An Under-$30 Centerpiece Idea That’s Perfect for Thanksgiving

Dinner and decorations in one go.
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red cabbage surrounded by grapes
photography by belle morizio

Thanksgiving looks a bit different in 2020. Usually we’d be visiting the florist, syncing with the bakery, and making multiple last-minute liquor runs. Now we’re looking to minimize trips and get everything we need—dinner and decorations—in one go. But if you scour your local grocery store wisely, you only have to make one stop.

In that spirit, we’re putting a fresh spin on a fall tablescape by sourcing items straight from the farmers’ market and replacing traditional browns, yellows, and reds with pastel peaches and moody violets. Domino’s executive creative director, Kate Berry, took a trip down the produce aisle and created two breathtaking centerpieces (each one ringing in under $30!). Here’s her step-by-step guide to re-creating the simple and affordable look at home. 

The Picturesque Peaches 

white plates on a pink table
photography by belle morizio

This palette of lavender, pink, terracotta, and butter yellow is a muted take on the classic Thanksgiving cornucopia. For an unexpected touch of glamour, lay down a lush velvet tablecloth, like this cherry blossom–pink fabric from Calico, before you get started. 

The Shopping List:

  • Eggplants (we used the fairy tale variety)
  • Cotton candy grapes (opt for ones that are more golden than green)
  • Pears
  • Small red apples
  • A peach-colored pumpkin 
pumpkins and fruits laid out on a pink table
photography by belle morizio

The How-To:

Start with the largest item in your collection (in this case, the pumpkin) and place it off-center. Begin to bulk up the arrangement with the purple eggplants, then the bunches of yellow grapes. (Working by color family will make it easier to see if things are balanced.) Fill in any leftover gaps with the other small fruits. Add height by tucking in branches of dyed eucalyptus. 

The Melodramatic Purples 

patterned floral plates on a dark purple table
photography by belle morizio

Leave the holiday drama up to this moody scheme of purples bordering on blacks and bright violets. For a whimsical feeling, we went beyond classic white tableware with John Derian’s botanical plates, striped glassware, and some found tchotchkes. 

The Shopping List:

  • Italian plums 
  • Concord grapes
  • Red cabbage
  • Quail eggs 
quail eggs in a silver bowl
photography by belle morizio

The How-To:

On one end of the table, surround the purple cabbage with clusters of grapes. Set the speckled eggs and any seasonings for the meal in small bowls (sticking with one metal will create cohesion). To tie everything together, Berry cut a vine of honeysuckle from her garden and ran it down the center of the table. Incorporating personal trinkets into the centerpiece, be it a crystal collection or vintage catchall trays, will make the scene all the more special. 

In case you haven’t noticed, nothing here has to go to waste! Chop up your fruits and veggies after dessert has been cleaned up so you can enjoy a few more delicious dinners (and lunches!).

This story was originally published in November 2019. It has since been updated. 

See more stories like this:  The Best (Affordable!) Wines for Thanksgiving How to Create a Boho Chic Thanksgiving Table 18 Totally Unexpected Ways to Do Thanksgiving

Belle Morizio Avatar

Belle Morizio

Staff Photographer & Assoc. Photo Editor

Belle is the in-house photographer and associate photo editor for Domino, capturing everything from home tours to gift guides, plus the occasional how-to project. She joined the photo team as an intern in 2018 and was brought on full time in January 2021.