A harvest festival Thanksgiving is all about abundance and sharing with family and friends. Observed as a tradition to give thanks for the blessings we received during the year, a Thanksgiving celebration usually includes a festive dinner wherein tables are filled with tempting and lavishly decorated dishes and delicacies.

Of course, a Thanksgiving dinner table is not complete without a centerpiece. Being the focal point of the banquet, the centerpiece must be eye-catching and colorful. It ideally reflects the colors of the season, particularly the myriad shades of autumn. In terms of design concepts, the Thanksgiving centerpiece should tie up all the different elements in the dinner table to project a more pleasant, well-coordinated, and effective visual appeal.

In choosing a Thanksgiving centerpiece, the size is the first thing to consider, since the centerpiece should be proportionate to the size and shape of the table. Considering the centerpiece's height and volume is also important to enhance the presentation. Anything that would symbolize bountiful harvest will look perfect in a centerpiece. One may use primary materials like flowers, foliage, pumpkins, nuts, wheat, fruits, and other produce. Another important thing to consider is the ease of assembly, so as to leave ample time for dinner preparations.

Meanwhile, there are different types of centerpieces that are perfect in a Thanksgiving dinner table. Among the most widely used styles is the traditional cornucopia or horn of plenty. To have this type of centerpiece, one needs to buy a cone-shaped cornucopia basket and stuff the hollow with newspaper, then add a thin layer of raffia. Before arranging the cornucopia basket, it is important to place a protective plastic sheet in the middle part of the dinner table. Place large vegetables and fruits like apples, peppers and potatoes before adding smaller fruits like nuts and berries. Such style creates an image of a bountiful harvest. Leaves and wheat stalks are also perfect to fill in the centerpiece's in-between spaces.

Instead of the cornucopia basket, one may also use a centerpiece called the Harvest bowl. If the basket or container is deep and not transparent, stuff the bottom with newspaper and then fill it up with different kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and berries to obtain a piling effect. Randomly put corn ears, wheat stalks, and leaves around the bowl. Also, arranging a cluster of grapes and votive candles on the centerpiece's side will also do the trick.

Floral or foliage platter is another interesting type of Thanksgiving centerpiece. A small potted plant like ivy, mum, and begonias; small gourds and pumpkins; fruits and produce; fresh or dried greens, and a platter or tray are the essential materials needed to hold the arrangement. When the plant is properly watered and drained well, place it on one side of the platter along with gourds and pumpkins. Creatively scatter all materials into the platter to have a more cohesive presentation. Assorted nuts liberally sprinkled throughout the platter, will also make the presentation look more appealing.

Moreover, many people also like to use potted green plants or flowers for their Thanksgiving centerpiece. One may choose to group begonias in fall colors or opt for a beautiful ivy with trailing branches to go with the decorations. The plants may be contained in a hollowed out big pumpkin with a few fall leaves inserted. Mini pumpkins may also be nestled into the plants or near the trailing vines to make a dramatic impression.

Finally, candles, branches, and leaves are also one of the most favored centerpiece styles today. Scout for an interesting twinning branch that will be appropriate for the centerpiece. Lay the branch down at the center, then arrange mini pumpkins along with the branch to make it look like crooks and bends. Around the branch, scatter nuts, gourds, and leaves to add effects. Candles in autumn colors are also perfect to make it more presentable.

Whatever centerpiece style a person chooses to place on a table, remember that the centerpiece plays a big role in any Thanksgiving tradition. A great and memorable centerpiece is very easy to do for it only requires a little time at less expense. So let imagination does its course, for it is the perfect tool to use in coming up with the best centerpiece design.