celebrate / 38 Flower Ideas for Your Thanksgiving Centerpiece

November 02, 2016

38 Flower Ideas for Your Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving is one of the few times out of the year where the entire family gets to gather around the table to give thanks and enjoy a generous feast. Because it is such a momentous occasion, why not decorate your Thanksgiving table with a memorable centerpiece for your friends and family to enjoy.

These Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas will be sure to inspire your Thanksgiving table decor. We’ve featured the most stunning fall flowers including dahlias and ranunculuses along with creative edible accents like persimmons, blackberries, and pomegranate. These stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas will be sure to impress your guests!

Photography by: Tory Williams for Matthew Robbins Design

This creative arrangement showcases the color orange, which is one of the most iconic colors of fall, and makes it perfect as a Thanksgiving centerpiece. Bold ranunculuses create the focal point, and are perfectly accented by kumquat branches. Adding texture and dimension, the rich oranges are complemented by lush foliage in various forms including mint, jasmine vine, and other greenery.

Kumquat Branch – Kumquats are small citrus fruits that grow on trees. The small round fruits are a great way to play up the color orange in a creative way. Use the entire kumquat branch to add a rustic flair.

Ranunculuses – Ranunculus flowers are available in a wide variety of bright colors, including orange, red and purple. Known for their densely layered flowers, ranunculuses have delicate paper-like petals that can add a pop of bold color and texture to your fall centerpiece.

Mint – Fall centerpieces are the perfect opportunity to include fragrant herbs into your arrangement. Here, mint is used as foliage and adds a delicately fresh fragrance for the table.

Jasmine Vine – Jasmine vines have recently become more and more popular for their wispy vines that curve and cascade, adding a whimsical texture to any arrangement. Jasmine vines also produce delicate flowers that give off a sweet fragrance often used in perfumes. When unopened, the flower buds are tube-shaped and elongated.

Crocosmia – Crocosmia are related to the gladiolus plant. It has delicate tube-shaped flowers that grow along a central stalk. They are drought-tolerant plants that can withstand the cold fairly well. Their bright orange flowers bloom for a period that can last five to eight weeks from summer to fall.

Photography by: Tory Williams | Florals by: Bedford and Company

The combination of pastel pinks and greens combined with rich maroons and purples creates the perfect fall color palette for the Thanksgiving table. Lush dahlias are arranged alongside delicate spray roses and tuberoses, and accented by star-shaped sea hollies, dried ornamental grasses and Queen Anne’s lace flower. The combination of dried and fresh florals create a centerpiece that combines the new with the old.

Semi-Cactus Dahlia – The star of this Thanksgiving centerpiece is the dahlia. This particular type is called the semi-cactus dahlia, which is a double-flowered cultivar that displays elongated petals that appear pointed.

Stock Flower – Also known as gillyflowers, stock flowers consist of small delicate blooms that grow on a long stalk. They are popular for their wide variety of colors and give off a delicate, clove-like scent. The stock flower symbolizes lasting beauty, leading a happy life, and contentment.

Sea Holly – Sea holly is a silvery blue-green flower that goes by the scientific name, Eryngium. To extend the life of these unique flowers, they are typically dried and are used in floral arrangements to add a touch of texture and whimsy.

Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ – This varietal of eucalyptus is unique in that the rounded leaves are stacked along a central stem. The leaves are thick and they are extremely popular in flower arrangements. The dusty blue color makes them the perfect accent for any fall color palette.

Queen Anne’s Lace Flower – These delicate flowers grow wild throughout the United States and are related to the carrot. Also known as Green Mist, their umbrella-like flower heads consist of many tiny and delicate flowers which are a favorite amongst bees and butterflies.

Pink Sedum – Pink sedum flowers are composed of tiny flowers, similar to the heads of the Queen Anne’s lace flower. They are one of the easiest plants to grow in the garden, and are long-lasting as cut flowers.

Ornamental Grass – Ornamental grasses are typically dried and can be dyed to any color. Their long blades add height and dimension and are perfect for keeping with the harvest theme for any Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Spray Rose – Compared to garden roses, spray roses have much smaller blooms are used as accents or filler flowers. They are available in a wide variety of colors.

