Quick Thanksgiving Pumpkin Makeover

While nowadays everyone eagerly shares photos of their dinners on Instagram, what was served at the very first Thanksgiving remains a bit of a mystery. Historians believe that native fish, fowl, venison, squashes and berries featured prominently on the menu. 

Of course our perennial favorite, pumpkin pie as we know it, would appear many years later, but records indicate that English settlers of the time did often make a pumpkin custard by hollowing out pumpkins, filling the shells with milk, honey and spices and roasting them in hot ashes. Today, centuries later the festive pumpkin still figures largely in our Thanksgiving celebrations in all sorts of recipes, desserts and decorating. I thought I'd pay it homage with a quick and easy pumpkin makeover to spruce up your holiday table.
   

Pumpkin Makeover 

faux pumpkin
I had Halloween pumpkins still hanging around  
and picked one which was a bit worse for wear
(or there are many in craft stores on clearance)
spray paint in desired color

clear varnish

metallic puffy paint 

ribbon and crafty accents 

glue
"Give Thanks" printable

Although turkeys are usually the star of the show, 
I opted for this image of deer for something a bit different

Printable created with lovely vintage Fall images from the thegraphicsfairy.com

How to:

Simply spray your pumpkin desired shade, 
(I used a warm metallic rose gold tone) and let dry.

print image to desired size and cut out. 

Dot edges with metallic or jewel toned puffy paint to create a quick border 

 add any bling or accents desired
 I sprayed printable printout with a spritz of triple glaze varnish leftover from another project for a nice sheen

glue onto pumpkin and top with a bow or leaf sprig

simply display with some fall touches and natural elements

I used my mismatched china, thrift store bird themed plates with a similar color palette and gold chargers (yes, those chargers from the dollar store)

I am grateful for what I am and have.
 My thanksgiving is perpetual.
                               Henry David Thoreau

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to our US readers
and 
a Happy Autumn to our friends worldwide.