Be Festive With Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Cornucopia literally means horn of plenty. In general, it is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, which is commonly a large horn-shaped container overflowing with produce, flowers or nuts. It is an emblem of Thanksgiving and can create a beautiful centerpiece for the celebration. Here we have the information that you need about decorating your home with Thanksgiving Cornucopia.

Thanksgiving Cornucopia – how it all started

Cornucopia is an emblem of Thanksgiving and has traditionally been added on the Thanksgiving table as a bustling centerpiece. Historically, cornucopia can be traced in ancient Greece, around 5th century BC. During that time, the horn was made of a goat’s horn, unlike with what we know of today, which is a trumpet-like basket. It is filled to the brim with lush vegetables, fruits and grains and placed at the center of the table. 

Goat’s horn was originally used as based on a legend in Greek mythology. The story tells us about the birth of Zeus who was feared by his father Cronus of overthrowing him when Zeus grows up. Cronus was then determined of destroying Zeus. Rhea, the mother of Zeus, then devised a plan of protecting her son by hiding him from Cronus. Zeus was then nurtured by his foster mother, Amalthea, until he was grown up. As a sign of gratitude for the kindheartedness of Amalthea, she was presented with a goat’s horn, imbibed with the divine power to replenish itself infinitely with whatever she desired.

Since then, cornucopia is a symbol of bountiful harvest, gratitude and good fortune. These are all the symbols of Thanksgiving.

Decorate your home with Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Adding cornucopia in your home for the Thanksgiving celebration is one of the most popular home décor used. It is the most common symbol of a harvest festival. It is actually a horn shaped container and filled with the Earth’s harvest.

Create your own Thanksgiving cornucopia and display them in your home for the holiday. You may start with simple wicker cornucopia basket, which may be purchased at a local craft supply store. Pick something that is at least five inches tall at the mouth so that you may have enough space to fill with your goods.

In creating a Thanksgiving cornucopia, you will be needing the following materials: large serving tray or cookie sheet, assorted colorful fall leaves, raffia or straw, burlap fabric, assorted fresh gourds, vegetables and nuts, and some ribbons, flowers, or stems of wheat.

Start by lining the tray with burlap and create folds such that the surface remains flat, but slightly uneven. Tuck the corners under the tray and allow the edges to fall naturally. Add a layer of fall leaves on top of the burlap. Place the wicker basket flat side down on top of the burlap and leaves. With the use of straw or raffia stuff the wicker basket no more than an inch high, and create a soft bed for your goodies. Start placing the largest item into the largest items into the basket first. Remember that flowers and grains should be facing outward. Smaller fruits and vegetables should be added to the outer rim, and allow the looser goods such as nuts and grapes to overflow. Continue adding fruits and vegetables until the cornucopia is full. Fill in the spaces and remember not to leave any space.

If you are going to visit stores or even check online, you will see that there are also edible cornucopia that you can use to decorate your home.