Thanksgiving is a time of harvest. We celebrate not only the bounty of the field, but also our blessings with family and friends. Traditionally the dining room table is the center of the Thanksgiving celebration, yet we are always in a quandary regarding the centerpiece. We have so much wonderful food plus usually a few more guests than the table comfortably holds not leaving a large space for fresh flowers, yet how can our table be complete without them?
Here’s one of my favorite suggestions: use several smaller arrangements instead of one large one. It looks great visually and leaves lots of room for everything else.
What really makes this look is the choice of containers. When selecting containers, there are so many fun choices. A collection of glass bottles or bud vases work so well. They’re easy, too. Just fill with water and drop a few favorite blossoms into each one, scatter down the center of the table, add some votive candles, sprinkle a few fall leaves in between and it will look spectacular.
A few tips:
• If the bottles or vases happen to be all different shapes that is even better.
• It usually works best if the vessels are all the same material, glass, silver, ceramic, etc.
• If you are using clear vases, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the water to add a surprise splash of color.
• Silver julep cups are a classic and look so elegant scattered down the table. Fill each with a different type or color of flower for a very modern look.
• Silver or crystal candlesticks with taper candles work very nicely placed in between.
How about making your own containers? Select your favorite veggies such as squash, eggplant, peppers, artichoke or even mini pumpkins or gourds. Hollow out an area in the center of the vegetable, insert a piece of floral foam and arrange a few blossoms in each one. Add some wheat, berries or fall leaves and you have created not only a fabulous centerpiece but I guarantee the compliments and appreciation for your creativity will be plentiful.
If you’re not up to doing it yourself your florist will be more than willing to create the look for you. Chrysanthemums, roses, gerbera, sunflowers, lilies and of course berries such as hypericum and rose hips, are some of my favorite choices for my Thanksgiving table no matter which containers I choose. Flowers make it perfect!
~Carol Caggiano, AIFD, PFCI
