What Flowers Are Used for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving flowers have long symbolized gratitude, harvest, and warmth—three hallmarks of the holiday. Traditionally, people choose blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow to capture the cheerful glow of autumn. But while fresh bouquets look beautiful for a few days, they fade fast. That’s where artificial arrangements come in, offering lasting beauty, less stress, and décor you can reuse every year. In this guide, we’ll explore what flowers make the best Thanksgiving decor and show you faux floral arrangements that embody the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Sunflowers: Cheerful and Timeless

A classic favorite, sunflowers symbolize happiness, gratitude, and togetherness—perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Their bright yellow petals instantly lift any space and pair beautifully with rustic or farmhouse settings.

Try the Golden Sunflower Arrangement, a radiant display that adds sunshine to your holiday table or sideboard. These Thanksgiving floral arrangements bring energy and optimism to your décor, setting a joyful tone for the feast ahead.

Hydrangeas: Full and Elegant

Hydrangeas are known for their lush, rounded blooms and timeless charm. Their full texture and soft hues make them a staple in many Thanksgiving flower arrangements.

Nearly Natural’s Peony Hydrangea Candelabrum combines florals with candlelight, creating a warm, glowing centerpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving.

For smaller tables or buffet stations, the Autumn Hydrangea with Round Vase is an elegant option that blends beautifully with pumpkins and candles.

Dahlias: Harvest Season Favorites

Dahlias represent abundance, celebration, and creativity, making them ideal for Thanksgiving decorations. Their deep tones and layered petals complement the season’s harvest colors.

The 22” Dahlia & Mum Wreath (Autumn Beauty) offers a mix of dahlias and mums in rich fall hues. Use it on your door or wall, or as a unique centerpiece by adding candles in the center for a cozy, glowing effect. 

For smaller spaces, the Dahlia with Decorative Vase Set of 3 is a versatile choice that looks lovely on mantels, shelves, or side tables.

Mums: Classic Thanksgiving Blooms

Chrysanthemums (mums) are the quintessential Thanksgiving flowers, symbolizing  longevity, joy, and optimism. Their layered petals and vivid tones make them perfect for mixing with other cheerful flowers like dahlias or sunflowers.

The Mum Artificial Arrangement  brings soft texture and rich color without any upkeep. Try placing it in the center of your holiday table, surrounded by pumpkins and votive candles for a layered, welcoming display.

Magnolias: Southern Elegance

For a refined twist, magnolia stems add depth and structure to flower arrangements. Their large leaves and creamy blooms bring a sophisticated warmth that pairs beautifully with rustic woods, metallic accents, and candlelight.

Nearly Natural offers Magnolia Artificial Stems in a set of 3 that you can mix with other faux florals to create custom Thanksgiving decorations that feel both traditional and fresh.

Other Seasonal Standouts

Looking for something unexpected? A few other fall floral favorites can make your décor pop:

• 24” Peony Wreath: Doubles as a table centerpiece when you place candles inside the ring.

• Seasonal Double Phalaenopsis Orchid Arrangement: Perfect for modern homes that prefer elegant simplicity.

• Red Hydrangea with Glass Vase Set of 3: Adds bold red tones that bridge the fall and winter seasons, making it ideal for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Creating a Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement (Artificial)

When designing your Thanksgiving floral arrangements, start with a color palette of orange, red, and yellow—the tones of autumn leaves. Layer faux flowers with pumpkins, pinecones, and candles to add dimension and warmth.

Placement ideas:

• Dining Table: Create a centerpiece using hydrangeas, mums, or dahlias.

• Mantel: Pair magnolia stems with garlands for a cozy focal point.

• Sideboard or Entryway: Use smaller sunflower or orchid arrangements to greet guests with cheer.

Artificial flowers stay vibrant all season and can be reused every year, making them a practical and beautiful choice for Thanksgiving decorations.

Flowers That Last Beyond the Feast

Sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, mums, and magnolias are the stars of the season. Each bloom embodies gratitude and celebration, and when you choose artificial versions, you get the same radiant beauty without worrying about wilting petals.

Bring warmth and charm to your home this season. Explore our Thanksgiving Collection for arrangements that make your holiday table shine, or shop our curated Fall Tabletop Décor to style your dining table  with lasting elegance.