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thanksgiving decor

A trivet may be a utilitarian item that serves a rather prosaic purpose, but it can still bring style and beauty to your table.

In fact, whenever I buy anything for my home these days, I’ve been pausing to consider both form and function. I question not only if an item will be useful, but also whether I enjoy the aesthetic of it. This method has really helped me curate a space that feels joyful and inspiring.

Trivets are one of those necessities that are handy to have when you’re hosting a gathering, but have always been a bit of an afterthought for me. I’d throw a dish towel or pot holder under hot dishes and not think twice about it. But, I came to realize—after working so hard to set a beautiful table—I could extend that same thoughtfulness to the more practical items as well. 

So, I created a clay trivet with an eye-catching wavy shape that is hardy enough to withstand the weight of casseroles, pies, or even a Dutch oven full of soup. It’s easy to make, and makes a great gift as well. Whether you’re setting up a buffet or serving family-style dishes, this trivet will not only protect your table but also add a pop of pretty.

Steps

Step

1

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of parchment paper down to protect your work surface. Work a 2-ounce piece of clay between your hands for a few minutes to warm it up and make it more malleable.

Step

2

Roll the clay into a log that is approximately ½-inch in diameter and 16 inches long.

Step

3

Repeat the first two steps to create a second log of clay.

Step

4

Form the first log into a loose wavy shape with three waves.

Step

5

Form the second log into a tighter wavy shape with four waves.

Step

6

Join the ends of the two wave pieces together, and then pinch and smooth the clay to combine them into one piece. You’ll want to make sure the width of the trivet is able to accommodate the size of a large pan or casserole dish.

Step

7

Once you’re happy with the shape, pick up the parchment paper with the trivet still on it and carefully place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and let cool.

Step

8

Once your trivet has completely cooled, it’s ready for action in the kitchen!

DIY

We are no strangers to DIY home renovations at Semihandmade. After all, that’s where the idea for making doors for IKEA kitchen systems came from. So naturally, we had to dedicate an entire section of SemiStories to celebrating our design community’s ingenuity, from DIY kitchen ideas to thinking of smaller details like rattan glassware and easy-to-make wall hangings. Don’t just take it from us: we’ve tapped the best in the business. Anita Yokota shared her best trick for a $20 bathroom renovation, Jessica D’Itri Marés shared her favorite spray painter, and Jenna LeBlanc showed us how to give wall-to-wall storage a custom touch. Maybe you’re just dipping your toes in the world of do-it-yourself, in which case we recommend starting small: try your hand at making your own speckled candle holders, for example, or give your greenery an updated home with pretty stacked planters. If you have a handy side (maybe you’ve put together DIY kitchen cabinets or are not afraid to use a power tool), we have projects for you too: painting a hand-painted mural is a fun way to give your favorite room some life or maybe you’re game to try putting together your own TV cabinet like Sarah Sherman Samuel did (PS: she saved thousands in the process). Experts, we’ve got you covered too: from learning to tile and grout your own backsplash to painting your cabinets without a hitch, we have plenty of DIY kitchen renovation ideas to keep you busy. We don’t stop at the kitchen either: from wall-to-wall media centers to fluted doors made for playroom storage, you’ll find ideas to improve every room in the house