Wedding

Chinese Wedding Dresses

We have a tradition in our household. Every Thanksgiving we try to come up with a new and unusual centerpiece idea that out does the previous year. This has been a hard feat to beat since a couple years back when we invoked the mother-of-all centerpiece ideas: the glitter pumpkins. As we stage a revival, add a touch of glamour to your Thanksgiving table with this easy and fun display.

For this project, you will need:

- Several mini pumpkins (easily found at local grocery stores and pumpkin patches)

- Spray adhesive glue

- High quality silver or white glitter (high quality glitter works better than the cheaper stuff)

- Elmer's white glue

- Water

- Small bowl

- Paintbrush

- Black and white acrylic paint

- Paper plate

- Newspaper

- Small black or clear glass votive holders

- Votive candles

Cover your area well with newspaper to prevent any paint or adhesive drips or stains. Pour a bit of black and white acrylic paint onto a paper plate. With an artist's paintbrush, paint several curly q or "s" shaped designs onto the pumpkin rinds. Or, add stripes, stars, or other designs. Paint the rind a solid black or white color. Allow the paint to dry well before continuing.

Spray the mini pumpkin well with spray adhesive glue. Apply a generous amount of glitter onto the pumpkin, making sure there are no missed spots or gaps. Add a second coat of spray adhesive glue. Add more glitter. Complete the process until you get the desired amount of "bling" on your mini pumpkins.

Mix two parts Elmer's white glue to one part water in a small bowl. With a paintbrush, cover the rind of the pumpkin generously. Sprinkle on more glitter. Allow the glue and glitter to dry.

Repeat the process with six or seven more mini pumpkins. When finished, place the votive candles in the holders. Finally, alternate one mini pumpkin and one votive holder in a straight line down the center of your table for a completed look. Elegant, festive, fall, and beautiful... sure to be a total Thanksgiving hit!

TIP: These also make excellent wedding table decorations! For more of a lighter look, replace black acrylic paint with silver and stick to clear glass candle holders with vanilla votives. Or, consider using full size pumpkins and adding white satin ribbon wrapped around the center of the finished product. Be creative!