Fall Leaf Thanksgiving Table Decoration Ideas

Courtney RussellWe have a full menu of Thanksgiving decorating ideas for your table that you can mix and match to suit your family's needs. They're very simple and sweet -- a refreshing departure from formal traditional table centerpieces -- and the kids can help.

Here we've taken autumn's falling leaves in a slightly different direction. This centerpiece requires more time up front, but the beautiful thing about it is that you could pack it away and use it year after year. Because of the ironing and detailed cutting, this is an adult-only project.

• Print out leaf template (go to Innovative Classroom to download) and cut it out. Trace around the leaf onto heavy cardstock and cut it out.

• Cut 16 (8"x 10") squares each from grocery bags (yes, for once you can be glad you forgot to take your reusable bags to the market), fabric (you'll need about 8 quarter-yards of fabric in prints you like; we've used reproduction fabrics similar to what you could find at most quilt shops), and fusible webbing (like Heat n' Bond Ultrahold, $1.79 for a 17"x12" piece at Joann).

• Iron the fabric onto the squares of paper bag following the directions on the fusible webbing. Trace the leaves onto the paper bag side of the fabric/paper bag "sandwich," then cut out the leaves. Before placing on the table, crinkle them a bit to get a that natural leaf look.