Photography by: Catherine Truman | Florals by: The Farmer’s Florist

Burnt oranges combine with vibrant reds and vintage hues like cream and dusty pink to create a color palette that evokes a sense of nostalgia and elegance. Fall is the perfect season to utilize the season’s color-changing leaves. An easy Thanksgiving table decor idea is to add entire branches to your centerpiece to create drama and dimension.

Dinner Plate Dahlia – The dinnerplate dahlia is one of the most magnificent types of dahlias due to their impressive size and layered petals. Although not an official classification on their own, different cultivars may belong to other groups.

Marigold – Marigolds are popular for their bright orange and red blooms and are one of the most popular gardening flowers. As the official October birth flower, marigolds are the perfect addition to any fall-themed centerpiece.

Ball Dahlia – In addition to the semi-cactus dahlia, this centerpiece also includes ball dahlias. These dahlias are much rounder in shape as their name entails, and are smaller in size. Their petals “revolute” or curl inwards, creating tube-like petals.

Live Oak Branch – Live oak trees are evergreens, which make them the perfect choice for fall foliage. Here, live oak branches are used which exhibit deep green leaves that are round in shape. If you’re lucky, you might find a branch with acorns attached to add to your fall arrangement.

Miscellaneous Fall Leaves – Sometimes the best Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas already live in your own backyard! Here, different types of fall leaves are used. Choose branches with leaves that have changed into rich fall colors.

Photography by: Aubrie Pick for Apartment 34

Simple, elegant, and creative are three words that best describe this Thanksgiving tablescape. Dramatic magnolia leaves are paired with bold orange persimmons, creating a generous spread that is anchored by multiple arrangements of vibrant chrysanthemums. This unique centerpiece gives everyone at the table a great view of the decor and is a casual yet polished way to decorate your Thanksgiving table.

Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemums are popular for their lush flowers and come in a variety of colors. Fuchsia, white, and dark purple chrysanthemums are on display in this Thanksgiving centerpiece. To recreate this look, bunch flowers in small arrangements along the length of the table.

Persimmon – Persimmons are one of the most bountiful fruits of fall. Not just for eating, this bright orange fruit takes center stage on this Thanksgiving tablescape. There are several types of persimmons that have different shapes including small and round, or wide and flat.

Globe Amaranth – Globe amaranth, also known as globe flowers, are annuals that bloom from midsummer to mid-fall. Their blooms are known for their longevity and can last all year long. Globe amaranth are drought-tolerant plants and thrive under sunny and dry climates. Their attractive bright fuchsia-colored flowers are great both fresh or dried and are perfect for adding a pop of color to any fall arrangement.

Magnolia Leaves – Magnolia flowers are one of the most popular flowers in the American South. Not only are their large white flowers impressive, but their dark green leathery leaves are also attractive as well. Rich green on one side and golden brown on the other, magnolia leaves add dual-toned foliage and can complement a variety of fall-inspired color palettes.

Magnolia Seed Pod – Magnolia trees produce large golden-brown seed pods that are filled with bright red and shiny berry-like seeds. Use a variety of different seed pods including immature green ones for a unique touch to your Thanksgiving table decorations.

Photography and floral design by: Sweet Root Village

Fire thorn berries, dual-toned dahlias, and seedy amaranth branches combine to create a texturally rich and asymmetrical arrangement that is effortlessly dramatic. Dusty green hydrangeas and bold Snow on the Mountain leaves add to the drama which complement the rusty orange tones showcased by this fall arrangement.

Decorative Dahlia – Decorative dahlias are different from other dahlia types in that their petals lay flat, giving them a wider and less elongated shape. There are two types of decorative dahlias: formal and informal. Formal ones have uniformly dispersed petals, and informal ones have an irregular formation and their petals can sometimes have slightly rolled tips.

Hydrangea – Hydrangeas are known for their globe-shaped flower heads that are lush with tiny flowers. There are five types of hydrangeas with the most popular being the bigleaf hydrangea. One unique feature about hydrangeas is the fact that they can change color depending on the pH of the soil they are planted in. Common colors include pink, purple, white, and light green.

