Vintage Pottery & Flowers Thanksgiving Centerpiece
This DIY vintage pottery and flowers Thanksgiving centerpiece will set your holiday table beautifully. Here are simple tips to set a Thanksgiving Table with vintage style.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Have you planned out your table setting yet? Setting a beautiful table is at the heart of Thanksgiving; gathering your loved ones around the table and expressing thanks for what you’ve been blessed with. I love to mix and match old and new pieces, along with fresh flowers and candlelight for a cozy glow. Here’s a DIY Vintage Pottery and Flowers Thanksgiving Centerpiece that will set your table beautifully.
Today you’re in for an extra treat, because I’ve joined a group of super talented ladies to send Thanksgiving ideas your way! Thanks to Laura from Decor to Adore for hosting us all! If you’ve come over from Peacock Ridge Farm, I’m sure you were wowed by Renae’s Cornucopia Charcuterie Board. It’s almost too beautiful to eat! I’ll have the rest of the inspiration at the end; hope you can enjoy it all!
Vintage Pottery and Flowers Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Vintage Pottery Cornucopias
My Thanksgiving table setting was inspired by a recent estate sale find (which happens often;). I already had 3 smaller vintage ceramic cornucopias that I’ve used on my Thanksgiving table before (“Cornucopia Collection Centerpiece”). That year I paired them with 2 grapevine cornucopias for a collected look. But when I spotted this handmade larger cornucopia at the estate sale, I knew it needed to come home to be a part of the family.
Of course my vintage turkey planters needed to be a part of the table setting, too. I’ve had the multi-colored one for years, but recently got the neutral one…somewhere (yes…I am starting to forget where all my vintage finds came from;)
DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece Flower Arranging Tips
The colors of my vintage pottery cornucopias inspired my flower buying at Trader Joe’s. The big tropical-looking orange flowers intrigued me and I picked up some mums for classic harvest style. A bunch of eucalyptus and berries rounded out the texture variation and gave both a cool and a warm green tone.
To start, cut oasis foam to fit your vessel and soak in water before you start arranging. (find oasis floral foam HERE). Open your flower packages, give them a fresh cut off the bottom and let them rest in water with floral food while you’re arranging.
Arrange Flowers of a Collection Together
If you’re planning a centerpiece with several vessels like this, it’s best to arrange them all at the same time, so you get a nice balance of foliage and textures.
First, I snipped cedar sprays from the yard and poked them into the foam to create a green foundation for the rest of the foliage. I wanted to extend the length of the arrangement to balance out the width of each cornucopia.
Next, I placed the funky, big orange flowers, because there was only a couple of them. (Anyone know the name of these?) The smaller orange mums were also spread around. The flowers gave the height structure to the arrangements. Now I had a triangle that I could fill in and around. Can you see the triangle of each?
The smaller clippings of mums that were on the lower stems I save and make other smaller arrangements for around the house. Mini arrangements that coordinate with your table are fun to have in the guest bath and in the kitchen where you’re preparing the food. It just makes the house more festive and welcoming.
Fill the arrangement in with the rest of the textures:
- Eucalyptus
- berries
- dried hydrangeas
- corn stalks
- pinecones
- dried flowers
I like to think of these additions as “wet” and “dry”. The fresh florals are wet. The dried elements like hydrangea, grasses and pinecones add a rougher texture. The dried textures definitely add a Thanksgiving vibe.
All ready to set the Thanksgiving table!
Thanksgiving Centerpiece and Table Setting
An old wooden crate gives height to the largest cornucopia arrangement in the center. Two smaller versions are elevated with old books for another texture. Odd numbers are always the best for vignettes, so I added the two turkeys to three of the cornucopias.
The turkey planters are filled with dried legumes (beans) so that battery operated candles and pheasant feathers can stand in them easily. (find my favorite birch taper candles HERE and pheasant feathers HERE).
(See “A Harvest Decorated Hutch with The Collected Look” for a closer look at the buffet.)
The rest of the table setting is a mix of old and new. An old damask bedspread makes a great no-iron tablecloth with a woven scarf as a runner. Cedar placemats and faux wooden chargers add layers. Vintage green footed glasses pair with new autumn plates. Fabric napkins create a pocket for silverware with grapevine napkin rings. A fresh sprig of eucalyptus gives a fresh touch.
The “Bountifully Blessed by You” placecards can be found in my free Insider’s Resource Library. Sign up HERE to get access to all my free printables.
Vintage Pottery Cornucopia Flower Arrangements
The 4th vintage cornucopia floral arrangement was spread to the bay window vignette. Amber glass jugs turn the beams of sunlight golden (see “13+ Beautiful Ways to Decorate with Amber Glass” for more decorating ideas). The “Fall Textures Glass Jar Centerpiece” adds another great texture to the cozy scene.
Incorporate Words of Thankfulness to Your Table
Individual placecards can express thankfulness to each guest at your table. But you can also add small art, books or other sentiments to the table to add to the spirit of the season. This sweet verse ceramic piece was a recent church sale find. I love how it adds spiritual depth to my Thanksgiving table. Pronouncing our family value of giving thanks to the True Giver of all good things:)
We’re all ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here! Time to gather!
