How to Decorate a Thanksgiving Cornucopia

The perfect decoration to pay tribute to Thanksgiving is a bountiful cornucopia. Filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables and natural flowers, the cornucopia displays the types of harvested food that were available when the pilgrims first celebrated the holiday and that still signifies the importance of this special day.

Things You'll Need

• Cornucopia basket
• Florist foam block
• Bag of beige moss
• Miniature pumpkins
• Small gourds
• Indian corn
• Dried wheat shafts
• Dried straw flowers (orange and yellow)
• Artificial berries
• Artificial grapes
• Silk fall leaves
• Variety of nuts
• Thanksgiving placemat
• Florist pins
• Hot glue gun
• Clear glue sticks
• Craft scissors
• Large knife

Instructions

1. Select an appropriate work space with good lighting and lay out the supplies so they are easily accessible. Prepare the hot glue gun by inserting a clear glue stick and placing the gun on a plate, pan or foil to catch drips. Place a piece of newspaper under the cornucopia to catch glue drips and bits of flowers and to protect the work surface.

2. Cut the foam block lengthwise and approximately 1/2 inch in height for use to create a platform inside of the cornucopia horn. Once the block is cut lengthwise, the block can then be cut in half or into thirds or fourths to better fit the size of the horn, if necessary. Using the glue gun, place a layer of hot glue around the perimeter of each block and then place it inside the horn and press firmly. Do this with each piece of foam until the platform is created.Once the platform is secure inside the horn, line the entire inside of the horn with a very thin layer of moss from the top to the bottom and from back to front, securing it all with small dollops of hot glue. Keep the foam platform itself as clear of moss as possible because the vegetables need to be hot glued directly to the foam without any obstruction.

3. Placement of the vegetables and fruits will depend on which items you're using and their size--along with the size of the cornucopia, which are available in several sizes. For a longer-lasting cornucopia, you can substitute and use artificial pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn instead of using natural vegetables. Artificial vegetables also weigh much less than actual vegetables, which will allow the hot glue to work much better. If you choose to use natural miniature pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn, substitute grapes and berries with artificial pieces. Both grapes and berries will deteriorate quickly; natural gourds, pumpkins and Indian corn will hold up much longer. When using natural vegetables, keep in mind the majority of the weight will most likely be in the largest part of the horn. So you want to keep the weight as evenly disbursed as possible so the cornucopia does not tip over.

4. Initially, place the vegetable and fruit items inside the basket in the pattern you want the cornucopia to have. This will allow you to not only see which pieces fit best together, but also to coordinate the colors. It also gives you an opportunity to know which adjustments need to be made regarding the pattern before you actually begin hot-gluing the items--including making sure the weight of the items is evenly disbursed throughout the cornucopia.

5. Remove the items and lay them out on the table in the same design pattern. This way, you'll know which piece goes where inside the cornucopia. Starting at the back, hot-glue the first vegetable to the foam platform, moving any moss aside for better adhesion if necessary. If the vegetable comes in contact with the basket, add hot glue to that area as well. The more secure you can make the items, the better. Allow the hot glue to dry with each application. Then continue to add vegetables and hot-glue them to the platform, top and sides of the basket and to other vegetables as you go along building the inside of the horn.

6. Stop adding vegetables about halfway through process and add beige moss to fill in any exposed areas around the sides of the horn--and between the vegetables. Create small bundles of both orange and yellow straw flowers and insert them between vegetables or any other crevice for color. Use hot glue to secure the bundles.

7. Using the florist pins, place grapes and berries on the foam platform and secure them with a pin. The pin can be covered with a bit of moss or straw flowers. Continue adding and hot-gluing additional vegetables until the cornucopia is full.For the second half of the cornucopia, repeat the steps of adding beige moss in and around the newly added fruit and vegetables and add bundles of orange and yellow straw flowers, nuts or a sprig with berries.Take several wheat stems, trimming the stems as needed, and insert them throughout the cornucopia.

8. Once the cornucopia is completely filled and decorated and ready to grace the dining room table, lay the Thanksgiving placement on the table and place a layer of silk fall-colored leaves in the middle of the placemat. Take a generous handful of wheat stems and lay them over the leaves at the front center of the mat. Sit the cornucopia on top of the stems, allowing the wheat stalks to protrude and fan out. Place additional fall-colored leaves as needed.Carrying the theme of the inside of the cornucopia to the placement, place Indian corn, gourds and pumpkins on the placemat around the outside of the cornucopia opening.For a final touch, add nuts and berries to the placemat display.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no right or wrong pattern when decorating a cornucopia; just stick with seasonal autumn colors and use your imagination.

• When placing the cornucopia on a placemat, you have the option of changing the placemat pattern at any time. For example, natural fruit and berries can be used instead of artificial pieces, as these items can be easily removed once they begin to deteriorate.

• Use caution when using a hot glue gun and never leave it unattended or allow children to play with it. Do not allow pets near a glue gun.

• Use caution when using a crafting knife or household knife when cutting the foam block.