We had lots of fun with our Halloween décor – writing the word “BOO” using cylinder vases and flower frogs. So, I decided to build on the idea for Thanksgiving.

I took a walk through the woods behind our home, and found several branches to serve as trees. I arranged them in the three vases, anchored by the flower frogs.

Next, I created leaves. There are many ways to do this. You could buy silk leaves, use real leaves soaked in glycerin to make them soft and pliable, print out some free coloring pages from a website wide, or trace hands on colored paper.

I enlisted the help of my kids to decorate each leaf. Then we asked everyone in the family write down something they are thankful for. We pasted a word of thanks on each leaf. We hung them with ribbons on the Tree of Thanks for a natural and personal element in our turkey décor.

I think I'll do it again this year, but might spray paint the branches silver for a little bling.


It’s a fun project for kids and grown-ups alike, and a fun way to keep kids busy on T-day while you’re in the kitchen.

So what would you put on your leaf?

I'm thankful for my kids and hubby.

Great idea!! Thanks for sharing. I may just run with this idea as the unexpected decor for our Thanksgiving celebration, but not as my centerpiece.

I think it would be a wonderful way to express our gratefullness for both the adults and children.

I would probably paint the branches gold if I use the table setting that I somewhat have in mind.

I recently purchased a carver that is also a marker. When you cut out the design it leaves about 1/4 inch band of gold. I think I may cut my leaves out of cardstock or crafting paper in a variety of fall colors.

I am gratefull for my wonderful family to include my extended members as well.