Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece

We are having a very simple Thanksgiving this year...just the four of us,

but I still like to create a special table...

and then let my kids add their own special touch.

Well, I had this idea for Halloween and never quite finished posting it...

but I did manage to tweak that idea for this holiday!

This centerpiece is my contribution to this years #Thanksgiving Table!

I have long used beans in decorating (I think I first saw the idea in the pages of Martha Stewart back in the mid to late '90's...and well know I have taken to dyeing my beans to get the color I want! (don't be afraid, its easy and if you really are afraid I have a couple of no-dye options too)

MAKE IT!
The first part of this process is dyeing your beans. I chose Lima beans for this because I wanted them BIG!

• Rit Dye, Liquid, Citrus Orange. I also used the powder dye in Sunshine Orange to dye some beans (see photo below instructions)
• 1 bag Lima Beans
• Plastic bucket or container for dyeing
• Colander (helpful, not necessary)
• Large baking sheet/parchment paper for drying (optional)
• Protective gloves (unless you like orange hands)

1. Prepare the Rit Dye as directed on the package - I did add a little extra water (1-2 cups).
2. Place the dry beans into the container (I used a plastic "shoe box")
3. Let the beans soak for at least one hour, maybe longer...it depends on the color you want. I tried times from 30 minutes to 2 hours and had various color results (see below)
4. Remove the beans from the dye: I found the best way to do this was to use a funnel and pour off the dye into a jar (or another container). You can also use a slotted spoon to remove the beans from the liquid.
5. I placed my beans in a colander and rinsed them with cold water. NOTE: You may be able to tell from the photos that some of the beans opened up...and I LOVED it - I think it made them even more unique.
6. Now, 2 weeks ago it was still 90 degrees here and the beans dried quickly, but not anymore...so place the beans, single layer, on a lined cookie sheet and bake for about 2+ hours on a baking sheet at 250.
7. If the beans are not dry, they can mold due to the moisture.
8. Let cool.

Here are some color variances I had based on dyeing times

OPTIONS
If you do NOT want to dye beans, try using (unpopped) popcorn, Mayacoba beans (the are yellowish), kidney beans, or lentils.

Now let's finish this!

I decided to use battery operated candles. I have not replenished my candle collection yet since the move (they would not let me move most of my candles!). Home Depot has these really nice Birch Bark Candles for about $7-$8 each, depending on size. I am normally not a battery operated candle fan...but I really like these...I thought that they are versatile! They also have tapers.

(And of course you can use any candles!)

I also got out one of my favorite trays (Sandra Lee Collection from Sears)...but you can use silver, wood, whatever matches your decor!

Arrange the candles on the tray, and pour the beans all around.

That's it---so easy!

And it looks so pretty with my Burlap Table Runner from last year!

And you better believe...

that I will replace the orange beans with

kidney beans or cranberries for Christmas!

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre