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How to Choose Eco-Friendly Flowers for Thanksgiving Decor
- Jessica Stewart
- Nov 13, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start thinking about ways to make our holiday tables feel warm, inviting, and beautiful. Flowers are a perfect way to add natural beauty to your celebration, but did you know that the flowers you choose can also make a positive impact on the environment?
At Bramble & Blossom, we’re passionate about sustainable floristry, and we want to help you create a Thanksgiving centerpiece that’s not only gorgeous but also eco-friendly. Here’s our guide to selecting seasonal, American-grown flowers for a meaningful and sustainable Thanksgiving table.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly, American-Grown Flowers?
When it comes to florals, most commercially available flowers are grown far from home, often imported from thousands of miles away. This journey involves a significant carbon footprint due to transportation, energy-intensive greenhouses, and even chemical preservatives to keep the blooms fresh. By choosing American-grown, seasonal flowers, you’re making a positive impact in several ways:
Lower Carbon Footprint: Locally sourced flowers reduce transportation emissions, cutting down on pollution and conserving energy. Draw a 100 mile map around your home and check out SlowFlowers.org to see if you can locate a local grower in your region. In Pittsburgh we have the benefit of a robust group of local growers found at local farmers markets and on RootedFarmers.com. Many parts of the country have kick ass growers' collectives where you can find lots of flowers all in one place. The Pittsburgh Cut Flower Exchange is a great local group and in neighboring Ohio you can connect with The Ohio Cut Flowers Collective. Many cities, states, and regions have these co-ops and collectives. Check yours out!
Support for Local Farmers: Choosing flowers grown within the United States helps support American farms, many of which use sustainable farming practices. Ask questions. Don't be shy. Most flower folks are glad to dish on our behind the scenes stuff, so just ASK!
Freshness and Longevity: Flowers grown closer to home are fresher, which means they last longer in your arrangements, extending the joy they bring. Often the flowers our customers get were growing in the ground less than 48 hours before they were on your dining room table...imported flowers uuummm...yeah they've been off the vine a bit longer. Bleh.
This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate sustainability and beauty by opting for seasonal, American-grown flowers.
Seasonal Flowers and Greenery for November
In November, our arrangements at Bramble & Blossom feature a selection of seasonal blooms and greenery sourced from our local flower farming partners who are still harvesting fresh cuts or who have dried flowers for us or from trusted American farms on the West Coast. Here are some of our favorite options for this time of year, perfect for a Thanksgiving arrangement:
Eucalyptus: Known for its elegant, silver-green leaves and fresh scent, eucalyptus adds texture and depth to any arrangement. Plus, it dries beautifully, making it a sustainable choice that can last well beyond Thanksgiving.
Winter Berries: These rich red and orange berries offer a festive touch and contrast beautifully with the cooler tones of eucalyptus and other greenery. A cool thing to forage for if you know what to look for (another blog post for another day!).
Chrysanthemums: With their full blooms and variety of colors, “mums” are classic for fall arrangements. Look for deep oranges, golden yellows, and warm reds for a true autumnal feel. Also one flower that local flower farmers in our region STILL HAVE as of this week (Nov 18)... gorgeous, weird (seriously the heirlooms can be freeeeeeaks!), and so sturdy - don't count mums out. The grocery store varieties you're imagining shouldn't be allowed to share a name with heirloom mums. Heaven-sent this time of year in zone 6!
Dried Flowers: Want more colors and textures, but hoping to stick with a locally grown option? Local farmers are selling beautiful dried flowers like amaranth, strawflower, gomphrena, and lavender, as well as loads of dried pods and berries and foliage. Go wild with dried flowers and you can make a keepsake arrangement that is used for years to come.
Using these seasonal flowers and foliage helps capture the spirit of fall and adds a unique, natural beauty to your Thanksgiving table.
Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Ready to start designing? Here are some eco-friendly tips to create a stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece that aligns with your sustainable values.
