The cornucopia is Thanksgiving decor at its most classic. Also known as the "horn of plenty", cornucopias have a history dating back to around 500 BCE and strong ties to Greek mythology which tells us that Zeus gave Amalthea a goats horn that could grant the owner anything they wished for. Today the horn has similar meaning in new context, granting the first European settlers in the new world a feast they did not dream possible -- so the new tradition holds.
Now inseparable from American folklore, the cornucopia is second only to the turkey in symbolizing the Thanksgiving holiday. If you love the look of a cornucopia you can easily create this decorative Thanksgiving symbol for your home and/or dinner table. All that’s needed are a few simple craft supplies, which you can find at almost any craft store or retailer’s crafting department. Here’s what you will need:
1 Cornucopia
1 Roll of Autumn-Themed Wire Ribbon
Scissors
Wire Cutters
Crafter’s Glue Stick
Silk Flowers & Foliage
Artificial Fruit
First and foremost, you will need a cornucopia. These artificial decorations can often be found in styling similar to that of wicker, glass or ceramics. You can choose to decorate a cornucopia with autumn leaves, sunflowers, fruits and even corn. When creating a decorative centerpiece, it’s a good idea to use silk flowers, foliage and artificial fruit to keep your design looking fresh throughout the holiday.
In addition to the aforementioned items, you can add an even more customized look with the help of craft or floral wire, which can be purchased in themes featuring the colors of autumn. This ribbon is easily shaped, and will create a colorful style to your project. Adding the ribbon is simple, and can be done by wrapping it around the widest part of the cornucopia, which is located at the top opening, and tying it into place. You can trim the remaining ribbon to suit your design style and shape it as needed to create the perfect look.
When it comes to securing your decorative filler, which consists of silk flower bushes, artificial foliage and/or fruits, you will first need to ensure the filling fits inside of the cornucopia properly. In some cases, you may need to use wire cutters to trim the stem area to ensure a perfect fit. For even more stylish control, you can use crafting wire to keep your floral and leaf bouquets in the desired location. Next, you can use a crafting glue stick to hold everything in place. Before your cornucopia design is complete, you may need to shape the leaves and/or flowers to create a full and plentiful appearance, which will give your decoration an even more traditional look.
The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional decorating tips or advice. When using wire cutters or when working on any type of crafting project, wear protective eye goggles and gardening gloves to prevent injury.