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Create a Beautiful DIY Thanksgiving Hostess Gift (Tin Can Craft)

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This year, ditch the usual bottle of wine or box of chocolates as a Thanksgiving hostess gift and opt for something unique (and DIY).

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the food, but let’s be honest – we all know that the real star of the show is the hostess.

After all, without her (or him!), there would be no Thanksgiving feast for us to enjoy.

That’s why it’s important to show your appreciation with a thoughtful hostess gift.

It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, but you never want to show up empty-handed.

Go for something unexpected – like a beautiful upcycled tin can door hanger.

These adorable planters are super easy to make, and they can be used year after year by the recipient.

Plus, they’re a great way to dress up a front door for the holiday season.

When you see how quickly this hostess gift comes together you will want to make one for yourself too!

Thanksgiving hostess gift on counter

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It’s the 2nd Friday of the month which means it’s time for this month’s Thrifty Style Team’s challenge. 🙂

A big thank you to Julie from Redhead Can Decorate for hosting this monthly event. It is something I look forward to each month and I’m sure you do too!

Continue reading to the end of this post so you can see all of the thrifty Thanksgiving decorating and recipe ideas.

thrifty style team thanksgiving graphic

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Idea

Like so many of you, I’m in my element this time of year.

I’m one of those annoying people you see planning their Christmas decor in July and counting down the days until it’s reasonably acceptable to put up their Christmas Tree!

So I’m super excited to share this hostess gift idea with you. If you follow me on Pinterest you may have seen my tin can wall pocket planters.

They were my most popular project (so far) in 2022. I had so much fun making them and was thrilled they were so popular.

There is a little trick to making them though and once you make one you become obsessed with “all things smashed cans”.

I’m not kidding when I say there was a viral TikTok trend for “smashed can crafts”.

Whenever I see unique things made out of tin I automatically think about smashing it. 🙂

Let me show you what’s involved so you can get in on the fun!

Supplies Needed to Make a Smashed Can Door Hanger

  • Thankful Tin Can Planter – mine was from Dollar Tree but you can also find them at Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabric and Crafts
  • Free Thanksgiving gift tags HERE
  • Floral Foam
  • Assorted greenery or floral stems of your choice
  • Hammer
  • Wire Cutters
always be thankful tin can

How to Make a Smashed Can Door Hanger

Step 1. Remove the tin can bottom

The hardest part about tin can crafts is finding a can that will work with a can opener.

See how this can has a small lip:

using can opener to remove tin can bottom

Not all tin cans are made with this. In fact, lots of food cans have flat bottoms so they won’t work with this craft.

If you ever see someone in the grocery store checking out the bottoms of soup and vegetable cans, chances are they are a fellow crafter!

When I spotted this planter at Dollar Tree I was so happy to see it would work with a can opener.

Be sure to set aside the lid for later.

tin can bottom

Step 2. Flatten the bottom of the tin can

It’s necessary to remove the bottom of the can so you can flatten it to make a wall pocket or hanging planter.

flattening bottom of tin can

Start by pressing the bottom of the can down to press it closed.

You should be able to press it almost completely flat with your hand.

flattening bottom of tin can planter

Step 3. Seal the bottom of the can

When you have the can almost fully closed you can switch to a hammer.

using hammer to flatten tin can

Then tighten the bottom by using wire cutters to press all along the edges.

sealing tin can bottom

Step 4. Add floral foam and greenery

The next step is to place a piece of floral foam into the can. You can just cut a piece that will fit into the middle.

It does not have to fit the entire can. Then just add your choice of greenery, faux flowers, fall leaves, or whatever you like.

faux greenery from Decocrated winter box

I added a pine stem bunch from the Decocrated winter subscription box. It fit perfectly!

Step 5. Add twine for hanging

Now you want to hot glue a piece of twine or ribbon for hanging.

gluing twine

Since the can has a flat bottom you’ve created a wall pocket that can be hung, or placed in a bookcase for a pretty display.

Thanksgiving wall planter

Add a cute gift tag and you’re all set to surprise your hostess with a pretty planter they can use year after year (long after the chocolates are gone)!

hostess gift idea with greenery

What do you think of this super simple tin can craft?

You can use this same idea for Christmas too with a seasonal tin. It would look so pretty with red berries and poinsettias.

thanksgiving hostess gift standing

Do you remember I told you to set aside the can bottom? Here is a sneak peek of the ornament I made with it:

tin can bottom ornament

I’ll share a full tutorial for this next week…with the adorable vintage graphic.

I really hope you enjoyed this easy Thanksgiving craft.

Don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know if you give this pretty DIY a try.

If you are looking for the perfect cocktail to serve your 21+ guests, this Thanksgiving Mimosa is a favorite!

Thanksgiving mimosa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy the rest of the amazing Thrifty Style Team ideas below.

Thanksgiving thrifty style team pin collage

Thrifty Thanksgiving Decorating and Recipe Ideas with the Thrifty Style Team

Redhead Can Decorate – How to Create I Miss My Mom Tablescape

Our Crafty Mom – Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Idea

I Should Be Mopping the Floor – Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece

The How to Home – Fresh Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoess

DIY Beautify – Pleated DIY Paper Table Runner for Thanksgiving

2 Bees in a Pod – Olive Thanksgiving Tablescape

The Tattered Pew – Free Thanksgiving Place Cards

Cottage on Bunker Hill – Make Ahead Holiday Breakfast Baked Goods

Amy Sadler Designs – Heirloom Pumpkin Kitchen Dish Towel

Simple Nature Decor – Pine Cone Napkin Ring for Rustic Thanksgiving Tablescape

Zucchini Sisters – Thanksgiving Door Hanger Dollar Tree DIY

Sonya Burgess – Styling a Simple Thrifted Thanksgiving Table

Wait…there are even more fall home decorating ideas and recipes below:

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Hazel Avery

Monday 21st of November 2022

I love these hostess gift ideas. How fun! I think they will look great with the new cabinet painting I'm wanting to get. Thanks for the ideas.

Mary Beth

Friday 18th of November 2022

You seriously are so creative and have the most wonderful DIY ideas! Happy Thanksgiving, friend! xo

Vicki and Jenn 2 Bees in a Pod

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

Just stop the cuteness! Michelle - you are so very creative. Your tin planter is absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about smashed can crafts. Happy Thanksgiving!

Cindy

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

This is such a fun idea Michelle and something I'd be proud to gift! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!

Kristi

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

What a clever idea, Michelle! I absolutely love it. Would be fun as a door pocket, too, in place of a traditional wreath. xoxo, kristi

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