Thanksgiving is getting close and we need to talk about centerpieces! One of the most important pieces of decoration for this illustrious occasion, a good centerpiece can say what a thousand words cannot.

Are you looking for a colorful and luscious option with flowers and reeds? Or a self-contained box of pumpkins and pinecones? Perhaps candles and apples to celebrate the Fall season in style? There’s no rule in place – you’re free to decorate in any way you want. But everyone needs directions and that’s what I’m here for today.

Variety is the name of the game. There are centerpieces for all tastes: big, small, colorful, muted, easy or complex. Let’s take a look at what’s possible with these beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas!

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." – Robert Louis Stevenson

1. Basket of flowers

A self-contained basket of flowers. Source: HGTV
A self-contained basket of flowers. Source: HGTV

A basket full of flowers is perfect as a self-contained centerpiece. No need to spread things out and take more space than necessary, which is especially good if you have a smaller dinner table. The basket can be easily moved if necessary without disrupting any other piece of decoration too.

Feel free to use faux flowers, as this will make your decorating efforts much easier!

2. Pumpkin vase

Turn pumpkins into vases for your centerpiece. Source: Good Housekeeping
Turn pumpkins into vases for your centerpiece. Source: Good Housekeeping

A vase of flowers works wonders as a centerpiece, but why don’t we make it more seasonal by using a pumpkin instead? You can hollow out a real pumpkin and use it as a temporary vase, though there are faux pumpkins that could work as well – so long as you make some adaptations.

Tip: You can also spray paint the pumpkin a few days earlier so the color matches your current decor! 

3. Rustic reeds

Reeds make for beautiful Thanksgiving centerpieces. Source: Country Living
Reeds make for beautiful Thanksgiving centerpieces. Source: Country Living

Nothing speaks Fall more than natural foliage with rustic brown accents. Consider a small but breathtaking centerpiece made of reeds on a tall vase. It’s big enough to become the center of attention, but doesn’t take up that much table real estate, leaving plenty of room for everything else.

4. Pumpkin succulents

Succulents are subtle and adorable. Source: The Pioneer Woman
Succulents are subtle and adorable. Source: The Pioneer Woman

If you’re looking for something more subtle, this one's for you! Use small pumpkins to hold succulents – it’s easy to set up and decorate your dinner table without taking up too much space. They can be laid out at the very center or spread around for a more balanced look.

This keeps the centerpiece small, allowing it to stay even when your family is eating since they won’t block anyone’s eye line.

5. Minimal candles

Candles and a bowl of fruit are filled with rustic charm. Source: Cheetah Is The New Black
Candles and a bowl of fruit are filled with rustic charm. Source: Cheetah Is The New Black

There’s no reason to go overboard if that’s not your style. A centerpiece made of a few candles and a bowl of fruits is enough to convey a cozy feeling without anything excessive. Besides, it’s super easy to do, which is great if you’re caught in a hurry!

6. Candlesticks

Candlesticks are always a classy choice. Source: Style Me Pretty
Candlesticks are always a classy choice. Source: Style Me Pretty

Candlesticks will always be fancy. If you’re looking for an elegant solution, try a few golden candlesticks with tall and thin candles and decorate under them with a bit of greenery. You can light them if you wish, just be careful as they can be tipped over easily.

It’s OK to use the candles just as a visual treat since they probably won’t be necessary for light anyway!

7. White pumpkins + orange decor

Orange is the color of Fall and fits perfectly on Thanksgiving. Source: Midwest Living
Orange is the color of Fall and fits perfectly on Thanksgiving. Source: Midwest Living

White pumpkins are great for creating an accent against a vibrant orange decor. This is for those who like bold, vibrant colors as a way to celebrate the orange we so fondly associate with the Fall season.

To make it even cozier, add a few candles to glass cups and feel free to light them – it will add a warm rustic charm to your Thanksgiving dinner table!

8. Box of pumpkins

Use a wooden box for a garden-like feel. Source: BHG
Use a wooden box for a garden-like feel. Source: BHG

Turn your centerpiece into a mini-garden by taking a wooden box and filling it with pumpkins, pinecones and other Fall adornments. A natural-looking wooden box would do just fine and even add to the rustic charm, but you can paint it white for a more contrasting color scheme.

9. Apples and leaves

Apples bring out the natural beauty of Fall. Source: Real Simple
Apples bring out the natural beauty of Fall. Source: Real Simple

Fall is all about the beauty of nature. By focusing on apples and greenery you can create a centerpiece that looks classy, yet effortless. Grab a few red apples and display them with a wooden board and a jar of grape juice or wine for a beautiful scented combination of flavours and feelings. If you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving centerpieces, this will work wonders!

10. Candles and fruits

Candles are an excellent resource for centerpieces. Source: Woman’s Day
Candles are an excellent resource for centerpieces. Source: Woman’s Day

Candles are excellent pieces for reminiscing on old times. As such, combine it with wood and fruits to create a centerpiece worthy of a 19th century banquet. Super easy, inexpensive yet beautiful to look at.

Need to get the house ready for Thanksgiving but you’re running short on time? Get free quotes from local house cleaners today and save yourself the hassle!


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