Thanksgiving entertaining tips from Rochelle Trotter - FOX 35 News Orlando

Need some last minute ideas to dress up your thanksgiving table? Entertaining consultant and Chat Room fixture Rochelle Trotter joined Good Day with some creative ideas.

FLAMING HURRICANE CENTERPIECE

This very eco-friendly, easy to make centerpiece is truly beautiful when the candle inside is lit and the fallen leaves literally "dance with light" as flames. Using materials many already have around the house it's also quite inexpensive and a very good option for a last minute Fall or Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Special note: It's important that the fallen leaves are NOT allowed to dry out. If you find ones you like simply store them between slightly damp paper towels in a Ziploc bag. Once ready to assemble simply pat them dry carefully.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

• Assorted leaves (see Special Note above)
• Glass fluted hurricane holder or other vase
• Candle (size will depend on the height of the hurricane holder
• Spray adhesive OR double stick tape
• Uncooked popcorn kernels
• Raffia or other ribbon (optional)

ASSEMBLY

1. Ensure leaves are dried off but NOT crispy dry.
2. Spread them out on a worksurface which is protected by newspaper.
3. Wearing gloves, spray the adhesive on the back of the leaves, working one at a time.
4. Position the leaves on the glass hurricane and press firmly into place until adhered.
5. Pour the popcorn into the jar to desired height.
6. Position the candle in the middle of the popcorn and press down until secured.
7. Tie raffia or ribbon around the base of the hurricane.
8. Spread remaining leaves around the base for a festive, informal runner.

GOLD LEAF GOURDS

These beautiful gourds will surely impress your guests, especially when they learn how inexpensive they are to make! Simply pair with seasonal greens and present in groupings for a stunning inexpensive centerpiece.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

• Various shaped gourds
• Gold leaf kit***
• Craft paper to protect the work surface
• Various greens

ASSEMBLY

1. Protect your work surface with the craft paper.
2. Ensure all dirt is removed from the gourds.
3. Apply the gold leaf adhesive to the gourds.
4. Apply the gold leaf one sheet at a time, gently pressing into place with a foam brush.
5. Apply sealant to the completed product.

Assemble the gourds any way you wish, varying the height with risers or mixing various greens with them. ***If you are short on time and wish to achieve a similar look simply use spray paint.

1. Ensure you spray the gourds evenly and allow at least 2 hours to dry.
2. Seal with a matte finish spray sealer (such as Krylon) to finish.

BONUS RECIPE: COOKIE PILGRIMS

These little turkeys are easy to make and a fun project for the kids while you are busy cooking and entertaining guests for Thanksgiving. Let the kids be creative and don't try to make these look perfect. No two turkeys look the same so just relax and enjoy!

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

• Whoppers
• Double Stuff Oreos
• Candy corn
• Mini peanutbutter cups
• Chocolate icing
• Yellow icing

ASSEMBLY

1. Place a small amount of icing in the side of one cookie.
2. Place 4 or 5 pieces of candy corn into the side with the icing.
3. Put a small amount of icing on the bottom of the cooking, and stick it to the "base."
4. Allow to dry for 30 minutes.
5. Cut a small slice off of the end of the peanut butter cup.
6. Flip the cookies over and put frosting on the cup in order to adhere, ensuring cut side is aligned with the base.
7. Use icing to attach a whopper above the peanut butter cup.
8. While drying, cut the white tip off of a candy corn and adhere to the whopper, creating the "beak." Use yellow icing for this adhesion.
9. Put two yellow dots on the whopper to create the "eyes" of the turkey.
10. Put a small dab of chocolate frosting on the yellow eyes.
11. You can draw on little yellow feet if desired once the assembly is completely set.