The true star of any gathering table is the meal you serve there, but savvy party givers know that a bare table—or one set with an ill-considered centerpiece—is a missed opportunity for greatness.
Assembling a Thanksgiving tablescape that feels right is like crafting the meal itself: the occasion demands tradition, but there’s room for a little innovation too. And more than a little floral beauty. In the centerpieces on the following pages, the warm traditions of fall become a beautiful base for modern twists and unexpected touches.
Below, floral designers Stephanie Barbagiannis of Allendale Flowers in Allendale and Laura Zeitlin of Sage Home and Floral in Monmouth Beach offer tips on creating arrangements that catch the eye, start conversation and eloquently complement a feast and good company. And it’s not just for November’s feast, either—save these tips for Hanukkah, which begins a little over a week after Thanksgiving.
You want to embody the season in your centerpiece and tablescape and, as Barbagiannis explains, “autumn is all about texture and warmth.” One sure way to add warmth is with the gently flickering light of candles. (If there are small children at your table, remember that battery-powered candles can produce a similar effect without a fire hazard.) As for texture, she says, “There are many beautiful options—berries, branches and mosses are all great.” Weaving those branches and mosses among the candles, with some gourds for a seasonal touch, is a simple, chic and festive way to tie a table together.
If you’re eager to cast off custom a little more boldly, Zeitlin is thrilled to guide you. “I try to incorporate things that you might find in the woods,” she says. “For example, rose hips come to mind, because the rose bushes have gone to seed by this time in the season.” Round and bright red, these fruits “add a wonderful texture,” she says. Adds Barbagiannis, “Last Thanksgiving, my centerpiece featured only bittersweet berries and grapevines on a moss base,” she says. “I love bittersweet berries in an arrangement—they have so much movement.” American bittersweets, which are a deep orange-red and grow in bunches. Both are perfect for catching eyes—and being tucked among nests of branches and moss for a woodsy, rustic feeling. Using neutral moss or grapevines as the base allows the color, shape and movement of the fruit to take center stage.
Smaller centerpieces, says Zeitlin, “really let you focus on the details of the designs and allow everyone to see the beauty of each flower.” Looking for a bloom to let shine? Both chrysanthemums and carnations are having a comeback, says our expert, adding: “Mums are back in style and on-trend, and you wouldn’t believe the things New Jersey farmers are doing with carnations. The colors are magical.” Let the colors and textures of each flower do the talking, with one-bloom arrangements that mimic bud vases, with seasonal berries added for texture and movement.
Not a fan of the reds and oranges of a traditional Thanksgiving table? They’re not a requirement. “Do what you like,” Barbagiannis says. “Consider the décor you already have in your home and complement it when bringing flowers into a room.” If a lighter palette speaks to you and is a better match for the space, there’s no need to shy away from using pinks and soft greens in the autumn. She suggests “butterfly ranunculus in whimsical bud vases” for such a look. A few Granny Smith apples layered in will add a feeling of harvest abundance.
With so many serving plates and bowls already in play, Thanksgiving is a great time to play with different vessels for your centerpieces. “I love using clients’ vessels rather than using our basic glass ones, if it’s possible,” Zeitlin says. “People have so many beautiful containers that are already perfectly matched to their homes. We can use family heirlooms, or antique crystal vases. It’s a lovely, personal touch— why not use something that already looks like it belongs there?”
If you have the space for them, says Barbagiannis, big pieces can truly set the stage for a fantastic event. “There’s nothing like walking into a room and seeing statement florals,” she says. “That initial ‘Wow!’ moment is an incredible first impression.” She suggests you “consider the scale of the room when ordering a grand piece. If you want to expand beyond the table, a large mantle is always a great spot for a focal point.” And, once again, she reminds you that it can be fun to break the norm: “Instead of traditional red, orange and yellow, consider reaching for plums, burgundies, wine tones and even black, which all create a great combination for the season.”
Have a beautiful table worth showing off? Tell us about it on Instagram @njhomemag.