For more Thanksgiving inspiration and ideas, visit Debra at Common Ground next. Debra is a former vintage dealer like me, and I always love to see how she beautifully styles her home for the seasons.
Thanks for reading Vintage Pottery and Flowers Thanksgiving Centerpiece. If you enjoyed your visit, be sure to sign up to Become an Insider, so I can send the ideas right to you! (Sign up HERE)
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Grateful Gatherings
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Lora, your Thanksgiving arrangements are gorgeous! I love the vintage cornucopias and how you created such beautiful arrangements with both fresh and dried flowers and stems. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Thanks, Lynne! You, too!
Lora, I think you’re going to be in trouble next year. How are you ever going to top these beautiful arrangements?! I’m in awe of your vintage pottery. This is certainly magazine worthy my friend!
Each year’s decor is a new adventure, Michelle; always up for it! Thanks for your sweet words; I appreciate it:)
Lora, only you should be lucky enough to find so many vintage ceramic cornucopia! I didn’t even know they were a thing! Beautiful idea to include fresh flowers, it is stunning! Happy Thanksgiving my friend xx
Fresh flowers are such a treat, and I just can’t get enough of them at Trader Joe’s; think I’m an addict;) Yep…another collection began!
Lora, you sure have a beautiful collection of vintage treasures to use for Thanksgivng. I love how you stacked them on old books and boxes for different heights to create a lovely table. Have a beautifu Thanksgiving with your family.
Thanks, Wendy!
Lora, I adore all of your vintage pottery pieces! And those amber bottles are gorgeous. So warm and cozy. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Thanks, Angie!
Your table is wonderful! You’re a lucky girl to have yet another ceramic cornucopia. I used to grow those exotic, spidery flowers but I don’t remember their name. They are a bulb that my friend gifted to me.
Thanks for the info, Pam! Yes, and this cornucopia is the largest! Where to store, though…
Oh my word, how fun is this? I never thought about making several different floral arrangements. That is such a great idea and your table is so beautiful. Love your amazing
hutch too.
I appreciate that Marty; thank you!
Hi Lora, Pretty arrangements, as usual. You never disappoint. I especially love the handmade (?) “I’m Thankfully Blessed By You” cards. What a thoughtful and charming touch for your family and guests! I also love your Church Sale find. It’s nice when people actually know to Whom we give thanks! Many Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours.
Glad you enjoyed it, Marilyn! Yes, the placecards are available in my free Resource Library for everyone who signs up to get my newsletters (the Insiders).
Lora, I’m always so excited to see how you incorporate vintage pieces into your decor and tablescapes. You always WOW me with y!our imagination and display. I come away with tons of wonderful and creative ways to use my pieces!! Love all the different vintage cornucopias and turkey planters!! Just beautiful, friend. Thanks for the sweet shout out! Happy Happy Thanksgiving
Right back at ya, Debra! Always so fun to see how you style your wonderful collection of vintage, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lora, every time I think you can’t outdo yourself, you do! I had no idea they even made pottery like this so I’m super excited that you shared these mini centerpieces because I will be on the lookout now. They add such a special vintage vibe to your Thanksgiving tablescape and make everything feel so warm and inviting. Sending you tons of hugs and wishing you and your family the happiest Thanksgiving sweet friend, CoCo
You’re so sweet, CoCo:) Thanks, friend!
The “big orange flowers” are pin cushion protea. The protea family has some gorgeous and unusual flowers.
Thanks for the info! I had thrown away the bag they came in and didn’t know. They are so cool!
I love cornucopia, they are all so pretty in your arrangements. Thanks for the arrangements, I think they are very unusual, you hardly ever see them anymore.
Thanks, Marlene! Yes, they’re getting harder to come by, but there’s plenty on Etsy;)
Cornucopias were one of those vintage pieces I never “ got” — until now! Yours turned out lovely! Makes me think about them in a whole new light. The colors, the flowers, the different components of the arrangements , all together = vintage perfection. They add a very warm and cozy vibe to your pretty table setting.
As always, so fun to see what you come up with! Enjoy Thanksgiving with those you hold dear .
Oh great…now we’ll be fighting over them at the local church sales;) Just kidding! Glad to give you a new appreciation for them, Shelly…and another reason to go vintage shopping!
Gorgeous, Lora!!
Those cornucopias are such fun finds to use on your table. Those orange spikey flowers, which I don’t know the name of, were in my wedding bouquet! They are so fun!
I love how you chose such a variety of florals and greens to use in your centerpiece. Pinned! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
How cool that you had them in your wedding bouquet, Rachel! Yes, I could buy fresh flowers at Trader Joe’s every week if I had the budget for it! Happy Thanksgiving, friend!
Lora you always leave me so inspired to add vintage elements to my collection. I love how you incorporated flowers and feathers for a variety of textures. Thank you so much for joining in. Happy Thanksgiving!
Such a wonderful hop, Laura; thanks so much for hosting! Always glad to inspire others to shop for vintage:)
Spectacular! Every inch of your Thanksgiving decor is fabulous. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thank you, Renae; I appreciate that!