November is here, and regardless of losing some daylight, we always focus on there being a lot to celebrate in our lives!!
For many of us, the foliage is entering its peak, although it’s past peak in some of the northern regions of the states. For much of the country, fall colors in November burn their brightest, as if they are exploding with colors before they settle in for the winter.
November is the time when you commit to putting away the warm weather clothes and pull out the sweaters, hats, and mittens for the upcoming cold. Of course, that’s when we get to enjoy Thanksgiving, the meal-centric American holiday that reigns supreme above all others.
As a color consultant and interior paint consultant, I’m gleeful with opportunities to bring new colors into the home, especially when it’s inspired by holidays and dining-centric gatherings.
In this article, I’m going to cover some of the traditional and trendy Thanksgiving colors we have used over the years and interior design choices that can make the holiday feel fresh but nostalgic all at the same time!
I’ve previously written about Thanksgiving color schemes and what some traditional Thanksgiving color choices are. We all adore the stand-by colors of Thanksgiving because they remind us of warm memories of the past.
Chestnut browns, rusty reds, oranges, yellows, and even beiges signal to us that fall is winding down and Thanksgiving is here to wish it a fond farewell as we enter December. To fully embrace the traditional Thanksgiving colors, start with the entrance to your home.
A Thanksgiving/autumnal wreath can set the tone for your guests. A straw wreath with pops of cranberry red, pumpkin orange, and daffodil yellow will stand out against your front door, whether it’s stained wood or painted a navy blue. A wreath is an easy and quick way to set the mood for the rest of your home’s color schemes.
The dining room is no doubt the focal point to showcase the colors of Thanksgiving and design choices. To make the traditional thanksgiving colors stand out amongst the food and decor, I suggest using neutral colors to contrast strongly against the saturated warmer traditional colors we usually fall back on.
For example, use white, grey, or even blue dinnerware to set a neutral base to juxtapose against the oranges, reds, and browns. A light grey dinner plate with navy blue napkins, accompanied by white candles scattered throughout the table, will help the warm traditionalist colors of Thanksgiving pop with new life!
No one is telling you that you must use the same traditionalist Thanksgiving colors year in and out, so I’m going to provide some alternative color schemes that may just be what the doctor ordered for your Thanksgiving!
We are so used to thinking of the warm yellow, orange, and red colors of Thanksgiving; I say let’s take a closer look at other areas of the color spectrum that are just as warm and appealing. I would not go all the way to summery blues and greens, but what about slate blues, warm teals, and even dark greens? These colors are just as inviting, especially when balanced with neutral creams, off whites, and earthy browns. It’s not like we are avoiding the red and orange colors of Thanksgiving, but these colors create a whole new look with just as much warmth at your dining table!
Yes, you heard that right. I suggest adding a variety of textures to your Thanksgiving table in ways you’ve never considered doing before! There is so much to choose from at this time of year. It is so rich with opportunities; you can add anything from pine cones to pumpkins to tall grasses, from baby’s breath or just leaves to beautiful fresh flowers. Candles also add that festive touch to the room. Every item is rich with both color and texture! Toss these items around your dining room table to add visual interest to your dining experience, giving your Thanksgiving a whole new look!
Copper has seen an increased interest in the interior design world in the past years, and it’s easy to see why! Copper is funky, steampunk, reserved, and colorful all at the same time!
I love the way copper looks in the kitchen and dining room, which is why I’m suggesting it as an ideal color choice for Thanksgiving.
Picture your Thanksgiving table with copper cups, stemware, silverware, and serving trays. Now, to contrast the glistening copper, you use woven linens such as tablecloths and seat cushions around the table. The beauty of this style is that it incorporates color, texture, and a warmth that we enjoy most at this time of year.
Thanksgiving, to me, is all about warmth, relaxation, and spending carefree time with friends and loved ones. Whether you are adding new colors or new textures, or both, take the opportunity to decorate your Thanksgiving table in a whole different way than you’ve ever done before. Whether you prefer traditional or alternative colors for Thanksgiving, it’s about creating an atmosphere that all can enjoy and look back upon with warm feelings.
Please, share your Thanksgiving color preferences and warm memories with me; I love hearing from you!
