Thanksgiving is a holiday about expressing what one is grateful for and appreciating what one has. There is food, family, friends, and lots of cute decor. But how is this atmosphere created? To answer that question, first we must delve into what makes up the environment to make us feel safe and secure in this thankful holiday.
The table that holds the feast is the most important space for a majority of families. It is around that table that everyone gathers to talk and eat, fully immersing themselves in the holiday. For many families who celebrate, the gathering place is where the true family celebrating happens because that is where everyone bonds in their conversations and consumption of fabulous food. Food is one of the bases of the founding of Thanksgiving. Historically, Thanksgiving is said to have been the initial harvest of the English newcomers to the Americas. Eating is also an integral part of many cultures so during Thanksgiving, it is a prime celebratory time for family. Given this importance, it is logical to want to make the space extra special on holidays. One of the best ways to do that is to embellish it with themed items.
The table that holds the feast is the most important space for a majority of families. It is around that table that everyone gathers to talk and eat, fully immersing themselves in the holiday.
Creating a space like this takes more than putting dishes onto a table. It takes hours of planning and making not only food, but also decorations. Tablecloths, napkin rings, candlesticks, and placemats are just a few of the many aspects to change from the normal everyday to the special holiday. Buying these items in patterns with turkeys, leaves, cornucopias, or any other Thanksgiving themed designs are one way of making the table a homely, Thanksgiving space.
For the DIY-inclined people out there, so many decorations can be created by hand. Wall hangings or table knick knacks can be subtle, yet eye-catching pieces. There are so many areas of the home that can be spiced up with a bit of decoration. Creating Thanksgiving themed pieces is a fun way to conjure the grateful atmosphere in the room, as well as provide a bit of fun to the DIY-er. Most DIY-ers tend to look for any reason to make something and Thanksgiving is a great excuse. A few solid go-to things for DIY Thanksgiving decorations are hanging turkeys made from colored paper, leaf garlands made from tissue paper, chair bows made from ribbons, and candle holders made from recycled jars. These few are just a handful of the many ways to produce handmade pieces for the holiday.
Utilizing fall colors such as red, orange, brown, and yellow bring warmth and comfort. Subtle choices like using Autumnal colors play a huge role in how the room feels without anyone realizing. Warm colors have been shown to make people feel cozy and lift people’s moods. Similarly, using textiles that are soft and fuzzy also conjure warm, comfy feelings when one touches the fabrics. These textiles are excellent to use in throw blankets, pillows, and tablecloths and are associated with safety and security for most people, thereby altering the overall atmosphere to one of comfort. Add in the warm colors and the comfortableness of the room instantly increases.
Nothing like a pumpkin latte in holiday themed cups to create the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere.
Decorations are not the only way to get creative during the Thanksgiving season, food is also a means to create. To prepare for Thanksgiving company, each individual who is the designated cook devises a product to cook. The overall meal is a designed plan that must be fathomed and then carried out. There is plenty of opportunity to experiment and try new things, or simply make the same things as always; whichever way one chooses to go, creation is still at the core of the meal.
Thanksgiving is a time of appreciation, as well as creation. So much of the holiday relies on the surroundings of wherever the holiday is being held that it just feels right to personalize and embellish the atmosphere. Not only will you feel proud of your doings, your family will notice and value it, too.
