Lately, I have tried to become more aware of our surroundings and the small things we often take for granted. We are always rushed to tick off the next task on the to-do list.

The other day I rushed past a beautiful guinea fowl feather onto the next task when Ava yelled, "Mommy, look at this feather!". She proudly showed me in awe and wonder, forcing me to stop and patiently admire it with her.

At this moment, I realized we don't stop enough to appreciate and be thankful for all the beauty around us, even something as small as a feather or dried-colored corn.

So, I was inspired to turn to our garden and grounds to search for all-natural and harvest decorations for my annual Thanksgiving tablescape. These everyday “things” are beautiful in their own way!

Oh, and of course, Tom had to be part of it all again!

Scroll down to see how I decorated our Tablescape this year, along with a super yummy pear and ginger crisp recipe!

A HARVEST-INSPIRED THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE

FALL HARVEST ELEMENTS

When searching for items around the farm and garden, it was amazing how many things I suddenly noticed. These were the harvest elements I collected for my table:

Garlic

Garlic is usually harvested mid to late summer, so I had a few bulbs left in the kitchen that I had dried. Since it is also garlic planting time, I found it fit to place a garlic bulb on each plate. They add such an unexpected surprise to the table!

READ MORE: How to grow garlic cloves

Dried Corn

These beautiful, dried colorful corncobs were another awe-find when Ava discovered them in the garden! And I get why! How pretty is multi-colored corn?! Their multi-colored corn pits make for a very fun twist, and I love the texture and visual interest their leaves added.

Small Pumpkins & Dried Gourds

'Tis the season for pumpkins, so naturally, I had to put a few on the table as they are just too cute! Their white and orange colors contrasted beautifully against the rustic brown table. The dried gourds also added to the rustic feeling and were a playful element with their rattling seeds!

Homegrown Herbs

Dried lavender and fresh rosemary sticks bring a pop of color amongst all the earthy fall tones. They also ensure for some lovely aromas!

NATURE-INSPIRED ELEMENTS

A piece of wheatgrass or a single dried gourd might not look so pretty on its own. But group it all together or make up a bunch, and it creates an entirely different, swoon-worthy picture.

Guinea Feathers

Guinea feathers are so incredible with all the detail and soften the rugged texture of all the other elements. I love the natural and fun element they bring! Ava loved putting some in her hair.

Dried Leaves and Wheatgrass

Who knew that you could use your cover crops as table decorations?! The wheatgrass and dried leaves accentuate the fall theme and add some height to keep things visually appealing. One of my favorite things about fall is the leaves with their beautiful colors, and they bring this whole room to life!

Fresh Flowers

I added a few fresh flowers to brighten up the table, sticking to fall colors, though, to make it all cohesive! What would a table be without fresh flowers ;-)

OTHER FAVORITE ELEMENTS

Off course, there are some decor elements you cannot get in nature but which complete the look of a tablescape and add some extra finishing touches. Some of my favorites include:

Candles

Always candles! Come day or night, I would burn a candle for good vibes and lovely scents!

Mini vases

Just like candles, one can never have too many mini vases. In all the colors of the rainbow! These cute little pots are an inexpensive way to add a pop of color, hold beautiful flowers, or put in candle tealights.

You can get some HERE

DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Making handmade salt dough ornaments are a fun and easy activity for the whole family. They are quick to make and work fantastic as small decorations on a table, as a name place setting, or thank-you gifts!

Here's how to make your own salt dough ornaments!

PEAR AND GINGER CRISP RECIPE

What would Thanksgiving be without some lovely dessert! This Pear and Ginger Skillet Crisp has all the fall flavors with fresh fall produce and spices.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FILLING:

6 pears*
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (may substitute for a 1:1 GF flour)
2 tablespoons honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon dried ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh, grated)

FOR THE TOPPING:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (may substitute for a 1:1 GF flour)
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, plant-based or dairy
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh, grated)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients and stir until pears are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the pears.
Arrange in a cast iron skillet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the topping ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. It should mix into large clumps.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mixture.
If you want it just a touch sweeter, add a little sprinkle of brown sugar over the mixture before baking.
Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, until the pears are soft, the mixture is bubbling, and browned at the top.
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

Notes

*I used Bartlett pears, but if using a more firm variety, increase cook time by 10 minutes.
You can omit ginger if you're not wild about it. If you love it, you can double the amount!
Apples may be used instead of pears. Just substitute apples for half the amount of pears.

Homestead Tip! When are pears ready for harvesting? It is ready to pick when you lift and twist the stem, and it breaks off easily from the branch. If it does not break off easily, it is not ready. Wait a little bit longer, then try again.