The Thanksgiving tables where most of us dined as children usually took their decor cues from the harvest, incorporating natural elements that celebrated the season. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to make a cornucopia or a dried corn husk fit in with a clean-lined dining table or a contemporary table cloth. 

Folks with all tastes should be able to make their homes a little more special with some seasonal decor, so we went searching for some modern DIY and craft projects that say "autumn" without feeling like you've been transported to the pumpkin farm.

Driftwood takes on a totally new look with a simple wrap of boldly-colored yarn, from Poppytalk.

Dana applied a coat of spray paint  to give the traditional acorn wreath a contemporary twist.

A white tree branch looks fresh when thoughtfully displayed. This one might work as a temporary decoration hung with string, where your guests could add their "I'm thankful for..." cards.

This tree branch chandelier spied at Apartment Therapy requires a bit more work, but you could unveil your good work on Thanksgiving, and leave it up year 'round.

Crafty author and designer Betz White shows you how to play with texture by creating felt acorns.

Lastly, here's two how-tos I whipped up for my own Thanksgiving table this year:

Place card stands from tree branches (printable templates included)

And matching napkin rings, made from free found found limbs.

What other tricks do you know to mod up your seasonal decor?

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