Stylish Decoration for the Vegan Thanksgiving Table--Copper Cornucopia

It feels so odd--in a good way--to be writing a post. I've really missed it and you.

As many of you know, I am involved in a major culinary project which will be revealed in "blooming" color sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Gratifying as it is, my work on it has seriously curtailed my blogging, as I am also a teacher and a freelance writer.

But with Thanksgiving in the U.S. approaching Thursday of this week, I wanted to let all of you know how thankful I am for your support of The Blooming Platter by way of sharing my modern take on a traditional cornucopia for your Thanksgiving table.

This simple but striking table decoration was the subject of the November edition of a monthly column called "DIY Decor" that I write for the Virginian-Pilot. Following is the text including the ultra simple instructions. It is among my favorite decorations that I've ever seen, much less made myself. And wait until you see what I have coming for Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving from my platter to yours!

~Betsy


DIY Decor: Copper Cornucopia

"I?m digging into my archives for this month?s project because the holidays approach and, like everyone, I have less time than ever. But this table decoration is timeless and definitely worth dusting off for upcoming celebrations.

Years ago, when my husband and I bought our first house, we started a tradition of inviting both of our out-of-state families to Virginia Beach for Thanksgiving. However, our dining room table was too small to accommodate everyone. So, with borrowed bistro tables and a little shifting and shuffling, we set the space up restaurant style. We loved the ambiance, but it meant that I needed several small, visually cohesive table decorations on a budget.

The first holiday in our now long-standing tradition took place just as stainless steel was becoming all the rage for home interiors. Since I typically favor a more modern look, I became obsessed with creating cornucopias out of fairly thick metal wire. At a local big-box home-improvement store, the copper wire proved more appealing than the silver, probably because it conveyed the warmth of the season. So I decided on copper cornucopias, faux fruit spray painted silver, and votive candles resting on a mirror tile to reflect the sparkle. Though I took a more minimal approach, you should feel free to go any direction you want, including right over the top.

Here?s all you need to do: from a craft supply or dollar store purchase a traditional basket weave cornucopia in the finished size you want (mine was just over a foot long). Spiral a piece of twine around it, spacing the loops as close together as you choose and make one full loop around the open end for reinforcement. Then measure how much twine you used and purchase that amount of copper wire plus a little extra for bending the ends (mine required nearly 9 feet of wire for a 13-inch cornucopia). Make sure you choose a gauge?I used 8 gauge?that is sturdy enough to hold its shape, but flexible enough that you don?t have to wrestle it into submission. It only costs about 45 cents per foot.

Beginning at the pointed tip, bend the wire into a narrow loop over the tip and simply begin winding the tubing around the form. Keep it fairly snug, but not so much that you can?t remove the cornucopia form. When you get to the opening of the cornucopia, make one full loop around and then tuck or wrap the end of the wire under the adjacent wire, cutting off any access with wire cutters. Slip out the cornucopia that you used as a form and fill or arrange your new modern translation as desired. You can even line it with a cloth napkin and use it as a serving vessel for breads, rolls, muffins, and the like. But, whatever you do, have a very happy Thanksgiving."