Tips For Creating Thanksgiving Centerpieces
Whether it's your first time holding a Thanksgiving gathering or your home is the tried and true favorite in your family, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere is nearly as important as the food. An autumn-themed floral centerpiece helps tie your table together and invokes that warm, comforting feeling of harvest time.
Sizing and Style
Above all else, Thanksgiving is about connecting with family and friends. Keep conversation in mind when designing your centerpiece so you don't end up with a tall display of blooms that will block your guests' view of others at the table. A good rule of thumb is to place your elbow on a flat surface with your arm pointing up: your arrangement shouldn't be any higher than your wrist.
Decide what kind of table you'll be presenting when choosing flowers. Sunflowers, mums and yarrow are good choices for more casual settings. If you're aiming for something a bit more formal, opt for dahlias, calla lilies or the ever-versatile rose. Adding in a bit of greenery can brighten up your bouquet, but don't go overboard. Season-appropriate fillers, like stalks of wheat, curly willow branches, flax and amaranth make festive additions to round out earth-toned arrangements.
Color Choice
Rich, earthy hues are a staple in fall arrangements, but don't be afraid to add a splash of color, particularly if it will match your table. Round out your arrangement with deep reds, golden yellows and creamy beige blossoms, then brighten it up with a few strategically-placed pink roses or large lavender hyacinths. Monochromatic centerpieces keep things simple and elegant, while large sprays of complementary colors convey bounty and a hint of playfulness.
Container Creativity
Thanksgiving centerpieces offer an excellent opportunity for stepping outside the box when it comes to containers. While a simple vase is fine, harvest-inspired options like wicker baskets, cornucopias and bark-covered canisters bring the crisp feeling of fall to your table. If you're pulling out the fine china for your feast, consider creating your centerpiece in a large dish that won't be used, like a low soup tureen. Lining the bottom of your container with floral foam or thin chicken wire will help you arrange your stems just the way you want them.
If you've never made your own flower arrangement before, contact your local flower shop, such as http://www.marineflorists.com, to get some ideas on which blooms to buy and how to care for them so they'll last as long as possible. If you'd rather not do the work, most florists will create the centerpiece of your dreams if you give them ideas on the look you're trying to achieve.