Thanksgiving Without Breaking The Bank

Looking for an elegant way to dress your table for Thanksgiving without breaking the bank? Why not whip up a few place cards from old puzzle pieces to add a personal touch. It’s a super simple DIY guaranteed to impress your guests. 

The process is easy. Start by cutting out a pumpkin shaped frame on a piece of cardboard. Next, grab some old puzzle pieces and start painting, using basic orange craft paint and foam brush. Paint the back of the puzzle pieces, not the shiny front, as it does not hold the paint as well.  

When the pieces are dry, glue them around the frame, layering several pieces on top of each other for a fuller look. Any glue is fine, as long as it dries clear. I used green puzzle pieces for the stem. I also added some faux leaves. I like mixing textures and finishes, I think it adds more interest to the project, but there are no rules, I say get creative and have fun with it.  

When you are happy with your design, coat it with decoupage gel to set it and give it a little shine. You can use the drying time to print out your guests’ names on plain white paper. This can be done right on your computer, no fancy tools or programs are necessary. A little piece of tape will adhere the name to the back of the pumpkin and viola, a fabulous Thanksgiving place card!

Now, I like drama in my decorating, so my pumpkins are big. I want them to make a statement. I also want them on the larger side, so that my guests can take them home to use in their own decorating next fall. A big pumpkin will be more functional. Larger place cards can also be hung of the back of a chair, if you add twine. 

Of course, if you want smaller place cards, it's very easy to resize your pumpkins. They can be mounted on a slice of paper towel roll to make name card napkin holders. The shape can be altered to fit your fancy, as well ~ turkeys, acorns, leaves, the possibilities are truly endless.

Now, place cards are fun, but if you really want to raise the hostess bar, you could take a Thanksgiving group shot and send everyone home with a copy, ready to be framed in their puzzle piece name card party favor to remember the holiday! 

Wait. What? You don't think you'll have time to orchestrate the perfect group shot, download the pictures and print up a copy for your army of guests in between cooking, serving and cleaning up? 

Don't worry, neither will I. 

Enjoy the holiday! 

Kim Montenero is a freelance writer and craft designer. Her work has been featured in many publications including Reloved Magazine, Parade.com and The Huffington Post. She blogs at www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com where she encourages individuals to feather their nests with super easy and elegant DIY and craft projects regardless of their skill level. She can be contacted through her website.