November is well underway, and for us at ProGiftNet.com, the holiday spirit is definitely in the air! Even on an unusual year such as this, we are all getting ready for that Thursday that will kick off the season, and one thing is for sure...Thanksgiving is all about family and friends, but it is also about the table that we will sit around and the experiences we will share with our loved ones!
By now we are all familiar with the comfort food that is shared on this day, those freshly harvested ingredients, and the fall flavors in all of their splendor! But only second to that, is how we dress that table to convey the feeling of the season. Centerpieces, arrangements, table toppers and tablecloths bring all of the magic together on this evening, and we are here to tell you all about your options! Plus, a little history behind then...
The Origins of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was
originally held as a way to celebrate a fruitful autumn harvest in preparation
for the winter, and to thank the ancient gods for that. It didn't start in
North America, where it is customary to celebrate in the present day. The original
versions of these celebrations have their birth in many classic cultures,
such as the Romans, Greeks and even Egyptians.
Those celebrations would consist of several days of feasts and gifts,
and the adoration of their gods and goddesses, like the Roman goddess Demeter:
Goddess of grain and harvest.
The American version, however, the one we are familiar with, started in
1621, and it is steeped in a lot of folklore and legend. Edward Winslow, an American
Pilgrim leader who served as governor of Plymouth Colony, describes in a letter
a prosperous harvest year of corn, barley, and peas. He goes on to
describe men sent to gather fowl, so they might "rejoice together
after we had gathered the fruit of our labors". And then
"at
which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the
Indians coming amongst us...with some ninety men, whom for three days we
entertained and feasted..."
So with
these little history nuggets we just shared, two things are for sure: This is
the season to come together, and to feast!
A Table to Gather Around
The primal concept of the Thanksgiving tables is, and always has been, abundance. It is customary to find a version of a Cornucopia as a centerpiece! The cornucopia, also called the horn of plenty, is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, commonly a large horn-shaped container overflowing with fruits, flowers, or nuts.
Modern versions of this can be fashioned easily! Choosing a lovely fruit basket for example, or displaying fall produce such as apples, corn, walnuts and pumpkins in bowls or panniers, or adorning glass translucent vases with foliage and grains!
Fruit baskets are
a staple on ProGiftNet.com, and so
are flowers! A popular option to bring beauty, color and a homey feeling to our
tables as well! Arranged with fruits, or
on their own, fall flowers such as chrysanthemums
and sunflowers really convey the
spirit of the holiday, and the yellow, burnt oranges and reds tie the entire
concept together. In the spirit of the season you can also incorporate wheat and oats stems to your flower
arrangements, or even twigs and berries!
Another element
that can be incorporated easily and with stunning results is candles! Careful with scented candles
however! Remember you are going to be tasting yummy dishes all evening, and a
strong scent can definitely put an undesired spin on your meal. But the warmth
of a small flame is more than desirable.
Winter foliage, like pine branches, although more of a “Christmas” feeling, can decorate beautifully! So can pinecones. So, if you happen to have a forest close-by (or a flower
market for that matter), this can be the year in which you give them a try!
Dressing the table. We’ve covered the options for centerpieces by now… how about the rest of the elements? Silverware and china… wineglasses and napkins, what about those?
Well, the holidays are that time of the year when we bring out the special
serving dishes or plates, the “fancy china”, and all of those things destined
to be showcased on special days. Some tips to keep it classy and in tune with
the spirit of the occasion:
- It's all about fall! The color palette you should keep in mind, is the one of a forest in autumn! Yellows, oranges, auburns and warm browns. Hints of red here and there are also lovely!
- Rustic is fantastic. Burlap tablecloths or placemats can be a great choice, especially over a wooden table. Wicker elements can be incorporated. Some other ideas are to use vintage handkerchiefs tied with string as napkins, and mixing and matching vintage plates.
- Mason jars! A new classic for beverages and desserts.
Alongside the turkey, the stuffing, the pies and yams, mashed potatoes and
cranberry sauce, these ideas are going to make your table look picture perfect and fantastic!
This November, don't forget to visit ProGiftNet.com, to complete your table, and to find gifts
for your loved ones, near of far! Whether you would like to send a flower arrangement to let them know you're thinking of them, or a gift basket with delicious goodies to help them celebrate the season, ProGiftNet.com is here to help with all of your flower and gifting needs. Place your order online today!
