There’s something special about the Thanksgiving table. It’s where family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company, share in a delicious meal and give thanks. It’s where we set each place with our best dinnerware to make our guests feel special. And, the right centerpiece can set the stage for an even more beautiful, elevated experience.
One of our favorite ways to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece is to use the bounty of the harvest season as inspiration. Think mini pumpkins, gourds, dried (or fresh) mums, herbs, shelled nuts and root vegetables.
Find Your Base: For a touch of whimsy, the Pumpkin Patch Table Runner is a great place to start. It’s perfect on its own layered over a wooden table or layered over a solid color table linen. Or start with a multi-color Fall Gingham as a base and layer in the Fete Collection with a complementary color for a bit of table texture.
Autumn also is a wonderful season to use the bounty as centerpieces! With so many gourds, squashes, plants, flowers and decorative crops in beautiful colors, there are so many combinations that will work well on any Thanksgiving table. Perhaps you’ll choose a larger pumpkin to sit pride of place right in the center of the table, or if you wish, a tight, short pre-made bouquet from the florist or grocery store (short is best so guests can talk without any visual obstacles). Then, tap into your creative self and start arranging down the rest of the runner.
Build It Up: We suggest starting with some of the larger items first. Unusual shapes and bumpy textures are welcome in this arrangement, as fall’s gourds offer up a striking visual. Once you’re pleased with the larger items in your arrangement, fill in any gaps with shelled nuts, floral clippings, fresh herbs–even unscented candles in votives will do the trick.
Make It Easy: If you’d prefer a centerpiece that’s easy to move once dinner begins (because we know turkey and sides take up a lot of room!), you can never go wrong with a classic cornucopia. You can find basket weave styles at any craft store. Center it on the table and go to town filling it with real or faux mini pumpkins and gourds, florals, Indian corn and faux leaves. Be sure to have plenty to spill out for a scattered effect.
Personal Touch: To personalize it, think about adding photos of family members who may have passed as a sweet nod to their memory or write down thoughts of gratitude on small colorful cards and tuck them among the centerpiece for all to see.
