oops I forgot to add the wick) and some pinecones to the Thanksgiving centerpiece.

I am thankful to all of you reading this who are now overlooking my slight error.

Candle in center of pinecones.

And another homemade candle that mirrors the pinecones.

Glass bowl with another candle and pine cones, placed over olive branches, placed beside a candle and wood stump.

​Using a bit of chalk, I add a “T” for Thanksgiving on the end of the stump.

Closeup of candle and wood stump with T chalked on.
Close up of pine cones and candle.
Wood stump with T chalked on.
Close up of centerpiece with Candle and pine cones in glass bowl.

Most of all I am thankful to be able to come up with these ideas (and to even deal with the computer which fights with me all day).  Because let’s face it, I have the best job in the world!  

Centerpiece with pomegranates, pine cones and olive branches

I hope you all enjoyed my easy tutorials on natural Thanksgiving centerpieces.  

How to make two easy and natural centerpieces using nature and at home products.

You May also Like:

wood tray
An Ancient Tray
Olive tree
The Tenacious Olive Trees

Pamela

Wednesday 23rd of October 2019

Your centerpiece turned out great and I bet smells divine!

Keri

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

Mary, these centerpieces are so beautiful! I love those natural elements that you used! We have so much to be thankful for. It's amazing when we take a step back and take the time to see all the great things in our life, we are reminded of how blessed we are. What a wonderful post!!

Mary

Friday 4th of November 2016

We truly are so blessed and sometimes we forget that because we live in such a materialistic society. It is always good to remember what our priorities should be. Thank you my friend.

Michelle

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

That's beautiful Mary. We don't celebrate ThanksGiving in S Africa either and it's that's quite sad, because we have so much to be thankful for and sometimes we forget that. P.S. You just reminded me, I don't think I can EVER express how incredibly grateful and thankful I am to have someone like you in my life. You are an inspiration and a truly exceptional person. May the Karma wheel always turn in the right way for you and bring you many blessings, always. <3

Mary

Friday 4th of November 2016

Truthfully, we shouldn't need a holiday to be thankful. It should be something we do as a matter of course. I think it really depends on the person and their outlook on life. But yes, it is nice to remind the rest of the folks that they need to be a bit grateful for all they have. And thank you so much Michelle for your kind words. I am a great believer in Karma. And it does work both ways. I am also l thankful to have you as a friend.

Linda at Mixed Kreations

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

Mary, love your natural centerpieces, their both really pretty! Love the pomegranates with the pine cones, but I think my favorite is the candle and pine cones. I have a thing for candles.

Mary

Friday 4th of November 2016

Linda, if I tell you what I did you will laugh. I had a whole bunch of wax that was left over from bits and pieces and used all of it to add to an old disfigured candle. I figured I had nothing to lose at that point.

Anika

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

I love the rustic nature of your centerpiece. I can't decide if that piece of wood and the olive branch are my favorite.

Mary

Friday 4th of November 2016

Thanks Anika. I always try to use what is around me and not spend a ton of money on things. Also nature is so much prettier than anything we can make in a factory.