5. Felt Turkey Table Runner
If you want a Thanksgiving table that looks like it came out of a magazine without spending a fortune, a felt table runner with appliquéd turkeys is a lovely route. It feels handmade in the best way, and you can use it year after year.
Buy a long piece of felt in a neutral tone like cream, oatmeal, or sage. Cut turkey shapes from contrasting felt colors, each one around 4 inches wide, and arrange them down the center of the runner. Use fabric glue or a simple running stitch to attach them. Vary the colors and slightly the size of each turkey so the runner doesn’t feel repetitive.
Time: 2 hours. Difficulty: intermediate. The most common mistake is making the turkeys too large, which overwhelms the runner. Smaller turkeys spaced evenly look more elegant. You can also add simple felt leaves and acorns between the turkeys to fill the runner without crowding it.