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Thanksgiving - A Day of Reflection

© Vickie Ferguson

Thanksgiving Day should be full of fun and laughter and goodwill.

Surrounded by those we love and some of the best food to be had all year, I hope we can each take a moment to reflect on all that each of us has received and shared throughout the year.

I hope that we all are thankful for new friendships established, old ones renewed, long lost friends found, family's coming together, old wounds are healed, hearts are at peace and that we are grateful for the bounty that we enjoy and share with others.

With the holiday spirit in mind, I was thinking along the lines of how the Pilgrims celebrated. We know they had an abundance of food and fresh fruit and vegetables and I figure there were plenty of available flowers native to the area.

So, how about we do a Thanksgiving centerpiece platter that will pay tribute to this special day.

Supplies: 1) large turkey platter 2) florist's foam (measure the width of the platter and purchase a round piece if available or a square piece and cut to size. I'd suggest at least 2" thick. 3) assorted silk flowers and leaves in autumn colors 4) dried flowers needed: straw flowers in yellow, burnt orange, and deep green, dried safflowers, beige baby's breath, beige bromus or barley wheat (or any tall stem to use for height) 5) Indian corn (4-6 ears) 6) miniature pumpkins and gourds (assorted colors if available) 7) large bags (1-2) of moss. Suggest using either gray or dark green or burnt orange, your choice. 8) hot glue sticks and glue gun.

First step: Cover the platter with a layer of moss then cut, if necessary, the foam and place in the center of the platter. Secure the foam to the moss by using several dollops of hot glue. Press the foam till glue sets.

Next, cover the foam with enough moss that the foam is not seen.

Okay, now you're ready to begin placing the flowers. As in most cases, you will want to start with the center. Place several pieces of the tall bromus or barley (or alternate choice). This will become the central focal point and determines the height of your arrangement. Next, start placing the silk flowers graduating from tall (in the center) to shorter stems as you get near the other perimeter. Place several leaves among the flowers.

Now, step back and take a look. Is your color scheme coordinated? Make sure your have a variety of colors disbursed evenly throughout the arrangement. Once you feel comfortable with the design, start placing the orange, yellow and green straw flowers. Be sure to keep those colors spread out! Just keep in mind you want to have a profusion of fall colors just leaping out at you.