Sheaves of Wheat Centerpiece

Every Thanksgiving table should have a centerpiece, whether it be fresh flowers, a cornucopia of fruits and nuts, or a crafted arrangement of seasonal items. I have been wanting to make a simple centerpiece using sheaves of wheat, and this year was the perfect time to do so. Nothing could be easier than tying up a bundle of wheat for an earthy table arrangement.

Preserved wheat bundles can be purchased from many different sources. The stalks lend themselves to so many uses for table settings, and if you want to get really crafty, you can even make a giant wreath.

If you buy a small sheaf, the bundle can quickly be assembled into a festive centerpiece for Thanksgiving. You can, however, break up the bunch and make many smaller sheaves for individual place settings, or to place down the length of your dining table.

These beautifully preserved wheat stalks sitting next to my collection of Martha by Mail caramel glass are ready for assembling. Depending on the length of the stalks that you buy, you may need to trim them down to have them sit on the table.

Use a sharp set of pruning shears for this project, and make sure that you have plenty of table space. Once you begin cutting, you will have a shower of wheat grains and stalks all over your table, so have a small dust pan and brush handy.

Stack and arrange the sheaves into a nice bundle, and with some waxed linen thread, floral wire or even a rubber band, bunch and twist the stalks into a very tight bundle. Tie well and secure the arrangement.

Using the sharp pruning shears, trim the bottom of the bundle until you have a length suitable for your table. The bunch shouldn't be taller than the tallest guest seated at your table. At eye level, while seated, is perfect.

It's up to you how you want to finish the centerpiece, but if you happen to have some thick satin ribbon in an earth tone, use it. I love glossy, chocolate-brown ribbon for Fall decor.

Tie a simple knot around the bundle and you are done! There is no need to do a bow.

How easy was this? The nice thing about this kind of arrangement is that you can reuse it again next year for your table or you can place the arrangement on a coffee table, a mantle or even a console in the hallway throughout the year. You can even surprise a host or hostess with one of these if you are attending a Thanksgiving dinner elsewhere.

Cheers!

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