Nothing says Thanksgiving like the traditional Cornucopia.  These horns of plenty have represented the abundance of fall harvest since the days of Pilgrims.  Though traditionally spilling with freshly picked produce, they also make beautiful flower arrangements, festive food displays, and lovely table decorations.  Get creative with items you have right in your home and you can present a fun and festive twist to this Thanksgiving custom.

 

Fruits, vegetables, mini pumpkins, zucchini, corn, gourds, and even bite size finger foods serve as excellent cornucopia fillers.  Let your menu be your guide.  Cascade bite sized vegetables for dipping or fresh fruit for snacking spilling from the horn.  This adds an authentic touch by having your guests dig right in to nibble veggies, grapes, cherries, apples and pears direct from the horn of plenty!  Create a more formal statement by blending whole fruits and vegetables with a few flowers or greenery.  Use a as your dessert platter and stuff with candy or cookies.  Think outside the cylinder and fill with nuts and snacks or crackers and cheese.  Whatever you choose to use as your fill the traditional cornucopia will deliver a powerful Thanksgiving statement.

 

Flowers bursting with autumn colors in yellow, orange, crimson and red make perfect fill for cornucopias of any size.  Go as big and brilliant as you like or keep it simple and stunning.  Use flora, fresh or dried, to create that perfect thanksgiving design.  Mix standard dried flowers and stems with exotic varieties like Cycus Leaf, Ram’s Horn and Pod assortments to make stately arrangement.  Try mixing in Cinnamon Sticks, Indian Corn, Poppy Pods and Wheat Stalks.  Place the cornucopia in the center of your dinning table and your ambiance is set for your visiting Pilgrims.