Thanksgiving Decorations: Cornucopia, Turkey, Pumpkins, Wreaths, Autumn Colors And Centerpieces

In 1621, Pilgrims first celebrated a feast that would develop into a yearly American event, now known as Thanksgiving. As a way of saying thanks to American Indians who taught them survival skills, the Mayflower Pilgrims held a three-day feast. Pilgrims and American Indians feasted on dishes made of pumpkins, turkey meat, fruits, corn and other locally grown crops. The Pilgrims were able to learn from the American natives how to plant crops, hunt wild game like turkey, and identify medicinal herbs from poisonous plants. The result was a harvest that was so successful that the Pilgrims were able to hold a three-day feast filled with delicious dishes as a means of saying thanks to their American Indian mentors.

Nowadays, people celebrate Thanksgiving by holding feasts and by preparing dishes using the same traditional items. Aside from the succulent feast, this holiday also calls for Thanksgiving decorations. Decorative items that are perfect for Thanksgiving usually exude warm autumn colors -- amber, red, brown, orange and gold. Although these colors are usually associated with Thanksgiving, others use additional shades to compliment them.

There are various Thanksgiving decorations used to commemorate Thanksgiving Day. Popular items include centerpieces filled with gourds, fruits, vegetables, flowers and autumn leaves. Thanksgiving decorations usually depict an abundant harvest, which is why many people create stylish centerpieces to celebrate this event. These centerpieces also provide a theme for the dinner and add aesthetic qualities.

Thanksgiving decorations are not complete without a traditional cornucopia. This is actually a horn-shaped basket filled with fruits, flowers, leaves or any decorative item rich in colors such as red, brown, orange, or gold. Centerpieces with carved pumpkins go well with golden candles, along with orange or red-colored fruits or vegetables. Food items that will not spoil easily can also be placed on window sills and mantles as colorful Thanksgiving decorations.

Aside from the traditional cornucopia, Thanksgiving decorations can also include wreaths filled with small fruits or brightly colored candles. Flowers and leaves are also used to adorn wreaths as Thanksgiving decorations. These Thanksgiving decorations can be hung on doors as a welcoming sign and on windows or fireplaces.

Ideas for Thanksgiving decorations are many and varied, and many decor experts suggest that creating unique versions is a good idea. Non-traditional items that could be used as centerpieces include balls, twigs, woven placemats, ribbons or otherwise. Some even mix Thanksgiving decorations with Christmas items so as to create a more flexible design.


Sources:
"Simple Fall Centerpieces." HGTV. 25 Oct. 2007. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_floral_arrangements/ar ticle/0,,HGTV_3418_1391549,00.html.

Sicard, Cheri. "Thanksgiving History." Main Street Mom. 25 Oct. 2007. http://www.mainstreetmom.com/seasons/thxg/hist.htm .

Stark, Candee. "Cornucopia Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Day." EzineArticles. 09 March 2005. 25 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Cornucopia-Centerpiece-f or-Thanksgiving-Day&id=19764.

Carter, Sean. "Best of Thanksgiving Decorations." EzineArticles. 31 Aug. 2006. 25 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-of-Thanksgiving-Dec orations&id=286492.