Skip the Floral Foam: Traditional floral foam is harmful to the environment, as it contains plastic and other chemicals that don’t break down. Instead, try using a reusable floral frog or create a structure with chicken wire. Both can hold flowers securely and be reused many times. If you're visiting other folks for the holiday and don't want to bring chicken wire in your weekender, ask your host if they have a floral frog or some clear tape you can use as quick and easy floral mechanics.
Choose a Sustainable Vase: For a truly eco-friendly centerpiece, select a vase made from natural materials or upcycle a container you already have at home. Ceramic, glass, and metal vases are all great options. A simple glass jar can be dressed up with a bit of twine or a ribbon for a rustic touch. Also consider non-traditional vessels like a small soup tureen or a vintage water pitcher with a groovy fruit print...Throw out the rules and choose something that delights you!
Opt for Reusable and Compostable Materials: After Thanksgiving, many elements of your arrangement can be composted or saved for future use. Eucalyptus, for instance, can be dried and reused as part of your home decor or holiday wreath. The greenery will retain its look and scent, making it a sustainable choice that keeps on giving. If you're able to compost this Thanksgiving, help future you out by trimming flower waste into small pieces - especially things with woody stems.
Use Water Wisely: If you’re creating your arrangement a few days in advance, place the stems in clean water and keep them cool. Changing the water every other day will help your flowers last longer, reducing waste.
Incorporate Dried or Foraged Elements: Adding dried flowers, grasses, or branches from your own garden can add texture and reduce the need for additional flowers. Foraging responsibly for natural materials, like pine cones or acorns, is a great way to add local, seasonal accents. This one might lead to a special holiday memory... Like remember that time you and your aunt finally went on a long walk just the two of you and she told you what your mom was really like as a teenager while you foraged dried autumn clematis and spent teasel together. Foraging can be a great excuse to escape the chaos for a bit, if you're a solo act or an introvert who needs to recharge their batteries in between all the loud folks inside.
Designing the Perfect Thanksgiving Centerpiece
With these eco-friendly principles in mind, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece that will have your guests admiring both its beauty and its sustainable touch.
Start with the Base: Arrange eucalyptus or ruscus along the edges of your vase or container to create a lush green base. This greenery will provide structure and create a natural “frame” for the focal flowers.A
Add Big Blooms: Place chrysanthemums in the center of your arrangement, spacing them to create balance. Use larger blooms as focal points and position them slightly above the greenery for added depth. Make sure everything is a different length or it'll look like a toupee.
Include Textural Accents: Add winter berries and seeded eucalyptus for texture and color contrast. These accents will bring an organic, wild feel that reflects the natural beauty of the season. Add some twisted, foraged pieces. Add some dried blooms you found outside. Add a twig from a tree with a few autumn leaves on it.
Balance the Arrangement: Step back occasionally to view your arrangement from all angles. Adjust flowers and greenery as needed to create a balanced, full look that works from every perspective.
Embrace Imperfection: Part of the beauty of an eco-friendly arrangement is its natural, organic feel. Don’t worry about making everything perfect – a few wild stems or asymmetrical touches add character and charm.
Make a Positive Impact this Thanksgiving
By choosing American-grown, sustainable flowers and using eco-friendly design techniques, you’re making a difference that goes beyond your Thanksgiving table. Every step you take to reduce waste and support local farms contributes to a healthier planet and stronger communities. There are always ways to reach out to support your local community food bank or free store this time of year, too. Every little bit helps.
At Bramble & Blossom, we’re proud to offer arrangements that reflect these values, creating beauty that lasts in more ways than one. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving at home or with loved ones, your floral decor can be a meaningful part of the celebration.
No Time to Create Your Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Centerpiece?
Stop by Bramble & Blossom in Pittsburgh to explore our seasonal arrangements or place a custom order to suit your style. Together, let’s make this Thanksgiving not only beautiful but also sustainable.
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