Thanksgiving Crafts: A Pumpkin Place Setting

Photo: Laura Fenton

Here's a sweet way to dress up the Thanksgiving table: Create individual pumpkin place settings for each guest.

To make these place markers all you need are mini-pumpkins, manila hang tags and a marker. (You could also do this project with small gourds, apples, pears or any other fruit or vegetable with a stem from which to hang a tag.)

For each place card, trace a leaf shape onto the hang tag, then cut it out, leaving the tie section at the base of the leaf as shown. It's okay if each leaf is slightly different from the next, it will add to the natural look of the setting. Next write a name on each tag (I used a faint pencil line as a guide to keep my handwriting straight, which I erased afterward). Secure a leaf tag to the stem of one of the pumpkins with a small bow.

Place the pumpkins at each seat and your table will be dressed and ready to go. The pumpkins will add enough color that you won't need much in the way of a centerpiece -- if you even choose to use one at all. Guests can take their mini-pumpkins home as party favors.