Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving: 21 Pumpkin and Fall Foliage Table Ideas That Look Like a Hollywood Dinner

Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving style is proof that a big holiday table does not need a florist. The Oscar winning actress shared her Thanksgiving table on Instagram, and it was all about nature: orange foliage, pumpkins and bare sticks running the full length of the dining table, plus a leafy garland and a wreath on the fireplace mantel nearby. Almost everything in that look can come from the yard, a grocery store and the craft drawer. These 21 Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving ideas are inspired by her table, not endorsed by her, and most of them come together in an afternoon with a few pumpkins, some branches and a jar of Mod Podge..

Run One Long Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving Centerpiece Down the Table

The star of the table she shared is one continuous centerpiece that runs from one end of the dining table to the other. That is the trick that makes it look so generous. Instead of one tall arrangement in the middle, you build a low ribbon of leaves, pumpkins and sticks that every guest can see over. Start in the center and work out to both ends so it stays balanced. For more ways to dress a holiday table, see these Thanksgiving table ideas..

You will need: A long table, a neutral linen runner, about 20 mini pumpkins, 6 to 8 white pumpkins, a big bag of faux or real orange leaves, a bundle of bare sticks, floral pins.

How to make it: Lay the runner down the full table. Pile leaves along it first, then nestle pumpkins in clusters of three. Tuck sticks in last so they reach out at angles, and pin any loose leaves to the runner.

Line Mini Pumpkins Down the Middle

If you only copy one thing from the Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving table, make it the pumpkins. A row of small pumpkins down the center of the table is cheap, lasts for weeks and instantly says Thanksgiving. Mix sizes and shapes so it feels collected instead of matched, and tuck a little straw or dried grass between them to fill gaps. For more ways to build the middle of the table, browse these Thanksgiving centerpieces.

You will need: 10 to 15 small pumpkins and gourds in mixed sizes, a handful of straw or dried grass, Mod Podge Matte, a foam brush.

How to make it: Wipe the pumpkins clean and brush a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte over each one so the skin looks smooth and stays clean longer. Set them in a loose line and tuck straw between them.

The Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving Color Mix: White and Orange Pumpkins

A mix of white and orange pumpkins is what keeps a long autumn runner from looking too busy. The white ones give the eye a place to rest, and the orange ones pick up the color of the leaves. Aim for about one white pumpkin to every three orange ones. Faux ones work too, as in these faux pumpkin makeovers.

You will need: Real or faux orange mini pumpkins, a few white pumpkins, white chalk paint, Mod Podge Matte, a soft brush.

How to make it: Paint any faux pumpkins with two coats of white chalk paint and let them dry. Seal with Mod Podge Matte. Alternate white and orange pumpkins in small groups along the table.

Copy the Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving Bare Branch Trick

The bare sticks in the Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving centerpiece are what make it feel wild and natural instead of store bought. Branches add height without blocking anyone’s view, because you can see right through them. Cut thin, twisty twigs from the yard after the leaves fall and stand a few in pots or vases at each end of the table. For more ideas for vessels, look at these DIY vase ideas.

You will need: A bundle of bare twigs, two or three pots or vases, floral foam or pebbles, pruning shears, a sheet of patterned napkin, Mod Podge.

How to make it: Trim the twigs to different heights. Decoupage a strip of napkin around each pot with Mod Podge for a pattern band. Fill the pots with pebbles and push the twigs in so they lean outward.

Go Moody With Heirloom Pumpkins

Heirloom pumpkins with bumps, stripes and odd shapes make a long table look like a farm stand. A dark wooden table makes their colors glow, so skip the tablecloth if you can. Group the big ones near the middle and let the small ones trail away. For more pumpkin decor that skips the carving knife, try these no carve pumpkin ideas.

You will need: Five or six heirloom pumpkins and gourds in mixed colors, a dry cloth, Mod Podge Gloss, a foam brush.

How to make it: Wipe each pumpkin dry. Brush Mod Podge Gloss over the warty ones for a little shine. Place the largest pumpkins in the center and step the smaller ones down toward each end.

Tuck in Dried Wheat

Dried wheat is an old harvest symbol, and a few stalks tucked into a Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving style runner give it a soft, golden texture between the leaves. Buy a bundle from a craft store and split it into small bunches. For more old fashioned harvest touches, see these old fashioned Thanksgiving decor.

You will need: A bundle of dried wheat, jute twine, clear Mod Podge spray sealer or Mod Podge Matte, scissors.

How to make it: Spray the wheat lightly with sealer outdoors and let it dry. Tie it into small bunches of eight to ten stalks with twine. Lay the bunches along the runner with the heads pointing out.

