Eco-Friendly DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece With Layered Natural Elements

If you are looking for a stunning, no-cost Thanksgiving centerpiece idea, I have an easy, eco-friendly DIY project for you. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to layer foraged fall materials for a zero-waste centerpiece. You will be amazed at how easily this simple autumn arrangement comes together. Ready to get started?

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How To Gather Your Free Natural Materials

Free is always a plus, so the first thing I did was take an inventory of what I had available in my landscape and garden. The following items were readily available.

• Magnolia leaves
• Magnolia Seed Pods
• Sedum Autumn Joy blooms that had turned a perfect plum color.
• Gathered grapevine formed into a wreath

I had previously gathered several of the magnolia seed pods and allowed them to dry. I also used my Foraging Safety Guide to ensure there were no bugs present. Then I gathered several magnolia leaves and the Sedum’ Autumn Joy’ blooms.

Optional Foraged Materials

I know that everyone has different natural materials available, and here are some options to substitute the materials I used.

• Any evergreen stems such as pine, cedar, or boxwood
• Pinecones, Sweet Gum Balls, or other dried pods
• Golden Rod, Dried Flowers such as Hydrangeas or Zinnia. Or any wildflowers blooming in your region.
• If you don’t have grapevine, use gathered stems or grass formed into a wreath

How To Create A Layered Centerpiece: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Creating a layered centerpiece is an easy and fun way to decorate your Thanksgiving dining table this holiday season. Let me take you through the process step by step.

Create a Centerpiece Base

I wanted to add height to my centerpiece, so I used a pedestal base about 4 inches high. I then added a DIY foraged grapevine wreath to help secure the layers of natural materials.

How To Layer Natural Materials

To level the center of the arrangement, I added a natural wood slice to the center of the grapevine wreath.

Next, I added a layer of gathered magnolia leaves, with the back side facing up. The suede brown side of the leaves adds a warm base for the remaining natural materials.

I’ve been gathering magnolia seed pods since they started falling from the trees. I love their unique texture and love decorating with them. Since I had several already dried, I decided they would be the next layer in the centerpiece arrangement. I placed the pods on the top of the magnolia leaves with the stems in the center of the arrangement.

Next, another fall favorite is Sedum Autumn Joy blooms. By fall, they are starting to turn a stunning plum color and are easy to arrange on top of the seed pods. I separated the stems and nestled them among the seed pods to form a cavity for the pumpkin to rest inside.

Finally, the finishing touch is to add a pumpkin to the center of the layered natural materials. Once the pumpkin is in place, the foraged materials are secure on the base. At this point, I filled in any gaps with more blooms, seed pods, and magnolia leaves. If I saw a gap, I gently tucked another piece into the gap, careful not to disturb the surrounding elements.

Styling Tips For Rustic Thanksgiving Centerpiece

I was amazed at how easily this arrangement came together. I am using the rustic Thanksgiving centerpiece on my dining room table. I added a plum colored fall tablecloth, which enhances the Sedum Autumn Joy blooms. You can consider this arrangement for other areas of your home as well. See some suggestions below.

All of the natural materials will dry beautifully and are so easy to arrange without the fuss of watering. I’ll be sharing the full Thanksgiving natural tablescape on Thursday.

The combination of plum, burgundy, brown, and orange colors creates a stunning fall display. My favorite brass bird salt & pepper shakers are a charming addition to the rustic centerpiece.

Optional Locations for DIY Layered Centerpiece

Don’t need a Thanksgiving Dining Table Centerpiece? Well, this DIY layered centerpiece would be a stunning accent in many areas of your home. Consider making one for other areas of your home this holiday season.

• Entry Table
• Coffee Table
• Kitchen Island
• Sideboard
• Kitchen countertop
• Hutch

Pinterest Challenge

Today’s table centerpiece is part of our monthly Pinterest Challenge hosted by Cindy at County Road 407. I know you loved Cindy’s colorful centerpiece idea.

This month’s Pinterest Challenge Inspiration Photo comes from Deborah at Hip and Humble Style.

Be sure to follow along for more inspiration. I’m always amazed at how each person puts their creative spin on the inspiration. Up next is Libby at A Life Unfolding with her stunning Thanksgiving table ideas . Be sure to click each image below to follow along.

Thank you for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you.