Thanksgiving is a time to gather and give thanks. Make this DIY cornucopia basket with rope. It is a symbol of a bountiful harvest for your table.
A DIY cornucopia basket is easy to make with three main supplies: chicken wire, burlap, and sisal rope. You shape the wire into a horn, wrap it in burlap, then glue the rope around it. The whole project takes [[WENDY: confirm, about 2 hours?]] and costs far less than a store-bought cornucopia basket.
You can find links to all of the beautiful fall inspiration at the bottom of this post. Now, let’s dive into how to make a cornucopia that will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving decor.
Why Make a Cornucopia Basket with Rope
If you want a quick and easy way to add fall decor to your Thanksgiving table, making a cornucopia basket is the way to go!
Store-bought cornucopia baskets are usually woven wicker. They look fine, but they all look the same. A rope cornucopia has more texture and a rustic, handmade feel. You also get to choose the size, so it fits your table instead of the other way around.
With just a few materials and a little bit of time, you can make your own version of this traditional harvest symbol. Let’s get started!
A Brief History of the Cornucopia Basket
How did the cornucopia become a symbol of abundance?
The story comes from Greek mythology. As an infant, Zeus was nursed by Amalthea, who is often described as a goat. One day Zeus broke off one of her horns. The horn then filled itself with fruit and flowers, and it never ran empty. It became known as the “Horn of Plenty.”
Another version of the story involves Heracles. He wrestled the river god Achelous, who took the form of a bull, and broke off one of his horns. That horn also became a horn of plenty.
The cornucopia later showed up in American harvest celebrations. Today, we continue the tradition by making cornucopia crafts for Thanksgiving. No matter which story you believe, we know what this beautiful object means: plenty!
Supply List to Make a DIY Cornucopia Basket with Rope
Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your homemade cornucopia. You can simply click on the links to shop for the supplies.
A quick note on rope. Sisal rope is stiff and holds its shape well. It also frays nicely, which you will want for the edge trim. Jute rope is softer and a little darker in color. Either works, but sisal gives the cleaner look you see in my photos.
How to Make a DIY Cornucopia Basket with Rope
There are three steps. First, form the horn shape with chicken wire. Second, cover it in burlap. Third, wrap it in rope. Here is how each step works.
Step One: Form the Cornucopia
I love making things with rope. (Have you seen my cute rope pumpkins or this gorgeous fall rope wreath?) So, of course, I was excited to create this handmade cornucopia.
To begin, cut a piece of chicken wire large enough to form a cone. Roll the chicken wire into a cone shape. Twist the cut wire ends together so the cone holds its shape. This creates the base for your large cornucopia basket.
Next, trim the open end of the cone to your desired size. I trimmed off about 8 inches, but you can adjust it to whatever feels right for your table.
To give it that classic cornucopia look, bend the tip of the cone upward. This quick step turns it into the familiar horn shape. Now it is ready to fill with fruit and fall decorations!
Step Two: Wrap the Cornucopia in Burlap
Once you have shaped your chicken wire, wrap the entire frame with burlap fabric. Secure it in place with hot glue as you go. The burlap hides the wire and gives the rope something to grip.
As you attach the fabric, leave approximately 3 inches of extra material at the opening. Fold that extra burlap into the mouth of the cornucopia and glue it down. This gives you a clean finished edge.
Step Three: Wrap the DIY Cornucopia with Rope
Now cover the entire horn in sisal rope. I used a 1/4″ rope. Start at the tip of the horn and work your way down the frame. Add a line of hot glue, press the rope into it, and keep each wrap snug against the one before it.
In the photo above, you’ll notice I stopped wrapping once I reached the bend in the cornucopia. I left the middle section near the bend unwrapped for now. I’ll explain why in just a moment!
After leaving the middle unwrapped, I continued wrapping the rest of the cornucopia. I worked from the bend all the way to the opening. I made sure the entire wire frame was covered in rope.
Remember that middle section I left unwrapped? Now I’m going to show you why!
I cut individual pieces of rope and glued them into the gap between the two wrapped sections. I left about 3 inches of rope hanging past the edge on each end.
Once that center section was filled in, I frayed the loose ends. This gives the top of the cornucopia a fun, textured fringe!
I found this to be the best way to wrap the rounded edge. You may be able to use one continuous rope on a smaller basket. My cornucopia was very large, so this was the method that worked. I also love the look of the frayed trim on the top of the basket.
You can watch my quick YouTube video to see this step in more detail.
Tips for a Clean Rope Wrap
- Work in short sections. Glue about 6 inches at a time so the glue does not set before the rope is pressed in.
- Keep the wraps tight. Gaps show the burlap underneath, and they are hard to fix later.
- Wrap tape around the rope before you cut it. This keeps the cut end from unraveling until you are ready to fray it on purpose.
- Hide the rope ends. Tuck the final end under the last wrap and glue it down.
Cornucopia Centerpiece Ideas: How to Fill and Style It
The final step is to style your cornucopia basket. One of my favorite things about this fall craft is that it’s so versatile. You can style it in so many different ways!
