Guide to Fresh Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Nothing beats fresh flowers on a Thanksgiving table. To me, it’s not a special family event without them. As a kid, long before I ever knew what a florist was, I would set the table with the special china, wine glasses, the silverware passed down from my grandmother and even a set of turkey-shaped salt and pepper shaker’s. But the table wasn’t complete without the flowers. And since it’s 2020, there’s even more reason to treat ourselves and the ones we love to fresh flowers on their own table. I’ve also talked with so many customers who feel that since they can’t be with the ones they love this year, then you can do the next best thing and send a fresh floral gift to send love to their family and friends.

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But, what is the right centerpiece to send for Thanksgiving? It depends on who it’s for. In our florist shop in Leesburg, VA we create new designs ranging from classic to modern and we guide our clients in pairing the right flowers to the person receiving them. You should send something different to Grandma than to your sister, nephew or daughter.

Here are 5 different designs with my suggestions for who to send them to:

Style # 1 – Traditional Centerpiece

“Grace” as we’re calling it here in our floral design studio, is a timeless Thanksgiving centerpiece. This is a universal design that is low to the table and will appeal to family and friends of ALL ages. And because the candles in this arrangement are built right in, it’s a space saver as well. It also bodes the classic colors of fall like orange, red, yellow, green and a touch of blue.

Full of long-lasting flowers like sunflowers, carnations, mums, berries and thistle – this arrangement will stay fresh even though the house might be warm from cooking and that toasty fire.

#2 – Classic Cornucopia Centerpiece

The cornucopia – the symbol of Thanksgiving. We named this one “Bountiful Harvest”. Again the seasonal colors are cascading from a woven basket in shades of orange, red, yellow and green. Long-lasting flowers of mums, roses, berries, thistle and Solidago will be sure to please.

This style is perfect for the older crowd like grandparents, and perhaps those with young kids who may be learning about the history of Thanksgiving.

#3 – Basket Centerpiece

The basket arrangement is another timeless arrangement. We are calling this one “Gathered Stems” reminiscent of fresh picked flowers from the Fall garden – more of an English garden-style look here.

This arrangement would be perfect for the dining table, but also a kitchen island, coffee table or bedside table. That makes this design ideal for all ages, but leans more towards the women in your life like mom, grandma, Aunt Ginny, etc.

#4 – Modern Cylinder Centerpiece

A more modern style of centerpiece includes a leaf-lined vase and a softer color palette. Copper mums, peach roses, champagne roses, Monte Casino with accents of Agonis and lemon leaves. We are calling this design “Spiced Latte” , which beautifully marries more quintessential fall colors with subdued tones.

This arrangement is perfect for a younger or more artistic crowd who would prefer a modern version of Thanksgiving. This piece is ideal for a friend, younger moms, a special client and those who like a more artistic design, and also a more unconventional combination of colors.

#5 – Wood Box Centerpiece

A wood box has become a rustic and autumnal alternative to a glass vase. This design marries the classic colors with a unique design style. Sunflowers, Billy Balls, Alstromeria, Yarrow Veronica and Stock are accented by Eucalyptus and Agonis.

This arrangement is perfect for recipient who is as lively as this combination of flowers. This piece can sit on a table, buffet, coffee table or bedside table. Ideal for grandparents, parents, sons and daughters who need a pick-me-up built into their Thanksgiving centerpiece.

And as always, if you need assistance in choosing, please call your local florist. They are the experts who can find the right centerpiece for the right occasion and in your budget. Cheers to a very Happy Thanksgiving!