4 Upcycled Decorations for Your Thanksgiving Table

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? Transform your table into a festive fall display without breaking the bank. All you need is a quick trip to the thrift store and a peek into your recycling bin. Yes, really. HGTV's Cassidy Garcia has four amazing upcycling crafts that will wow your guests, from a gorgeous centerpiece to custom-made napkin rings. Read on to get the full how-to for each project.

Upcycled Tiered Tower Centerpiece

Start with three thrifted cake pans in three different sizes (small, medium and large). You’ll also need two candle pillars. Option: Use a thrifted figurine or resin art for the top.

Paint each pan with chalk paint. Seal each pan with clear wax. Follow with a dark soft wax to give the pan a distressed and aged look. When applying, focus on the corners and edges of the pan. Buff the wax off the pan as you go. Repeat for each pan. Paint, wax and buff each candle pillar with the same process as the pans. Option: Paint and wax an additional piece of resin art for the tower top. Paint, wax and buff four wooden knobs. These will be used as the feet of the tower. Set all pieces aside to dry thoroughly.

Using permanent craft adhesive, attach each wooden knob to the bottom of the largest pan. Set aside to dry completely. Once the knobs have completely dried, flip the pan over and attach the largest pillar to the center of the cake pan using permanent craft adhesive. Add a ring of adhesive to the top of the pillar and attach the second pan on top. Repeat this process for the third tier. Finally, attach the optional resin art to the top. Let the tower dry completely before decorating.

Place faux leaves, pinecones from the backyard, or tiny ceramic pumpkins in each pan to create a fall festive tiered centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Upcycled Jute-Wrapped Candle Base

Start with an empty almond or nut container. You might already have one in your recycling bin!

Starting at the bottom, wrap the container in jute rope — gluing the rope to the side of the container with every turn to make sure the rope is glued down in place. Once you reach the top of the container, cut the rope and secure the end to the side of the container with a low-temp glue gun.

Top the base with a thick pillar candle. If you make multiple jute-wrapped candle bases, use candles with various heights to create a dynamic cluster of candles.

DIY Fall Block Letter Decor

Start with four pieces of scrap wood from your local hardware store. Using chalk paint, paint each block a different color. Various shades of gray are a great base for any fall color scheme. Allow wood pieces to dry completely.

Spell out a word such as “Fall” with chipboard letters. You could also add more blocks and letters to spell “Thankful” or “Family” if you’re making this for Thanksgiving decor. Paint each letter the same color with chalk paint. Burnt orange or burgundy are great color choices for fall-themed words. Allow letters to dry completely.

Using a low-temp glue gun, glue one letter to one piece of wood. Set pieces aside to dry completely.

Spell out your fall word and display. These letter blocks are great for a Thanksgiving buffet or entryway table.

Upcycled Napkin Rings

Check your recycling bin for a paper towel roll. Using scissors, cut the paper towel roll horizontally into seven even pieces.

Wrap each paper ring with fabric. Check your local craft store for fabric remnants or discount fabric pieces. Buffalo check is a classic pattern for fall, but you could also use a solid color fabric in burnt orange or burgundy. Secure the wrapped fabric to the paper ring using a low-temp glue gun and glue sticks. Repeat for each napkin ring.

Show off your new (and practically free!) napkin rings with a cute napkin fold such as a bow.