Thanksgiving Centerpieces That Bring the Table Together

The best Thanksgiving centerpiece is low, full of fall color, and built so your guests can see and talk to each other across the table. At Milano's UpTowne Florist, we design Thanksgiving centerpieces in a low tray so the flowers finish the table without getting in the way of the conversation. If you want more height, that belongs on a side table, not in the middle of dinner.

Here's how we think about Thanksgiving flowers at the shop, what we ask when you call, and when to place your order.

What Customers Ask First About Thanksgiving Flowers

The first question we hear is almost always, "What flowers do you have in stock?" It's a fair question. We keep a wide range of flowers year round. There are some seasonal flowers, but for the most part we have a lot of flexibility, so we can usually build what you have in mind.

Then we ask a few questions back. Where is it going? Is it a centerpiece for the middle of the table, or something for a side table or buffet? Do you want a candle in it or not? Those answers shape everything else.

The Colors That Say Thanksgiving

The most common request is fall colors: yellows, oranges and deep burgundies. Those warm tones look right at home on a Thanksgiving table, next to the turkey and the family serving dishes. If you have your own colors in mind, tell us. We'll build around them. For one fall favorite, read about November's birth flower, the chrysanthemum.

Centerpiece or Side Table: Why the Container Matters

A dinner table centerpiece and a side table arrangement are built differently, starting with the container.

• Centerpieces are built in a low, very discreet tray. The flowers spread out along the table instead of up.
• Side table and buffet pieces go into a glass vase of some kind, which allows more height.
• Baskets are another option, and they have a warm, harvest feel for the season.

Why We Keep Centerpieces Low

You want the flowers to help complete the table. You don't want them to block the conversation. A low profile means the flowers are there, people can see them and enjoy them, and they decorate the table nicely. But nobody has to peek around them or move their head to talk to someone across the table.

Thanksgiving is about getting family and friends together. The centerpiece should add to that, not get in the way of it.

Adding a Candle to Your Centerpiece

Candles are a lovely touch, and we're happy to add one. When we build a centerpiece with a candle, we make sure the flowers don't crowd the flame. There's no safety concern in general, unless you let the candle burn all the way down, which usually takes several hours.

Most families light the candles just before dinner is served. It's a nice moment that tells everyone it's time to sit down together.

When to Order Thanksgiving Flowers

It usually starts getting busy the week of Thanksgiving. People think, "Thanksgiving's next week," and then Monday comes and it's "Thanksgiving's this week."

Ordering a week or two ahead is a good plan. A week ahead lets us make sure we have all the flowers we need for your arrangement, so it helps us out too.

Ordering Early Doesn't Mean Older Flowers

This is the one thing we wish everyone knew. Just because you order early doesn't mean we make your flowers early. We make the arrangement when it needs to be delivered. Our guide to how long cut flowers last explains more about keeping flowers fresh. Ordering early just means your order is in. And we do tend to prioritize earlier orders, because those customers took the time to plan ahead.

One more note for this year: the shop is closed Thursday, November 26 through Saturday, November 28. Please order early so your flowers arrive in time for your gathering.

A Thanksgiving Tradition at Our Shop

We have long-time customers who have always ordered their Thanksgiving arrangements from us, and we hope they always will. One customer brings in her pilgrims every year, and we set them right in the middle of her centerpiece. It's those small traditions that make the holiday feel like home.

If you have a piece of your own you'd like worked into your centerpiece, ask us. That's the kind of thing a family florist can do.

Why This Thanksgiving Means So Much to Us

This is our first Thanksgiving after the fire. It's part of letting people know about our new location and that we're back open. Our long-time customers are finding us again, and new customers are finding us because we're in a different spot. We're meeting a lot of people who had never heard of us before.

In Jeff's words: "It's rewarding to see that despite everything we've gone through in the last 18 months, we've come out on the other side. So many businesses closed their doors. Of all the businesses that were at our location, we're the only one I know of that has reopened."

When you see one of our centerpieces on your table, we hope you feel warmth and family. As a family-owned business, we take pride in every arrangement. They stand for family, community and thanks. We're thankful we're able to be back open, and thankful so many of our customers have come back.

Not Sure What to Order? We'll Help

It helps to know what kind of arrangement you like, but you don't have to. Tell us where it's going and how many people will be at the table, and our team will walk you through it and ask the questions that lead to the right piece.

If you'd like a place to start, here are a few of our Thanksgiving centerpieces:

• Thanksgiving Tradition Centerpiece
• Thanksgiving Feast Centerpiece
• Let Us Give Thanks Floral Centerpiece

You'll find the rest in our Thanksgiving collection, and any of them can be adjusted to your colors or your table.

Visit our Google Business Profile for directions, reviews, and store information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should a Thanksgiving centerpiece be?

Low. A centerpiece should let your guests see and talk to each other across the table without moving their heads. That's why we build our Thanksgiving centerpieces in a low tray and save the taller designs for side tables.

Can you put a candle in my centerpiece?

Yes. We design around the candle so the flowers don't crowd it. Light it just before dinner, and don't let it burn all the way down.

How early should I order Thanksgiving flowers?

A week or two ahead is ideal. The week of Thanksgiving gets busy fast, and ordering a week out helps us make sure we have every flower your arrangement needs.

If I order early, will my flowers be old by Thanksgiving?

No. We make your arrangement when it's time to deliver it, not when you order. Ordering early just gets your order in, and early orders tend to get priority.

What colors work best for Thanksgiving?

Fall colors are the most popular: yellows, oranges and deep burgundies. If you have your own color scheme for the table, let us know and we'll design around it.

Are you open over Thanksgiving?

We're closed Thursday, November 26 through Saturday, November 28. Please order early so we can have your flowers ready before the holiday.

Ready to set your table? Shop our Thanksgiving flowers or call us at (614) 889-1001, and we'll help you plan the perfect centerpiece.