Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but it's not too late to jump on some easy DIY projects to create a stunning tablescape. Leave it to Martha Stewart to provide a creative and stunning idea to elevate our tables with just a couple of items: gourds and candles.
In a clip shared to her Instagram page, Martha shows us how she transformed gourds into unique candlesticks that add some unexpected texture and volume to the center of a holiday table. It's one of the simplest Thanksgiving table decor ideas you can follow, even at this 11th hour.
'Sure, your various (and delicious) Thanksgiving dishes are bound to be the star of the show at this year’s celebration,' Martha states in the caption. 'But if you really want your guests to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ before the dinnertime ‘mmmms,’ a stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece is exactly what your holiday table needs.'
Shop Martha's Thanksgiving table decor edit
Looking to invest in some everlasting gourds this fall? Our pick has to be this set of 5 styrofoam and plastic pumpkins from Pottery Barn that come in either a hand-painted orange or green selection.
Not only can you store your gourds in this tray on your Thanksgiving table, but this catch-all is perfect for displaying trinkets or even glassware. The natural materials combined with the gold handles make for a highly versatile tray.
The solution to my seasonal fall decor spiral. These LED candles may be faux, but they pass for the real thing, at a fraction of the price. At ten inches tall, they’re surprisingly substantial and look especially convincing once styled in your favorite holders.
Whether adorning your mantel or welcoming guests on your front door, this lifelike harvest wreath is a simple and elegant way to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. Featuring a rich mix of weathered leaves, dried wheat stalks, and creamy pip berries, it brings warmth and festive charm to any autumnal setting.
There’s nothing quite like the cozy charm of fall, and this woven placemat captures it beautifully. Crafted from 100% rattan in a classic basket-weave design, its lightweight texture brings warmth and rustic elegance to any table. Perfect for casual family dinners or a more formal Thanksgiving spread, as Martha intended.
Infuse your home with the gentle glow of Thanksgiving with this elegant two-piece set of ribbed flameless candles. Their soft, flickering light brings warmth and intimacy to any table or mantel, while the convenient remote allows you to set the perfect mood with ease.
The decor is simple to recreate: 'Collect a bunch of gourds,' Martha states in the clip. 'Pick gourds that have at least one flat side. I love using these cordless drills with a paddle bit like this, which will make a hole appropriate for a candle.'
She continues, 'Now, you just center this and drill, and make a hole about a half an inch deep, three-quarters of an inch deep. Now you are ready to insert your candle, and you see a very simple and effective way to make candlesticks.'
We are pro-flameless candles for a Thanksgiving table (for both safety and ease), and these ribbed, burgundy Magnolia ones from Target fit the bill (and are only $29.99). Regardless of your candle preference, this is a design trick we will be keeping in our back pockets for Thanksgivings to come.
