A Thanksgiving Tree

This weekend it’s Thanksgiving here in Canada and I can’t wait! I’ve already caught myself daydreaming about turkey, Aunt Marian’s Cranberry Sauce , Mom’s Macaroni & Cheese and my sister’s Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Maple Cream Cheese Filling. It’s going to be a delicious weekend for sure, but it’s also a time to reflect on all that has happened in the last year.

This year, I thought about decorating a small tree with “leaves” full of all the things our family is thankful for. Rather than going around the table and asking everyone what they’re thankful for, this let’s them write out their thoughts on their own time. I can’t wait to see what some people come up with.

I used a large branch I found in the woods that looked like a small tree. To give the tree some structure, I cut a piece of floral foam to fit inside a terracotta pot, using a serrated knife. Carefully press the stick inside the foam, standing it straight up.

I wrapped the pot in lovely gold patterned tissue paper I got from the Hallmark display at Blissdom Canada this weekend (recylcing!) and tied it to the tree with a big bronze ribbon.

Here is a little trick for reusing bows from gifts – iron them on a low setting between two pieces of white cotton fabric. It will take out all wrinkles and make them look new again!

To make the leaves, I cut a leaf shape out of a parcel tag and used it as a template to make the other ones. They work great because they already come hole punched and are made of a lightweight cardstock. I made loops of red twine to hang them from the tree.

I framed a piece of card stock, asking guests “What are you thankful for this year”? along with some blank leaves and a felt tip marker.

I started it with a few of the things I’m thankful for: good health, a supportive family, our upcoming wedding, puppy dog snuggles, and cheddar cheese (of course).

What are you thankful for this year?