Here are my favorite cornucopia decorating ideas for what to put inside:
- Pumpkins and gourds. Mix sizes and colors. White, orange, and dark green look great together.
- Fresh fruit. Apples, pears, pomegranates, and grapes spill out beautifully.
- Nuts in the shell. Walnuts, pecans, and acorns fill the small gaps.
- Greens and leaves. Pine, magnolia, eucalyptus, or dried fall leaves add height at the opening.
- Texture. Pinecones, feathers, wheat stems, and rusty bells give it character.
Where you place it matters too. You can display it on your coffee table filled with mini pumpkins or fall foliage. Or, welcome guests by placing it on a console table in the front entryway for an instant festive touch.
If you’re hosting for the holidays, try placing it on your kitchen island as part of a Thanksgiving buffet. Fill it with your favorite appetizers and snacks.
However you choose to style it, your DIY rope cornucopia will be the perfect seasonal addition to your home!
My Thanksgiving Cornucopia Centerpiece
I decided to use my cornucopia as a centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table. As you may know, I love entertaining outdoors. Our rustic farmhouse table is the perfect spot for hosting a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, and this cornucopia adds just the right touch.
To set the table, I started by using a blanket instead of a traditional tablecloth. The texture and fringe of the blanket bring warmth and character to the setup. It feels extra inviting for the season.
To fill my DIY rope cornucopia, I started with fresh pine greens around the opening. I picked them off a tree in my yard.
Then, I added dried leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, feathers, and a few rusty bells for character to complete the look!
Use Your Cornucopia After Thanksgiving
Do not pack it away after the turkey is gone. A rope cornucopia works for Christmas too. Swap the pumpkins for pinecones, fresh evergreen clippings, red berries, and a few glass ornaments. Add a string of battery lights tucked inside for an evening glow. The neutral rope goes with any holiday color.
More Cornucopia Craft Ideas
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try dyeing sisal rope in different colors to match your decor!
Or, try experimenting with a different material. You can make a cornucopia out of paper, or even weave a cornucopia basket from grapevine. The beauty of this craft is its flexibility!
Other Thanksgiving DIYS and Decor from WM Design House
If you loved this DIY sisal rope cornucopia, you might also enjoy some of these other Thanksgiving-inspired centerpieces.
DIY Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece
DIY Pumpkin and Magnolia Centerpiece
Simple Floral Arrangement with Dried and Foraged Fall Flowers
DIY Cornucopia Basket FAQs
For a dining table centerpiece, 18 to 24 inches long is a good size. It fills the center of the table without blocking the view across it. For a coffee table or entry console, 12 to 15 inches is plenty. Mine is on the large side at [[WENDY: confirm length]] because it lives on our long farmhouse table.
Plan on [[WENDY: confirm, 50 to 100 feet?]] of 1/4 inch sisal rope for a large basket. A thicker 1/2 inch rope covers more area per wrap, so you need less of it. Buy a little more than you think you need. Running out mid-wrap is frustrating, and the extra rope is handy for the fringe trim.
Yes, with one step first. Line the inside with a cloth napkin, parchment paper, or a small basket liner. Whole fruit, nuts in the shell, and wrapped rolls are fine. Skip anything wet or cut, since the burlap and rope will absorb moisture and stain.
Empty it, brush out any leaves or crumbs, and let it air out for a day. Stuff the inside with tissue paper or a towel so the horn keeps its shape. Store it in a lidded plastic bin in a dry spot. Avoid the garage or attic if they get damp, because natural rope can mildew.
A foam floral cone, a rolled sheet of heavy poster board, or a store-bought wicker cornucopia all work as a base. Poster board is the easiest for a small basket. Chicken wire is still the best choice for a large one, because it holds the curved horn shape without sagging.
Wrapping Up
What will you use to fill your DIY cornucopia basket? Yours may be filled with fruit, nuts, or fall foliage. You could even make mini cornucopias as a fun craft project for kids, or use them as place cards for your holiday table.
I hope you enjoyed this fun tutorial. Give it a try to add a beautiful centerpiece to your Thanksgiving table. Please be sure to send me a picture; I would love to see what you have created.
Happy Thanksgiving!
More Thanksgiving Ideas and Inspiration
If you see something you love, click on the links to visit my friends’ blogs.
Bluesky at Home – 11 Thanksgiving Place Setting Ideas
Peacock Ridge Farm – Thanksgiving Tablescape for a Feast
Midwest Life and Style – Thanksgiving Table on a Budget
Everyday Edits – Tips for a Kids’ Thanksgiving Table
Hen and Horse Design – Thanksgiving Holiday Hash
Sonata Home Design – Easy and Colorful Thanksgiving Decor Idea
WM Design House – Thanksgiving Cornucopia
Masterpieces of My Life – Guide to the Thanksgiving Table
Perfecting Places – Easy DIY Thanksgiving Pinecone Wreath
More about me!
Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.
I absolutely adore this project! You did a great job, Wendy! You will be featured this week on Whimsy Home Wednesday No. 107! Stay tuned! Thanks for sharing your talent at the party!
