Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The traditional colors associated with Thanksgiving are autumnal hues like orange, brown, red, yellow and green. These colors evoke the fall harvest season and the changing leaves. In this article, we will explore the history behind the colors of Thanksgiving and their symbolism. We’ll also provide tips on how to incorporate these festive colors into your Thanksgiving decor and tablescapes.
History of Thanksgiving Colors
The history of Thanksgiving colors draws back to the original harvest feast held in 1621 by the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans. Autumn leaves in brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow would have surrounded their celebration. These fall colors came to represent the Thanksgiving holiday.
When Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, these autumnal colors were again utilized. The nostalgic, old-fashioned palette stirred sentiments of home, hearth and the gathering of family. Since then, the warm, earthy colors have become customary for Thanksgiving.
Meaning of Thanksgiving Colors
The Thanksgiving colors we use today hold symbolism and meaning:
Orange – Orange represents the fall harvest, the pumpkins and squash, carrots and sweet potatoes. The brightness of the color calls to mind the abundance of crops gathered in for winter.
Red – Red is reminiscent of the changing leaves, sumac berries, cranberries, apples and red wine. It signifies the fullness of autumn.
Yellow – Yellow and gold stand for the cornucopias and fields of wheat, sunflowers and gourds gathered for the meal. The colors evoke warmth and prosperity.
Brown – Earthy brown conjures images of the harvest from the soil, roasted turkeys and baked breads, dried corn husks and rustic textures.
Green – Green symbolizes the last herbs and vegetables in the garden, pine trees and wreaths, representing the last greenery before winter.
Traditional Thanksgiving Decor
These seasonal colors are incorporated throughout traditional Thanksgiving decorations:
Tablescapes – Adorned with orange pumpkins, gourds and maple leaves. Accented with pilgrim hats, turkeys and fallen leaves in autumn shades.
Centerpieces – Filled with dried plants, wheat sheaves, pine cones and leaves. Candles create a warm glow.
Wreaths – Handmade dried corn husk, wheat, nut or herb wreaths on the front door. Accented with fall foliage and berries.
Place settings – Woven napkin rings, acorn and maple leaf motifs on the plates and dishes in harvest colors.
Lights – Strings of twinkling fire orange, amber and yellow lights outline the home and trees.
Incorporating Thanksgiving Colors
Here are some tips on how to easily incorporate the traditional Thanksgiving color palette:
Table linens – Select a tablecloth, runners and napkins in fall hues. Try different color combinations like cranberry and mustard, olive green and nutmeg or rust and gold.
Fresh flowers – Create arrangements using sunflowers, marigolds, red amaryllis, pink roses, yellow lilies and greenery. Display in vases, pitchers and Mason jars.
Produce – Heaps of colorful fall fruits like pomegranates, apples, persimmons, figs, oranges and pears make stunning table decor. Intertwine with vines, leaves, nuts and berries.
Candles – Set amber, orange, rust or crimson pillars or votives clustered on plates down the table and in centerpieces.
Place cards – Print out cards on brown craft paper and secure with raffia. Use rubber stamp images like maple leaves, acorns and wheat.
Napkin rings – Wrap napkins in natural jute or colored ribbons. Wire on sprigs of rosemary or tiny pumpkins.
With a little creativity, you can easily create a warm, welcoming tablescape using classic Thanksgiving colors.
Additional Thanksgiving Colors
While the traditional autumn palette is customary, you can also expand your color scheme. Here are some hues that work well for the holiday:
White – Clean white dishes, linens and candles provide contrast and illuminate the darker harvest colors.
Gold – Metallic gold adds glamour and sparkle to the table in flatware, serving pieces, platters and decor.
Ivory – Softens and brightens up darker fall colors in tablecloths, napkins, walls and pillows.
Sage green – A fresh accent color that complements orange and brown in everything from glasses to throw pillows.
Pink – Rosy pink provides a lively, feminine nuance to the more rugged autumn colors in flowers, linens and accents.
Don’t be afraid to think beyond the expected palette and infuse your own style into your Thanksgiving table decor. The colors should ultimately reflect your tastes and traditions.
