Occasions
Thanksgiving flowers in the US: the table and a gift for your host
United States · Nationwide
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. For a meal at home we suggest chrysanthemums in a low centerpiece or alstroemeria divided among small vases. A bouquet with a vase is also an easy gift for your host to set down.
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United States
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A centerpiece that leaves room to share the meal
Start with the serving dishes that will fill the middle of the table. A low, narrow arrangement lets guests see each other and pass plates. On a long table, several small vases can sit between serving dishes.
Chrysanthemums offer different shapes and colors. Alstroemeria is another option for dividing an arrangement. Choose warm colors if they suit the tableware; the decoration does not have to be entirely orange.
If you have a family vase or bowl you want to use, take its measurements or a photo when ordering. You can fit the flowers to a piece already on your table instead of buying another container.
A gift for the home, delivered with time to spare
As a guest, bring flowers in a container that can go on a side table. The gift can be enjoyed after Thanksgiving without replacing the centerpiece your host has already prepared.
If you are arranging the table decoration, order a centerpiece for that space. For a personal gift, choose a bouquet with a vase that can go in another room. Your card might say “Thank you for making room for us at your table. Enjoy these flowers in the days ahead, too.”
Sending flowers when you are celebrating apart
If you are celebrating in different homes this year, send flowers to relatives who cannot join the gathering. Your card might say “We are raising our glasses from another table this year. You are in our thoughts.” The gift can accompany their meal or go elsewhere in the home.
For delivery, include the recipient’s name, address, apartment and ZIP code. Choose a window when someone can receive it and use the destination’s local time when arranging it. To thank your host after the gathering, send flowers another day with a personal note.
Flowers for decoration and flowers for food
Keep the centerpiece flowers in their container. For a cake, food platter or drink, you need flowers suitable for eating, with the edible species and part identified. An ornamental bouquet does not become an ingredient because it looks fresh.
Cut flowers grown for decoration may have received treatments unsuitable for food. Washing does not make that bouquet edible. If you want flowers on the menu, buy them specifically for food use.
Which flowers to choose
Compare flowers to choose the format, colours and care that suit the occasion.
Chrysanthemum
Main flower in our selectionFor the dining table we suggest chrysanthemums in a low, narrow container. As a gift for the home, a small vase can go on a side table and leave room for the meal.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria can be divided among several small vases. This is an alternative to one centerpiece for a long table.
Guides to help with your decision
Which flowers to give as a thank-you
Which flowers to give to thank a friend, colleague or professional. Ideas for the card, a group gift and an agreed handover.
How to pack and transport a bouquet of flowers
How to carry a bouquet or potted poinsettia. Local trips in Mexico and Lithuania, heat, cold, flights and border checks for Spain, Germany and Argentina.
Which flowers to bring to a dinner host
Which flowers to bring to dinner at someone’s home and how to give them. Bouquets with a vase, centrepiece advice and card examples.
How to order flowers from a distance and plan delivery
How to send flowers from afar and choose the format, date and handover. Includes UK letterbox flowers and addresses and deliveries in other countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thanksgiving always the last Thursday in November?
It is the fourth Thursday. In a November with five Thursdays, the occasion is not the last one.
Does Friendsgiving have the same fixed date?
A Friendsgiving gathering can be held on another day. This page follows US Thanksgiving and does not assign a national date to those gatherings.
Can I put flowers from the bouquet on a Thanksgiving cake?
Do not use the ornamental bouquet as a decoration that may be eaten. For a cake, choose flowers sold for food use and check the edible species and part. Washing florist flowers does not make them suitable for eating.
Sources and what they support
- U.S. House of Representatives · 5 USC §6103, laws through 07/10/2026
Sets Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November and Christmas Day on December 25. Substitute federal days off do not change these occasion dates.
- Society of American Florists · Thanksgiving floral decorating ideas
Suggests centerpieces and flowers including chrysanthemums, carnations and alstroemeria. These are industry suggestions; the current date comes from 5 USC §6103.
- Emily Post Institute · Should I Bring a Hostess Gift?
Recommends giving flowers in a container where possible to make receiving them easier. This is US etiquette advice, not an obligation.
- University of Minnesota Extension · Edible flowers
Distinguishes edible flowers from ornamental cut flowers. Species, plant part and treatments matter; washing does not remove systemic pesticides. It does not establish food suitability of a particular bouquet.
- Emily Post Institute · Show Your Thanksgiving Spirit
Suggests sending flowers to relatives who cannot join the main Thanksgiving gathering. Etiquette advice, without establishing a species, popularity or national delivery deadline.
How we put these guides together
We review dates, care and recommendations to help you plan each gift.
Spotted something we should review? Contact Agenda Floral.