Reinventing Thanksgiving with a Tropical Twist
November 18, 2014
First, let’s Florida-ize the traditional Thanksgiving color palette. Earthy browns and cayenne oranges need a makeover, Fort Myers style. Rethink your cornucopia of color. In Southwest Florida the word of the day is citrus. Burnt orange, cranberry and chestnut brown gracefully give way to tangy corals, key limes and light sandy beiges.
Next, let there be light. In most of the other 49 states, late November is a good time to draw the drapes and hunker down. Here in Florida, we can move the family gathering outside. The Pilgrims probably celebrated around a campfire. Today, we call it a fire pit, or better yet, an outdoor kitchen, outfitted with appliances and posh (and practical) furniture that would make Priscilla swoon directly into Miles Standish’s arms.
Dining inside? You can still go tropical. Lighter woods are favored and perhaps best paired with cushy upholstered chairs. Think light linen fabrics. Tropical centerpieces – orchids are a favorite – elevate the mood. A glimmering chandelier overhead mimics starlight. Candles always add spark. Why not exponentially increase your glow factor with mirrored furniture pieces? Mirrored consoles and cabinets are an emerging trend. Robb & Stucky offers an amazing assortment.
In Florida, Thanksgiving doesn’t happen exclusively around the table. We are a destination for out-of-town visitors. AAA reports that Thanksgiving is THE most traveled holiday. If traffic on the Tamiami Trail the Wednesday prior to Turkey Day is any indication, we’d certainly agree. Be sure you have enough seats at the table AND comfy extra bedrooms. Sleeper sofas are the ultimate convertible this time of year! Robb & Stucky can assist on all counts.
At Robb & Stucky we love change. Interior design and home décor are all about discovering creative solutions for better living in the here and now. But we also know that some traditions are thoroughly worth keeping. So, while Robb & Stucky may recommend a radical Thanksgiving tropical revamp, we also hold fast to the essence of the holiday. With that in mind, we are most thankful to Florida, Fort Myers, our associates, our fine partners and, perhaps most importantly, our customers. We appreciate the opportunity to serve and create every day, and most especially on the last Thursday of November.
ABOUT MARK STUART: People impressed and inspired by the Robb & Stucky
showroom often wonder where we get our ideas. Meet our creative mastermind Mark Stuart, a Florida transplant from Indiana. As Robb & Stucky Creative Director, Mark is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team on wood and upholstery selections so our stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.