Thanksgiving Table Setting Color Combinations
If you need some guidance on mixing and matching Thanksgiving colors, here are nine festive table color combinations:
| Color Palette | Table Elements |
|---|---|
| Orange, cream, green | Pumpkin orange cloth, ivory dishes, sage green napkins |
| Red, brown, yellow | Cranberry runner, timber brown placemats, sunflower centerpiece |
| Gold, ivory, rose | Champagne linens, ivory candles, blush roses and filler flowers |
| Rust, olive, mustard | Russet chargers, olive napkins, mustard glassware |
| Red, orange, yellow | Scarlet napkins, tangerine candles, goldenrod flowers |
| Brown, orange, plum | Kraft brown placemats, burnt orange dishes, plum tablecloth |
| Sage, cream, chestnut | Sage tablecloth, ecru runners, chestnut napkin rings |
| Cream, walnut, cranberry | Ivory tablecloth, walnut chargers, cranberry napkins |
| Orange, brown, pink | Caramel tablecloth, chocolate chargers, blush napkins |
Choose your favorite color combinations from classic to contemporary to create your ideal Thanksgiving tablescape.
Creative Color Palettes for Thanksgiving
Looking to go beyond the expected for your Thanksgiving color palette? Here are some creative ideas while still capturing the autumn spirit:
Pink, gold and green – For an elegant and whimsical spin, pair blush pink with olive green napkins and golden accents.
Navy blue and orange – Rich navy blue makes the ideal backdrop for vibrant orange pumpkins and flowers.
Lilac and sage – Soft purple linen combined with gray-green napkins is a sophisticated fall pairing.
Fuchsia and lime – Vibrant fuchsia, citron green and white make a lively modern mix.
Teal and chocolate – Deep teal tablescape with touches of amber, chocolate and cream for depth.
Silver and crimson – Red apples, silver platters and crystal stemware glow against a crimson tablecloth.
Don’t limit your palette to strictly autumn colors. The key is selecting rich, jewel-toned hues that feel special for Thanksgiving.
Colorful Thanksgiving Table Inspiration
Need a little more inspiration on ways to decorate your Thanksgiving table? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
– A birch log runner down a dark wood table scattered with golden maple leaves, mustard flowers and chartreuse votive candles
– Wildflower and weeping willow branches in a large glass vase with fairy lights at a setting with purple tablecloth and linen napkins
– A lush garland of greenery accented with persimmons, pomegranates and dried lotus pods atop a sienna orange tablecloth
– Mini pumpkins, gourds and nuts spray painted in Metallic rose gold and copper on a setting of creamy linens and silver-rimmed white dishes
– A tablescape with a focus on natural textures – burlap table runner, woven wicker basket centerpiece, stoneware dishes, chestnut-colored napkin rings
– An abundance of candles and crystal reflecting the candlelight against a dramatic black tablecloth for a glamorous look
Let your creativity run wild! Decorating for Thanksgiving is about making your table warm, welcoming and a reflection of you.
Kids’ Thanksgiving Table
If you’re setting up a separate kids’ table, keep it fun with bright colors!
Some ideas include:
– A disposable plastic orange, yellow or green tablecover
– Sturdy paper or plastic dinnerware in festive patterns
– Mason jars wrapped with raffia bows for kid-friendly drinks
– Colorful balloons tied to chairs
– Scattered gold chocolate coins and jelly beans
– Simple paper turkeys, leaves or pumpkins to make as place cards
– Finger paint hand print table runner
– Pipe cleaner pilgrim hats and headbands
Let the kids go wild with crafts and colors! This table will give them something fun to look forward to.
Conclusion
The rich and warm colors of fall have long been associated with Thanksgiving and harvest celebrations. While the typical palette is oranges, browns, reds, greens and yellows, don’t be afraid to branch out into bolder or softer shades that appeal to you. The colors you choose for your Thanksgiving table should ultimately reflect your own tastes, sense of style and the traditions you want to highlight. Whether you prefer a more classic or modern color scheme, creative touches and attention to details will make your holiday table special. Have fun with different colors and textures while creating memories and celebrating with loved ones!
