I added a touch of fall and Thanksgiving charm to the dining area using simple, free items from the yard and pantry. It took about ten minutes and instantly warmed the space. Here’s the dining table dressed up with a few pretty branches cut from the cherry tree out front:
I also placed several smaller branches from the same tree into floating CB2-style hanging vases for a light, airy look.
The stems looked a bit limp at first, but a little water revived them quickly. Since they were free, I didn’t worry about longevity — a week or so of seasonal color is perfect for me.
To reinforce the Thanksgiving mood, I picked up a $2 bag of mixed nuts — something that reminded me of an old Pottery Barn catalog styling — and filled two clear glass vases with them. I added an apple from our fruit bowl for an extra pop of fall color.
Apples and nuts are nicely seasonal but also practical — they double as edible decor that can transition into holiday styling for Christmas as well. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to decorate that actually serves a purpose.
We’re also enjoying our etched “Thanks” jar project. Each day one of us writes something we’re grateful for and drops it in — neither of us has missed a day. We’re looking forward to reading the notes at the end of the month. I have no idea what John has written, though his occasional snickers make me suspect some of his entries will be entertaining.
Are you doing any fall or Thanksgiving decorating at your house? If you remember making turkey hand tracings in kindergarten, you know how simple touches can feel nostalgic and joyful. Small, quick updates like branches, nuts, and a few seasonal fruits create a cozy table without a big investment or a lot of time.