I love a good pumpkin as much as the next person. Carved, stuffed with flowers, decoupaged, don’t get me wrong – they’re mighty versatile! But have you considered gourds lately? They’re a personal favorite of mine because, well, you can just get downright funky with gourds!
The History of Gourds
No, there will not be a test, but you do need to look gourd-smart for your guests!
- Gourds have been cultivated all over the globe for thousands of years, including caveman years
- Gourds are actually a member of the pumpkin/squash family
- Gourds have been used since pre-historic times for storing supplies, hauling water, eating utensils, musical instruments – you name it!
- Gourds are a bit like kudzu. They are quite prolific and will climb everything within their area: fences, buildings, hillsides, cars that have been parked in one place too long, Grandma if she doesn’t move fast enough …
- Gourds are huge in the Southeast as birdhouses, attracting the purple martin to take up residence where, in turn, the purple martin gathers mosquitoes for dinner
- There really are juried Gourd Shows around the country this time of year
- There is an American Gourd Society, headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana
- There is a Gourd Museum near Helen, Georgia (I’ve been there)
- There are decorated gourds on display at The United States Botanic Gardens in Washington, D.C. (which make them Federally-Funded Gourds)
Digital Gourd chart © Dan Dunkin 2003 This chart is used courtesy The Gourd Reserve
Capturing the fancy of artists, now that they’re not needed as much for bowls, spoons, flutes and the like – gourds come in all sizes and shapes to make the perfect do-it-yourself table decorations for Thanksgiving!
Here’s a good site with step-by-step instruction on how to make your own gourd turkey. This guy goes all the way to a detail-painted turkey, but I can envision stopping here, then nestling this little “deconstructed” turkey into a nest of dried magnolia leaves, then inserting some red berries around for color. You could also use a little furniture polish or spray him with a clear glaze to perk him up even more!
Another idea? Find some “balloon” gourds like these. 
Turn them over on their side or give them some turkey feet and let them stand up, then start gluing! Silk fall leaves, feathers, real dried fall leaves – you can make a turkey tail out of about anything. 
Even candy! Add a beak and a pair of eyes and a turkey wattle, maybe a cute little raffia bow and voila!
Let’s keep the gourd theme going. Hollow out some gourd cousins (squash for the uninitiated) and pop in a tea light!
Get some craft wire and make gourd place card holders! 
And for heaven’s sakes – don’t forget the favors! 
Celebrating do-it-yourself Thanksgiving Decorations made with gourds today!
Please remember to Celebrate Something Everyday!