LOVE this DIY, Wendy and that it can be scaled up or down to fit into any home decor! Thank you for sharing, we will be featuring you this week! Creatively, Beth
This is brilliant, and I love how it turned out! Visiting from the Senior Salon Pit Stop linkup.
This is such an amazing project. Gorgeous! Your Thanksgiving table is so beautiful and welcoming!
Such a creative and cute idea!
Wendy, great idea for a Thanksgiving decoration. I have a woven cornecopia but I’ve never thought to make one. Believe it or not, I have all the ingredients to make your lovely project. Such a nice Thanksgiving tradition. Thank you so much for sharing at Celebrate the Holiday.
Thank you, Carol. It was pretty easy to make, however, I may have made it sightly smaller next time.
I love your cornucopia Wendy! It’s the quintessential piece for a Thanksgiving feast. You did us an amazing job and I love how you used your materials. And the styling is stunning. Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours. XO- MaryJo
This is all so pretty Wendy. I love the colors you’ve used and the textures. You’ve inspired me to take out my cornucopia and get creating!
Thank you, Susan, I wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.
Wendy
This is such a great project.
Thank you Rachel.
Wendy, this is such a beautiful Thanksgiving project! You’re so creative, my friend!
Thank you, Kim. Your words mean the world to me.
This is STUNNING, Wendy. I absolutely love it. I want to make a cornucopia for my Thanksgiving table this year and I’m going to use yours as inspiration. Pinned!
Thank you, Jen. It is fairly easy to make. However, I would suggest making yours a bit smaller than I did. Only because it became heavy from all of the rope.
Such a beautiful DIY! And I love learning the mythology behind the cornucopia!
Thank you, Missy. I hope you are enjoying the fall season and getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This is so inspiring! I love how you personalized your cornucopia! Thank you for sharing your beautiful decor ideas!
Thank you, Robyn. I always enjoy sharing with you.
Wendy, your cornucopia is amazing! I need to make one. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much Renae!
OK, this is really clever!! Definitely have to remember this one!
Thank you so much Jennifer!
Wendy, I think this is my favorite fall DIY, it’s so creative and classic. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Thank you so much Ann, I agree that the cornucopia is so classic and will always be in style. I hope you are enjoying that beautiful fall weather you are having.
The cutest ideas! I love your DIY cornucopia so much! So much fun to party with you!
Happy day!
KariAnne
Thank you KariAnne, It is always a treat to share with you too!
Wendy what a gorgeous centerpiece! It looks so beautiful! I want to make this one.
Thank you STacy, my advice would be to make it smaller than mine was as it was rather heavy, lol!
This is such a pretty DIY project! Perfect for Thanksgiving. Can’t wait to share it tomorrow. Pinned
Wendy,
This is such a clever idea and I’m so excited to share it tomorrow on the roundup
Thank you Rachel. The round-up was so fun and full of amazing inspiration for Thanksgiving.
Wendy this is stunning! Saving this for Thanksgiving! And I hope you will consider linking up on a link party I just started cohosting for a chance to be featured because I love this idea my friend!
https://www.ourtinynest.com/2022/10/05/wednesday-link-party/
Hi Nicole, I am so excited you love my idea and for sure I will be linking up. Thank you for letting me know and sending me the link. I hope you re having a great weekend.
Just popping in to say I love this DIY and will be featuring it this week on Farmhouse Friday! It’s seriously gorgeous and so clever! Thank you so much for linking up. Please link up again soon. Happy Fall! Pinned
Thank you so much Cindy, I am very honored. I appreciate you hosting the link party so much.
Wendy, your cornucopia turned out great!! I’ve thought of making one but haven’t got around to it. Maybe this year! 🙂 Enjoy yours decorated for fall and I’m happy that I was able to feature your post at Share Your Style #361 this week for you. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend and happy fall,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Hi Barbara, thank you so much and I apologize for getting back to you so late. I have been traveling. I was at the interest conference, and now I am at the Achieve conference with no internet. UGH!
Thank you for the feature, I so appreciate you sharing my blog post. Hugs rights back to you.
Wendy this is so clever! Love the cinnamon rust and your beautiful pumpkins.
Thank you so much, I am so honored. Have a great weekend.
Amazing project, Wendy!! So creative with your materials!!
Thank you, Rachel. I have just discovered this fun way to make things look rusty, now I want to put cinnamon on everything, LOL.
Wendy, this turned out amazing! I love this idea! Please share at our Home Imagined Party (ends today, Thursday at 5pm). Great job! Hope to see you there.
Oh Man, I missed it, I will get there next week I promise. What day and time does your party start?
Great project! Your Thanksgiving table will be amazing!
Thank you Missy, I am looking forward to hosting Thanskgiving.
I love how pretty this turned out! I’ve always loved cornucopias! Great job Wendy!
Thank you Susan, It was a very fun project to work on, kept my brain going for sure.
Came out great Wendy! I like how the sisel is frayed. Nice decorative touch.
Thank you Kathy! I had to come up with an interesting way to cover that rounded bottom and the loose ends helped. It does add a nice touch.