Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This special day brings families and friends together to give thanks and feast on delicious food. While there are many traditions and symbols associated with Thanksgiving, certain colors come to mind when we think of this autumnal holiday. So what color best represents the spirit of Thanksgiving?
Orange and Brown
The colors most associated with fall and Thanksgiving are orange and brown. Orange represents the autumn harvest, with pumpkins, squash, carrots, and other crops ripening in hues of orange. The changing leaves also display brilliant orange shades before they fall from the trees. Brown represents the earthiness of the season, from fallen dried leaves blanketing the ground to the brown feathers of wild turkeys.
When we decorate for Thanksgiving, orange and brown make frequent appearances. Table decor often incorporates orange candles, flowers, gourds, acorns, and colorful autumn leaves. Many households display wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands featuring oranges, browns, and other fall colors. These warm earthy tones reflect the natural bounty of the fall harvest.
Red
The color red also factors into Thanksgiving décor and traditions. Red apples are quintessential symbols of fall. Cranberries, whether fresh berries or their juice, add a tart red punch to our holiday spreads. Red candles create a warm glow, illuminating our Thanksgiving tables.
Some families and guests wear red at their Thanksgiving gatherings. This could be a festive red sweater or a more formal red dress. Red place settings of plates, napkins, and tablecloths add dramatic pops of color to our Thanksgiving tables.
The red associated with Thanksgiving reflects gratitude, celebration, and connection. Red symbolizes shared bonds of love binding our families and friendships.
Green
Evergreen trees and wreaths represent continuity and the ongoing cycle of the seasons. Greenery reflects our wishes for growth, endurance, and prosperity in the year ahead. Pine cones and hollywood also incorporate green into our Thanksgiving décor.
Green bean casserole frequently appears on the Thanksgiving menu. Other green foods include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peas, asparagus, avocado, pistachios, mint, and sage. Green reflects nature’s abundance and renewal.Adding green to your Thanksgiving table through fresh greenery, herbs, and side dishes represents growth and life.
Gold
Gold and yellow reflect the warm glow of light associated with our cherished Thanksgiving gatherings. The golden hues of corn, squash, and sweet potatoes appear on our plates. Flickering gold candlelight sets a celebratory mood.
Some use golden yellow tablecloths and napkins to brighten their holiday tables. Accents of gold in plates, serving dishes, vases, and other tabletop décor add a touch of shine. The golden brown turkey coming out of the oven represents the feast we’ve been eagerly anticipating.
The luxuriousness of gold represents our gratitude for the exceptional abundance in our lives. Gold elevates an ordinary meal into a special occasion.
Purple
While less common, shades of purple sometimes make their way onto the Thanksgiving table. Purple or lavender candles add sophisticated pops of color. Purple table runners and napkins create an elegant alternative to traditional autumn colors.
Eggplant, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, grapes, and plums incorporate this regal color into side dishes. Dried purple flowers or purple accented floral arrangements provide eclectic alternative decor.
The rarity and richness of purple symbolizes the uniqueness of each family’s traditions. Purple’s creative flair makes a statement by breaking design conventions.
Black
Black might seem like a surprising Thanksgiving color, but it has its place at the table. Black dishes, linens, or flatware convey modern simplicity. Black napkin rings add striking sophistication.
Dark meat turkey and black olives remind us that the diversity of colors and textures on our plates represents the diversity we celebrate in one another.
The deepest darks make the vivid colors pop even more. Black subtly grounds the palette, letting the more festive tones shine.
White
Crisp white table linens provide a classic backdrop for the colors of Thanksgiving. White plates and serving platters keep the focus on the food. White napkins supply a fresh neutral canvas.
Simplicity, purity, and light define the white hues of cauliflower, onions, parsnips, and potatoes gracing our plates. The white meat of the turkey still takes center stage. Vanilla, coconut, and whipped cream add white to our desserts.
White reflects the blank slate we begin with as we enter each new holiday season. It possibilities before us as we gather to create new memories together.
Multicolored
We must not overlook the splashes of vivid colors that make their way onto our Thanksgiving tables. Ruby red cranberries, emerald green beans, sunny yellow corn, royal purple plums, neon orange peppers, deep blueberries. Our platters become palettes displaying nature’s diverse colors.
Even our pies showcase colorful possibilities with red cherry, orange pumpkin, green apple, purple plum, and multi-tone pecan and sweet potato. Rainbow shades appear in our vegetable sides, cheesy casseroles, fruit and salad platters.
The myriad colors of Thanksgiving remind us of diversity. We each add our own color and flavor to this communal holiday table.
Conclusion
While autumn orange and brown might first come to mind, Thanksgiving incorporates the full spectrum of colors. Green foliage, red apples, golden squash, regal purple, crisp white, and multicolored harvest foods each contribute to the holiday’s palette.
More than any single color, Thanksgiving represents the warmth, light, and togetherness created when we blend many colors together in a spirit of gratitude. Our shared holiday is made more vibrant by the diversity of traditions we celebrate.
| Color | Represents | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Fall harvest | Pumpkins, squash, carrots, leaves |
| Brown | Earthiness | Dried leaves, feathers |
| Red | Gratitude, celebration | Apples, cranberries, candles |
| Green | Growth, nature | Wreaths, herbs, beans |
| Gold | Abundance, light | Corn, candles, accents |
| Purple | Uniqueness, creativity | Flowers, potatoes, cabbage |
| Black | Sophistication, diversity | Dishes, olives, turkey |
| White | Fresh start, simplicity | Linens, potatoes, turkey |
| Multicolored | Diversity, flavor | Harvest foods, pies |
