CREATE A DIY CENTREPIECE

Chrysanthemums, sunflowers and other hardy florals are great choices for a Thanksgiving table centrepiece, says Kalynn Crump, founder of ReBloom, a floral recycler and composter that repurposes event flowers by converting them into small bouquets for charity and non-profit organizations. While Crump loves traditional fall colours like reds, burgundies and oranges, she doesn't shy away from pinks and also likes to incorporate seasonal berries. Begin by affixing floral mesh or chicken wire inside the rim of your container. Thread mixed greenery, such as eucalyptus and fern, through the mesh and add flowers.

“The biggest faux pas is building your arrangement too high because your guests will have to lean to chat around it. Thanksgiving is all about sharing stories, being thankful and giving back and it's really hard to do that when you have this grandiose centrepiece in front of you,” she says. Beginning at the centre of your table, fan out about half a dozen eucalyptus stems and set your floral arrangement in the middle. Crump encourages you to purchase locally grown flowers to support small businesses hard hit by the pandemic.

“When you buy from local growers, you know exactly what family you're supporting,” she says. Consider buying some extra flowers to make simple arrangements tied with a strand of yard or ribbon to send home with guests. “That would warm their hearts and would be something they always remember.”