fall decorating

Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is this week and guests are coming! Is your feeling home "party" ready? In today's #tiptuesday post, I will be sharing last minute decorating ideas for Thanksgiving and tips to help prepare your home for your feast.

A Warm Welcome

Create a warm welcome by decorating your Front door and porch of your home.  Cluster vibrant mums together for a fall touch. Update your welcome mat for guests to wipe their feet before entering.

Entry

(Image via placeofmytaste.com)

Craft a Fall Wreath

Feeling extra crafty? Welcome guests into your home with a DIY festive wreath. Learn how to create your own DIY Burlap wreath (it's easier than it looks).

Fall Burlap Wreath DIY

(Image via AMA Designs)

Prep Foyer for Guests

Prepare for guests by protecting your floors with an easy to clean area rug or add a mat near the door for muddy boots and shoes. Place an umbrella stand near the door so guests know where to store wet gear when they enter. Add extra hangers to your entry closet and make room for your guests coats.

Spruce up Your Guest Bedroom

If you are hosting out-of-town guests, tidy up the guest bedroom for them to stay the night. Put warmer blankets on the bed, make sure light bulbs work in bedside lamps, and keep a nightlight in the hallway to light the way to the nearest restroom. Guests will appreciate a cozy room while they are away from home.

Guest Bedroom fall

(Image via Better Homes and Gardens)

Fall Garland Streamers

DIY some festive fall garland streamers. String fall leaves together with invisible string and hang from your dining room chandelier for a "falling leaf" centerpiece that leaves the table space open for entertaining. You can also string magnolia leaves together with a ribbon and tape them up on a blank wall to create a backdrop for picture taking (and maybe a few selfies).

Bring the Outdoors In

Fall is the last big hoorah before the cold dark winter strikes and all the leaves die off. Bring the feeling of outdoors in by filling a small vase with flowers or fall foliage. I like adding faux branches to vases because they are no maintenance and fill up tall blanks spaces. Cranberry and maple leaf branches are a homage to fall and also add fall color to your space.

Fall Entry

(Image via savorhomeblog.com)

Get the Dining Room Ready

This tip goes without saying. Prepare your dining room for entertaining by taking out the "good china" and clean the silverware and crystal stemware that has been stashed away for special occasions.

Cozy up Dining Chairs

Sometimes style outwins comfort when it comes to dining chair selections. Create a comfortable seat by adding a comfortable and stylish seat cushion with a coordinating accent back pillow. You can find seat standard seat cushions from Pier1 or Bed Bath and Beyond.

Accessorize with Autumn Colors

Update your homes decor with shades of Autumn. Cranberry, Russet, amber, golden yellows, rich brown, and forest green. Add organic elements such as cranberry branches or maple leaves for simple pops of color.

Screen Shot 2015-11-23 at 5.45.21 PM

(Image via Pottery Barn)

Display Blankets

Display blankets in a basket for guests to grab and rest after their turkey dinner. At my house, we have "nap time" in between dessert. Run to the sofa and claim your spot...

A Doggie Bag for leftovers

Last but not least, create a goodie bag for your guests to take home a treat. Everyone knows the best part about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Share the love with your guests with packaged favors.

I hope you enjoyed this last minute tips to get your home party ready for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a holiday filled with laughter, much love, and second helpings! Cheers everyone!

Want more decorating tips? Join "The Designed Life" monthly e-magazine which is filled with inspiration for the home. Plus, receive a free gift when you sign up.

Fall DIY Burlap Wreath

It's been a while since I have crafted. Since, it has been cold and rainy, I thought it was the perfect time to pick up some supplies and create an easy Fall DIY project. I'm a big fan of simple crafts that aren't time consuming yet look like a million bucks after you complete them. I made two wreaths in one hour (not bad). I made one as a gift for my grandmother's 80th birthday. I can't wait to surprise her with it.

For this project you will need:

(1) 12" Wire Wreath Frame (you can choose a bigger size but for beginners, start small)

(1) Roll of 4" wide Burlap (20 ft. Roll)

Ribbon of choice to hang wreath

Flowers and Accessories of choice to decorate

Hot Glue Gun

Fall Burlap Wreath DIY

Fall Burlap Wreath DIY

How to Create a Burlap Wreath Step by Step

  1. Preheat your glue gun before starting

  2. Tie a knot to start and to prevent the ribbon from sliding while you work

  3. Weave loops from section to section. Start from the top row and weave your way to the bottom row then weave back up to the top row until you complete the section.

  4. Continue step 2, until you weave your way all the way to the end.

  5. Tie a knot to complete

  6. If you are using fake flowers: pop the flowers off the stems

  7. Arrange your flowers on the wreath to your liking

  8. Hot glue all the accessories in place

Beginner Mistake: This was my first fall wreath DIY project. To me, 20 ft. of Burlap sounded like a lot. I thought I could make two wreaths from that one roll and but it wasn't enough because I made my wreath full. After wreath 1, I only had a couple feet leftover. For the second wreath, I used a smaller roll of burlap. I actually hot glued the loops together to hide the frame and make it look "fuller" than it actually was. I ran out of burlap at the end and "faked it" with some large flowers. Learn from my mistake, if you run out of burlap.. it's not the end of the world. Glue the loops together to hide the wire frame and use large flowers to cover gaps. Here is the finished result of the other wreath:

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. Please tag @byamadesigns on Instagram if you have decided to attempt this DIY project yourself! I would love to see the beautiful wreaths that you have created.

If you loved this post, please share it with a friend!

Happy crafting,

Amanda of AMA Designs & Interiors LLC.