By Brenda Schwaab

The leaves are finally changing! We have waited so long this year for our beautiful fall colors. They have been so slow in coming. These craft activities use the fall colors but the leaves are silk ones.

Go to your local craft store and purchase a package of fall colored leaves. These packages are usually oak or maple leaves in golds, yellows, oranges and browns. One pack will be enough to be creative. They cost a few dollars.We will create leaf decorated items for your Thanksgiving table and Dining Room. Other suggestions are included to make your home into a fall decorated haven.

Materials

-One package of silk fall leaves

-Napkins for your Thanksgiving Dinner -Napkin Ring

-Contrasting Napkins for utensil holder

-Roll of strong adhesive tape

-Disposable cups for wine or water

-Empty toilet tissue rolls

-One roll of 2” wired ribbon in desired color

Instructions

Disposable Cups:

1. Tape single leaf on front of cup

2. Place cup on table for dinner

Napkin Ring:

1. Cut toilet tissue roll into 1 3/8 “ rounds (you may get 3 from each roll)

2. Cover round with 2” wired ribbon folding wired edge under each side. If cardboard shows through the ribbon, wrap around twice.

3. Tape end of ribbon to covering.

4. Tape leaf over the tape on ring.

5. Fill ring with dinner napkin.

6. Place on table at each place setting

Folded Napkin with Leaf

1. Tape leaf on front of folded dinner napkin

2. Place napkin on dinner table at each place.

Napkin Utensil Holder

1. Place napkin on angle in front of you. Napkin point at the top.

2. Fold bottom up to make a pocket.

3. Fold both sides in to finish pocket

4. Tape in place

5. Tape leaf onto front of pocket

6. Place pocket on dinner table at each place setting. Insert knife, fork and spoon.

Be sure you use a napkin large enough to make a pocket that is big enough to hold your utensils.

Variations

You should still have more leaves in your package. Use them to decorate your rooms.

1. Place leaves all over your dining tablecloth to decorate table.

2. If you have a mirror in the room, tape leaves to the mirror.

3. Tape leaves to your bread basket.

4. Tape leaves to your kitchen cabinets.

5. Place leaves on bathroom countertop.

6. Add leaves to bathroom mirror

7. Look around your house and see where else you can decorate with leaves

8. Think about other holidays and how you can add inexpensive decorations. (Example Poinsettias for Christmas)

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!