by Olivia Emisar

Created on: November 01, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2011

Thanksgiving is time of reflection to express gratitude for memories past and those that are yet to come. While an elegant and festive mantle place is as appropriate as a casual motif, the personal touches that reflect the love of family and friends should be incorporated in both settings to set a tone of gratefulness reflecting the loved ones in our lives.

Displaying reminders of past Thanksgiving holidays with pictures of our loved ones surrounded by items reflecting the season is an easy way to personalize a Thanksgiving mantel that is virtually cost-free.

* Casual *

Create a visual pyramid that is bottom-heavy.  Start by layering the mantel with a piece of folded cloth or runner in colors typically associated with Thanksgiving, such as dark greens and rust colors.  Add small baskets on either side of the fire place with small decorative pumpkins, Indian corn and leaves from maple trees.  The middle of the mantle could hold a vignette of casually framed pictures from past Thanksgiving celebrations of family members and dear friends. 

The top of the pyramid can be a simple wreath of  evergreens peppered with small pine cones and a ribbon of coordinating color made from the same fabric as the runner lining the mantle.

* Elegant *

Line the mantle piece with a runner that is rich in texture and reflects the colors of the season.  Arrange candle sticks of varying heights in groups of three on opposite sides of the mantle.  Use candles in colors that coordinate with the runner and basic color theme.  Reserve the center of the mantle for a glass container filled with ornaments decorated in fabrics of rich browns and burnt orange trimmed with dark green satin ribbons.  On either side of the bowl, add crystal picture frames displaying family pictures from past celebrations.

The top of the pyramid can be a wreath of evergreens decorated with similarly wrapped ornaments and crystal beads to create continuity.

Below are some examples of items that bring texture, color and individuality to anything you choose to create for your Thanksgiving fest.  Anything that remains can be used as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table to bring continuity to the mantle theme

* Centerpieces *

A casual basket or glass container filled with pumpkin spice potpourri hiding amidst some cleverly placed red apples and/or Indian corn.

Place Thanksgiving crafts made by the kids or grandkids at school around a plate filled with red and green

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