Dress the Mantel for a Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving

Her Thanksgiving look did not stop at the table. The fireplace mantel nearby had a leafy garland and a wreath, so the entire room felt pulled together. Let the garland drip over both ends, set a row of pumpkins on top and hang a wreath above. For more fireplace ideas, see these Thanksgiving mantel decor.

You will need: A 6 foot faux oak leaf garland, 5 to 7 small heirloom pumpkins, a leaf wreath, a removable hook, Mod Podge Matte, a foam brush.

How to make it: Drape the garland along the mantel and let both ends hang down the sides. Seal any real leaves with Mod Podge Matte. Line pumpkins along the top and hang the wreath centered above.

Hang a Leafy Wreath

A leaf wreath is the easiest way to repeat the colors of your table on a wall or door. It ties the mantel, the entry and the dining room together. Make your own from a grapevine base and faux leaves so you can reuse it every year. For more ideas, browse these Thanksgiving wreath ideas.

You will need: A 16 inch grapevine wreath, 3 bunches of faux fall leaves, 3 faux sunflowers, a hot glue gun, Mod Podge Matte, floral wire.

How to make it: Pull the leaves off their stems and glue them around the wreath in overlapping layers. Brush Mod Podge Matte over the leaves to keep them from fraying. Add sunflowers last and wire a loop for hanging.

Fill Small Bowls With Gourds

Gourds sitting in little bowls make a sweet accent for the ends of a long table, a side table or a kitchen counter. The bowls keep them from rolling around, and odd shapes look great peeking over the rims. When the season is over, there are plenty of leftover pumpkin ideas so nothing goes to waste.

You will need: Four or five small ceramic bowls, ornamental gourds, Mod Podge Gloss, a foam brush, a soft cloth.

How to make it: Wipe the gourds clean and give them a thin coat of Mod Podge Gloss so they shine. Set one or two gourds in each bowl and space the bowls along the table or shelf.

Use a Pumpkin Next to a Flower Bucket

Not every arrangement needs a fancy vase. A metal milk can or bucket of sunflowers with a couple of pumpkins at its feet feels relaxed and very harvest table. Put one at the end of a buffet or on a porch table where guests arrive. For more ways to pair flowers and pumpkins, see these pumpkin flower arrangements.

You will need: A metal milk can or tall bucket, 5 to 7 sunflowers, 2 small pumpkins, a strip of decorative paper, Mod Podge Matte.

How to make it: Decoupage a band of paper around the can with Mod Podge Matte and let it dry. Fill the can with water, trim the sunflowers and arrange them. Set the pumpkins at the base.

Put a Leaf on Every Plate

On a Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving table, a single leaf on each plate is a tiny detail that makes guests feel like the table was set just for them. It also ties every seat back to the foliage running down the middle. Use pressed real leaves or faux ones, and seal real leaves so they do not curl before dinner. For more leaf projects, see these fall leaf crafts.

You will need: Pressed maple leaves or faux leaves, cloth napkins, Mod Podge Matte, a soft brush, wax paper.

How to make it: Lay pressed leaves on wax paper and brush Mod Podge Matte over both sides. Let dry flat. Fold each napkin, set it on the plate and lay one or two leaves on top.

Set a Mini Pumpkin on Each Plate

A small white pumpkin on each plate looks elegant and doubles as a party favor. Write each guest’s name on a little kraft tag and tie it to the stem, and you have a place card too. For more name card ideas, look at these Thanksgiving place cards.

You will need: One mini white pumpkin per guest, kraft paper tags, twine, a fine marker, Mod Podge Matte, a small brush.

How to make it: Write each name on a tag. Brush a little Mod Podge Matte over the tag to protect the ink. Tie the tag to the pumpkin stem with twine and set one on each plate.

Scatter Pinecones and Acorns

Pinecones and acorns are free decor for anyone with a few trees nearby, and they fill the gaps in a long runner beautifully. Scatter them around pumpkins and between place settings so the table looks like it grew there. For more pinecone projects you can use all winter, see these pine cone crafts.

You will need: A basket of pinecones, a handful of acorns, a baking sheet, foil, Mod Podge Gloss, a foam brush.

How to make it: Spread the pinecones and acorns on a foil lined sheet and bake at 200 degrees for about 30 minutes. Let cool, then brush the acorn caps with Mod Podge Gloss so they stay put.

