A Cornucopia of Memories

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  ~William Arthur Ward

  In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. In 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by the Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

 Most Americans will celebrate this November 22nd feasting on the traditional turkey dinner, surrounded by friends and family.  As we gather together and take stock of who and what is most important in our lives, we will pause and give thanks.

 For some, it’s a time to take out the beautiful china, sparkling crystal and lovely silver service and recreate that famous Norman Rockwell painting.

 I remember as a child, my father getting up early every Thanksgiving and setting our table with my grandmother’s gold-rimmed china.  I would watch as he gently buffed the Waterford crystal goblets and I would help fold the Irish linen napkins.   And lastly, he would always placed a cornucopia of flowers and autumn leaves in the center. 

 Being a floral designer, I can’t help but think back to those days and my father when I fill the cornucopias (also known as “horn of plenty”) with beautiful autumn flowers, pumpkin picks, berries and leaves. 

  If you are guests this Thanksgiving, a lovely way to say “thank you” would be to bring a gift of flowers.  An even better idea would be to have them sent a day or two ahead, so the host can incorporate them in their décor beforehand instead of running around looking for a place to put them when the guests are all arriving and the house is buzzing with activity.

 Fresh flower arrangements will also last days after the meal and continue to bring a smile to the recipient after all the food is put away, the mess is cleaned up and the china is washed and packed away until next year!

 If you enjoy DIY projects, here is a list of some wonderful flowers besides the usual chrysanthemums to use in a fall centerpiece:

Yellow or Red Sunflowers,

Coffee Break roses

Red Freedom roses

Purple Statice

Brunello Lilies

Calla Lilies in deep bronzes or burgundy

Hypericum berries

Yarrow

Ilex

Pods

If you aren't a Martha Stewart clone, call your local florist and have them make up a beautiful arrangement for you.  If you are sending out of town, take a few minutes to look up a real florist (one that has an actual address in the town you are sending to) and call them directly.  The local florist will be more than happy to give you options and work within your budget.  And, the best part, you aren't paying a service fee to an "order gatherer" wire service. 

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful Thankgsiving.