Use A Hurricane Vase For The Easiest Harvest-Themed Thanksgiving Table Decor

Hosting a Thanksgiving meal can feel like a mental gymnastics routine. You need to consider the timing of the turkey in the oven, as well as when you'll make or bake side dishes. And then there's the decor. You want to carve out time to arrange everything you need for a gorgeous Thanksgiving table before your first guest arrives. Thankfully, there are many budget-friendly Thanksgiving DIYs from the Dollar Tree that are festive and easy to make. One idea involves pouring corn kernels into a hurricane vase, decorating the vase with harvest-themed embellishments, and nestling a candle into the kernels. The result is a cozy, candlelit centerpiece that doesn't break the bank or require too much of your time.

One of the main benefits of this particular DIY project is that you might already own everything you need. If not, the materials are inexpensive, with your biggest expense likely being a Hurricane Glass Vase, which you can find for $5 at Dollar Tree or perhaps even cheaper from a thrift store. Even then, the vase is so versatile that it may end up on display year-round, either holding floral arrangements or continuing to serve as a seasonal centerpiece.

Clean the vase and then fill it about three-quarters of the way with popcorn kernels. Next, center a votive holder on top of the kernels. You can leave the votive holder entirely visible, or pour more kernels around the candleholder, making sure that the corn doesn't overflow into the glass. If the space around the candle is tight, use a funnel to direct the kernels where you want them. Another option is to create colorful layers with dried goods like red beans, green lentils, or purple or white rice.

If minimalism is your aesthetic, the vase is ready to go, and you can move on with your Thanksgiving checklist. However, you can boost the festive look by tying a wide autumn-themed ribbon into a bow around the vase or gluing a strip of ribbon around its middle or bottom. You can also add a fall-themed temporary decal or window cling — think pumpkins, warm-colored foliage, or quotes about gratitude. 

Get creative with fall craft supplies, too. Tuck Pumpkin-Shaped Sweater Picks or Harvest-Theme Faux Pumpkin Picks from Dollar Tree into the kernels, but make sure you're using battery-operated LED candles instead of real ones for this customization. Or instead of candles, wind fairy lights throughout the vase as you pour kernels, making sure that the lights are visible throughout the glass. Looking for more ways to elevate this centerpiece? Surround the vase with cute DIY pine cone turkeys to give your table a pop of charm.