It seems that from Halloween on, the days until the end of the year – especially the “holly” days – are overcrowded, frantic and hectic. Get ahead of the Thanksgiving game by starting your preparations early.

Here are two centerpiece ideas that are easy, quick and fun – three of my favorite things. 

Autumn Basket

   Ornamental corn (size and amount will depend on size of basket you use)
   Basket or box
   Autumn leaves
   Spanish moss
   Hot glue gun 

   Carefully remove and save husks from the corn. If the husks are too brittle, soak in water for a short time. Cautiously cut kernels from one side of each ear of corn, making one flat side. Arrange the corn, flat side down (alternating bottom and top of each piece for a better fit) around the outside of the basket/box. You may do it horizontally or vertically, depending on the size and shape of the basket as well as the size of the corn. Hot-glue each side as you complete the arrangement. After the corn is glued on, use the husks, leaves and moss to fill in any open spaces and to cover the handle, if the basket has one. Fill the basket with an autumn or Thanksgiving-themed floral arrangement. 

Turkey Centerpiece

   1 6-inch plastic foam ball
   1 piece of 1-inch-thick sheet plastic foam
   Paper twist, opened and flattened
   Craft wiggly eyes
   Any combination of wheat, cattails, autumn leaves, feathers or silk flowers
   Hot glue gun
   Large pins 

   Make a silhouette pattern about 6 inches high of a turkey head. Trace it on the sheet of plastic foam and cut out (an electric knife works very well). Cut off and discard one-third of the foam ball. Using the paper twist, cover the turkey head and body. Glue or carefully pin the two pieces together. Glue on the eyes, make a wattle from the paper twist and glue in place. Make the tail feathers from a combination of the wheat, leaves, etc., sticking the stems into the foam ball or gluing them in place.