Fire Thorn – Also known as Pyracantha, the fire thorn bush produces bright and colorful berries from fall through winter. Berry colors are available in red, yellow or orange. Be careful when handling fire thorn branches, as they have thorns that are hidden amongst their shiny green leaves.

Orange Amaranth – Amaranth is a drought-tolerant plant that produces nutrient-rich grains. Amaranth branches are commonly used in floral arrangements due to their bright colors which remain even after being dried.

Tuberose – Tuberoses have small clusters of flowers that grow along a single stem. They are typically found in shades of yellow, pink and white and have a strong, sweet fragrance.

Snow on the Mountain – Snow on the mountain is a shrub that is known for its ornamental leaves. The thick leaves are green and surrounded by a decorative white border.

Photography by: Wedding’s Art | Florals by: Flors Bahí

One of the best things about fall centerpieces is the opportunity to include seasonal fruit. In keeping with the harvest spirit of Thanksgiving, adding fruit is a fun Thanksgiving centerpiece idea that’s both decorative and edible! Here wild blackberries and pomegranates are on display along with exotic proteas, classic calla lilies and pink pepperberries.

Pomegranate – Fall is the peak season for juicy pomegranates, so why not include them in your Thanksgiving decor? Perfect for the table, pomegranates are known for their high levels of antioxidants which aid in benefiting blood vessels and improving heart health. Split open a pomegranate as part of your centerpiece display to showcase the beautiful ruby-like seeds hidden inside.

Calla Lily – The name “calla” is derived from the Greek word for beautiful. In addition, the calla lily symbolizes gratitude, making it the perfect flower to include into your Thanksgiving decor. Although the classic calla lily is white, it is also available in a variety of other colors including yellow, pink and deep purple.

Pink Pepperberry – The pink pepperberry comes from the California Pepper Tree, which goes by the scientific name, Schinus molle. It is an evergreen tree that produces its pepperberries from fall into winter.

Cream Mink Protea – Proteas are popular for fall arrangements due to their bloom times and long-lasting flowers. The Cream Mink protea blooms from fall into winter and spring, and is highly drought tolerant. It has creamy white petals that are tipped with a decorative furry border that is dark maroon in color. The Cream Mink protea will certainly make a statement in any Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Heuchera – Heucheras are one of the most popular foliage plants in gardening. They come in a variety of colors ranging from green to pink and from brown to dark purple. Their wide, fan-like leaves are boldly veined, making them an excellent filler in floral arrangements.

Elephant Head Amaranth – There are many types of amaranth, however the Elephant Head amaranth is one of the most impressive. Its seeds are bright magenta and grow along a heavily packed branch producing dense bulbs along the way. In an arrangement, these bulbs cascade down to produce a dramatic effect.

Photography by: Jen Huang | Florals by: Poppies and Posies

Dahlias take center stage in this eclectic arrangement. Featuring a variety of dahlias including large semi-cactus dahlias and smaller decorative dahlias, this centerpiece combines fall’s most popular flower with unique elements like wild blackberry branches, petite persimmons and rust-tinged oak leaves. Soft orange ranunculuses and ashy green eucalyptus leaves complement the overall rustic palette.

Blackberry Branch – Not just for eating, blackberries are great for floral arrangements as well. Here, wild blackberry branches are used as a fun and edible touch. The non-uniform color of the blackberries ranges from light magenta to dark purple, which adds dimension.

Oak Leaves – These fan-like oak tree leaves are some of the first leaves to change color in the fall. Their large size makes them excellent fillers. Plus, they can be found in your very own backyard!

Eucalyptus Leaves – Eucalyptus leaves are widely available and are known for their ashy blue-green color. Their long leaves allow them to drape and add delicate texture to any fall centerpiece. Their colors can range from dark green to a lighter grayish tone.

There are plenty of creative ways to decorate your Thanksgiving table. Feel free to add your own creative touch with these Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas and create a memorable experience for your guests. For more inspiration, browse our Thanksgiving arrangements that are sure to bring warmth to your family table.

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