Pressed-Leaf Thanksgiving Place Cards: A Simple Keepsake

Pressed leaves make each place card feel personal without crowding the table. This guide pairs a single flat leaf with folded cardstock, leaving enough space for a guest’s name and a short handwritten note.

Choose materials that suit the project

Choose dry leaves with intact edges and press them between absorbent sheets inside a heavy book for several days. Test the arrangement on scrap paper first; thin leaves are delicate, so a glue stick or tiny dots of craft glue work better than a heavy wet coat.

Make it neatly

Use similarly sized cards for a calm table setting. If the cards will be handled often, seal the leaf lightly with a clear matte craft medium after the glue has dried, testing on a spare leaf first.

Display and store

Let adhesives and finishes dry completely before styling the finished piece. Keep it away from damp surfaces and direct heat, and store it flat or in a shallow box so delicate details stay in place.