DIY Thanksgiving Decor: Turkey Crackers, Pie Surprise Balls, and Paper Fork Garland

When Thanksgiving cooking takes over, decorating might slip your mind. Yet these simple paper projects show that you don't need costly supplies to create lovely holiday accents. Crepe paper streamers and scrapbook paper are budget-friendly, and toilet paper tubes and kraft paper cost next to nothing.

Our tutorial presents three DIY paper crafts for Turkey Day: turkey crackers (similar to Christmas crackers but with a Thanksgiving theme), surprise balls that resemble favorite autumn pies, and a Thanksgiving garland crafted from paper forks. The crackers and surprise balls offer interactive fun, as they are opened to uncover candies, small toys, and other treats.

Whether you need affordable table decorations, are hosting Friendsgiving, or want to make Thanksgiving Day memorable, these festive projects will delight.

1. Thanksgiving Turkey Crackers

1. Prepare paper tube

Insert cracker snap through tube. Try your best to center snap so there's an equal amount of material on each side.

Using a small piece of clear tape, attach snap to inside of tube.

2. Wrap paper tube

Cut brown, yellow, orange and red crepe paper streamers into strips measuring 3 in. long. This will make up turkey's feathers.

Add two strips of double-sided tape to short edge of kraft paper. Attach a row of crepe paper strips, making sure to mix up order of colors. Add more double-sided tape on top and repeat to create another layer; this will give "feathers" more body.

You can also attach strips using regular clear tape, as this side of paper won't be visible.

Place paper tube on inside of paper along long side, making sure to center it. Tape down.

Roll tube so kraft paper wraps around it. Tape to secure.

3. Fill cracker

At the top end (with the crepe paper), bunch kraft paper together just above tube. Tie with ribbon to secure; a loose double knot works great.

Fill cracker through other end.

Gather remaining kraft paper and tie with ribbon.

4. Decorate cracker

Using double-sided tape, add two red paper teardrops for turkey's neck. (You can also use a glue stick.) Next, add a yellow paper triangle for beak. Draw two eyes with a black marker.

Cut out two scalloped shell-like shapes from kraft paper. These will be the wings.

Tape one wing to each side of cracker. So cute!

2. Pie Surprise Balls

1. Roll crepe paper

To make a surprise ball shaped like a pie, you'll essentially need to unroll a crepe paper streamer and then roll it back up while adding items.

Start by rolling streamer. This will create a round center.

2. Decorate pie

To make a lattice crust, cut four strips of brown crepe paper streamer. You can also use tissue paper.

Place strips across top of pie, creating a grid pattern. Tape down ends on sides.

Tape another long strip of crepe paper to side of pie but in same direction as roll. Use same color as pie's "filling."

Wrap paper around pie. Again, gently pull it taut to mold circular shape. Tape down end to secure.

3. Glue rick rack

Using hot glue, attach a strand of beige rick-rack around perimeter of pie. This will be crust.

Repeat with other colors to make different pie flavors. For example, to make a pumpkin pie, skip lattice crust and add a white pompom for "whipped cream."

3. Paper Fork Garland

1. Prepare paper

Using a pencil, trace fork onto card stock. Don't trace tines.

Cut out card stock shapes, making sure to cut straight across top of each fork.

2. Cut tines

Draw four lines atop paper fork. Try your best to draw them at even intervals.

Cut along each line. Then, fold down strips next to first and last tines.

Cut away both folded strips. Repeat with remaining card stock.

3. Make garland

Cut a long strand of twine. You can also use ribbon or rope. Hot glue paper forks to twine. And just like that, you have a food-themed fall garland!

Display garland decor across table alongside turkey crackers and pie surprise balls. After the festivities have come and gone (or if you want to keep paper forks in good shape), use garland as quirky home decor and hang it on your fireplace mantel.

How to Customize Your Thanksgiving Garland

If you love the idea of a paper fork garland but want to take it up a notch, try these creative ideas:

• Add a tissue paper tassel between each fork to make a tassel garland.
• For a classic bunting look, hot glue paper triangles between forks.
• Emphasize the fall decor look by adding paper autumn leaves to the garland.
• Want to switch up the textures? Pair paper forks with felt leaves instead.

Here's to a very crafty turkey day celebration!