Thanksgiving Decorations: Ceramics

Thanksgiving decorations are often fall themed.  Thanksgiving is celebrated when the crops should have been harvested.  It is a North American version of the fall harvest celebrations of Europe.  Outdoor decorations are sparse compared to the elaborate displays one sees at Christmas, and even the displays at Halloween. 

Indoors, the home may be decorated, but it is the dinner table, the center of the celebration, where the decorations are most likely to be found. 

Fortunately, fall décor works for an entire season, and may be used multiple times.

Thanksgiving decorations might center around the turkey.  The turkey is the center of most dinners, and carving the turkey while those gathered are bathed in the aroma of the foods blending in the air increases the collective appetites.  Usually, the host carves and the rest wait, sometimes impatiently, for the meal to be served.  It is appropriate that the turkey be on a decorative platter that reflects the spirit of the holiday.  

Thanksgiving decorations may include other serving pieces.  The turkey is not the entire meal.  There should be other items served.  Side dishes might include dressing to go with the turkey, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, peas, or whatever vegetable and other side dishes one likes.  The variety should be wide enough to satisfy everyone present.  And, of course there is often cranberry sauce.

Many side dishes are brought by those invited.  A home kitchen is often used to its maximum capacity, so dishes cooked elsewhere are welcomed.  Even heating and getting every part of the meal to the table while still hot is a chore.

The side dishes require serving bowls.  And, since some must be heated early due to oven capacity, covered bowls are a good choice for some of the dishes.  Decorative ceramic serving bowls are a good choice for decorating the dinner table.

Sometimes the bowls are too hot for the table, so trivets are used.  Here is another opportunity for a Thanksgiving decorative item.

Thanksgiving decorations can also include pieces that are set on the table for different functions.  Salt and pepper sets are often present, as is a gravy boat, butter dish, and if coffee or tea will be served a creamer and sugar bowl might be set out.  These small added items can add a touch of décor in place of the boring pieces normally used if they are properly chosen.  In fact, serving spoons and their cradles can sometimes be found decorated with a fall there. 

Pies are often a good final touch to a feast, and Thanksgiving decorations used on pie plates can certainly add to the occasion.  Covered pie dishes will keep the pies warm until needed, and allow them to be brought out with the meal.  That way no one will have to get up from the table and go off to get the pies.

Covered pie dishes are also easier to transport a pie, should a guest elect to bring that special pie.

Of course the turkey can serve as the centerpiece, but there are other Thanksgiving decorations that can be used.  And there are even Thanksgiving decorations that can be placed on a mantle or side table.  It is nice to have the dinner in a pleasant atmosphere, and a Thanksgiving atmosphere is so easily obtained.

Some decorative pieces might even be functional, like those used to hold candy.