7 Thanksgiving Centerpieces That You Can Plant in Your Garden Afterwards

This Thanksgiving, let’s take the table decor up a notch with centerpieces that live on—literally. Instead of cut flowers or pumpkins that often get tossed into the landfill, we’re tapping into potted beauties that are ready to bring new life to your garden after the holiday. Using native shrubs, flowering winter favorites, and regionally appropriate herbs, these centerpiece ideas go beyond decor by being an invitation to add life and beauty to your garden well into the new year.

Whether you live along the coast, in the mountains, or in the arid Southwest, we’re sharing a plant palette that can be tailored to thrive in any Western garden. Think hardy pansies and snapdragons blooming through winter, native shrubs to rewild your habitat, or mini fruit trees freshen up your backyard. Here’s to celebrating the season with an eco-conscious setup that’s both stylish and sustainable, while expanding upon the beauty in our own gardens. 

1. Miniature Fruit Trees

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Southern, and Low-Desert regions

Plant Suggestions: dwarf citrus, fig trees, dwarf olive trees, and bay laurel

Styling Tip: Arrange mini potted lemon, lime, or kumquat trees down the center of the table, accentuated with candles or small gourds. Wrap pots in earthy fabrics (like burlap or linen) to complement the rustic charm, or use terracotta or metal pots to enhance their Mediterranean charm. Line the center of the table with potted mini fruit trees, which can be accented with smaller herb pots like thyme or sage for added texture and fragrance. 

Garden Reuse: Citrus trees make fantastic additions to Southern gardens, thriving in pots on patios or transferred to garden beds where winters are mild. Bay laurel is a gorgeous evergreen that is fragrant, suitable for garden beds or containers near outdoor seating areas.

2. Succulent Display with Decorative Rocks

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: Southwest, California, and arid regions

Plant Suggestions: Dudleya, agave, Echeveria, and other native succulents

Styling Tip: Arrange a trio of succulents in low ceramic dishes or reclaimed wood planters. Use decorative rocks or small crystals as soil toppers to add texture and sparkle.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Garden Reuse: These hardy succulents can be replanted outdoors or kept in containers. They’re ideal for low-water landscapes, providing beauty year-round with minimal maintenance.

3. Herb Bouquets with Edible Flowers

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: All zones (opt for hardy herbs per region)

Plant Suggestions: sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and edible flowers like violas or calendula

Styling Tip: Arrange a low trough or series of small pots with grouped herbs. Incorporate edible flowers that pop in vibrant colors. For a more elegant twist, place the herbs in vintage glassware or mismatched bowls.

Courtesy of West Elm

Garden Reuse: After the meal, transplant herbs into your garden or use them in cooking. Violas offer winter nectar resources for pollinators, while calendula can serve as companion plant, offering pest resistance and color in your winter gardens.

4. Native Shrub Trio with Seasonal Accents

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: Coastal California, Pacific Northwest, and Northern regions

Plants: California coffeeberry (Frangula californica), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), and red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Styling Tip: Use small, complementary pots (think glazed ceramics or antique-style metals) for each shrub, and place them as a trio down the center of the table. To add a seasonal touch, weave in clusters of pinecones, foraged branches or floral greenery, and a few candles for a warm and inviting tablescape. The deep greens of coffeeberry and huckleberry, along with the bright red stems of the dogwood, bring a festive look that transitions well from Thanksgiving through the holiday season.

Courtesy of Wayfair

Garden Reuse: These native shrubs are perfect additions to Western gardens, attracting birds, providing habitat value, and adding evergreen structure. California coffeeberry is highly drought-tolerant and resilient in many soil types, while red-twig dogwood and huckleberry both thrive in cooler, moist climates and bring year-round interest to garden beds.

5. Cold-Hardy Greens

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Climate Zones: Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Mountain, Intermountain West, and Coastal regions

Plant Suggestions: lettuce and chard mix, ornamental kale, and cabbage

Styling Tips: Use deep-hued ornamental kale and cabbage in low, wide pots, ideal for a seasonal but striking centerpiece. Surround with candles or mini gourds for a layered look. Create an edible green table runner with pots of colorful lettuces, rainbow chard, and perhaps a few mustard greens. Place in rustic wooden trays, alternating greens with small pumpkins or mini squash that can be added into a weeknight soup.

Courtesy of Terrain

Garden Reuse: These cool-season vegetables bring bold colors to winter garden beds, especially in colder regions. They also offer texture in landscape beds or pots, enhancing winter curb appeal. These leafy greens thrive in cooler temperatures and can be transplanted to raised beds or left in pots for continuous harvesting into winter.

6. Pomegranate and Ornamental Grasses

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: All zones (pomegranate is adaptable; select native grasses per region)

Plant Suggestions: pomegranates, blue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis), deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens), purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Styling Tip: Place potted pomegranate trees along with native grasses like California fescue in earthy or copper-toned pots for a natural yet refined look. The feathery texture of these grasses pairs beautifully with evergreen sprigs, manzanita, or holly berries, adding a festive touch. Intertwine with twinkling lights for evening gatherings.

Garden Reuse: Native grasses contribute to erosion control and habitat value in landscapes, supporting pollinators and adding graceful movement to garden beds. 

7. Winter-Ready Blooms

Thomas J. Story

Climate Zones: All Western zones (ideal for cooler-season planting)

Flowers: pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis), snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), primrose (Primula vulgaris), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum)

Styling Tip: Mix two to three different flower varieties with a complementary color palette in small pots and place in a long, low basket or on a rustic wooden tray. Tuck in moss around the base of each pot and intersperse small gourds or pinecones between the pots. These flowers’ cheerful blooms add a soft, romantic feel to the table.

Garden Reuse: All of these flowers thrive when planted in winter garden beds or pots and will bloom continuously through spring. Pansies and violas are low-maintenance and attract early pollinators, sweet alyssum flowers attract beneficial insects that will protect your garden come spring, while snapdragons bring vertical interest and continue to flower in cooler weather.

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