Lay Pumpkins Over a Plaid Cloth

Plaid under pumpkins is a classic for a reason. It warms up the table and hides a few spills too. If your Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving table is outdoors or more casual, a red or orange plaid cloth with pumpkins and a bucket of flowers is all you need. For more ways to mix and match, see these mismatched Thanksgiving table.

You will need: A red or orange plaid tablecloth, 3 to 5 pumpkins, a pot of fall flowers, an orange bowl, Mod Podge Matte.

How to make it: Spread the plaid cloth over the table. Set the flowers at one end and group pumpkins in and around the orange bowl. Seal any painted pumpkins with Mod Podge Matte first.

Raise Pumpkins on a Wood Slice

A wood slice under a pumpkin works like a little pedestal. It lifts the pumpkin, protects the tablecloth and adds one more natural texture to your runner. Use a few slices in different sizes along the table to vary the heights. For more ways to use wood rounds, see these wood slice crafts.

You will need: Three wood slices in different sizes, sandpaper, Mod Podge Satin, a foam brush, felt pads, three pumpkins.

How to make it: Sand the top of each slice smooth. Brush on two coats of Mod Podge Satin and let dry. Stick felt pads underneath, then set a pumpkin on each slice.

String Dried Orange Slices

Dried orange slices echo the orange leaves in her table and smell lovely as they dry. String them on twine for a garland, or scatter a few slices with cinnamon sticks between the pumpkins. For the easiest drying method, read these dried orange slices.

You will need: Three oranges, a sharp knife, a baking sheet, parchment paper, jute twine, a needle, Mod Podge Gloss.

How to make it: Slice the oranges thin and bake on parchment at 200 degrees for 3 to 4 hours, flipping often. Brush with Mod Podge Gloss when cool and thread onto twine.

Make a Pear and Apple Centerpiece

Fruit is one of the cheapest centerpieces you can make, and pears look especially pretty at this time of year. Pile them in a bowl with a few apples and set it among the pumpkins. For more budget table tricks, see these cheap Thanksgiving decor.

You will need: A shallow bowl, 6 to 8 pears, 4 apples, a few leaves, decorative napkin, Mod Podge Matte.

How to make it: Decoupage a strip of napkin around the outside of the bowl with Mod Podge Matte and let dry. Fill the bowl with pears and apples and tuck a few leaves between them.

Set a Grown Up Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving Place Setting

A Hollywood worthy table does not need much at each seat. A white plate with a thin gold rim, a linen napkin and one perfect oak leaf feels polished and calm next to a busy centerpiece. Gold flatware warms it up. Let the runner be the show and keep the place settings simple. For more elegant table looks, see these holiday tablescapes.

You will need: White plates, linen napkins, gold flatware, clear glasses, pressed oak leaves, Mod Podge Matte, a soft brush.

How to make it: Seal the oak leaves with a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte and let them dry flat. Fold each napkin in thirds, set it on the plate and lay one leaf on top.

Tie Napkins With Twine and Berries

A napkin tied with twine and a small sprig of berries or leaves is a pretty touch that costs almost nothing. It brings a bit of the centerpiece to every seat and makes the table feel finished. For more napkin ideas, see these DIY napkin rings.

You will need: Cloth napkins, jute twine, small sprigs of berries or leaves, scissors, Mod Podge Matte.

How to make it: Roll or fold each napkin. Wrap twine around it twice and tie a bow. Seal the leaves with Mod Podge Matte, let dry and tuck a sprig under the twine.

Add a Dried Flower Bouquet

Dried flowers suit this nature first look because they last all season and do not need water on a crowded table. Strawflowers, everlasting flowers and wheat keep their color for months. Set a small bunch in a jar on a side table or at each end of the runner. For more ways to keep blooms, read these pressed flower crafts.

You will need: A bunch of dried strawflowers, white everlasting flowers, dried wheat, a small jar, twine, Mod Podge Matte, a paper piece.

How to make it: Decoupage a paper piece onto the jar with Mod Podge Matte. Trim the stems to the jar height, bundle them with twine and set the bouquet in the jar.

Finish the Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving Look on the Sideboard

If you serve buffet style, the sideboard deserves the same treatment as the table. Repeat the leafy garland, pumpkins and bare sticks from the centerpiece, and leave room for the serving dishes. It is the finishing touch on a Catherine Zeta-Jones Thanksgiving look. For more host tricks, see these holiday hosting hacks.

You will need: A faux leaf garland, a stoneware crock, tall bare branches, 4 to 6 pumpkins, Mod Podge Matte, a foam brush.

How to make it: Drape the garland along the back of the sideboard. Stand the branches in the crock at one end. Tuck pumpkins along the garland and leave the front clear for food.