The most elaborate Thanksgiving celebration ever held in the United States is widely considered to be the Thanksgiving gathering organized in 1925 by celebrated philanthropist and socialite, Mrs. Mary Abigail Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island. Held at the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion, ceremonial ribbons and lustrous carpets highlighted the most elaborate Thanksgiving event ever held in the US. The feast was a grand gesture of gratitude intended to honor World War I veterans, the less fortunate, and the local community. As a Vanderbilt, Mrs. Mary Abigail had the wealth and influence to make this gathering the largest Thanksgiving celebration the country had ever seen, and she sought to make it an annual occasion of unmatched elegance and generosity. CeremonialSupplies.com, the leading supplier of ribbons, event carpets, stanchions and rope, groundbreaking ceremonial shovels, hard hats, military flags and display cases, corporate wearables, keepsakes and accessories to decorate grand openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, graduations, fundraisers, military functions, groundbreaking ceremonies and all festive occasions is proud to explore with you today the elaborate Thanksgiving feast held in 1925 at the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion.
The Thanksgiving of 1925 was nothing short of extraordinary. The celebration unfolded on the grounds of the Vanderbilt estate, with the entire mansion and expansive gardens decorated in breathtaking autumnal splendor. From the grand entrance to the inner halls, autumn color ribbons adorned every doorway and arch, cascading like a rainbow of fall foliage in rich shades of red, orange, and gold. The long entrance was lined with luxurious purple event carpets, which guided the thousands of attendees toward the festivities. Though a unique choice, the purple event carpets gave the entire scene an air of royal grandeur, contrasting beautifully with the rich, rustic hues of fall.
To add an element of warmth, orange carpet runners were laid along the pathways and smaller entrances, creating a continuous flow of earthy tones that invited guests to walk through the estate's lush gardens and courtyards. At every intersection, stanchions and rope in a glistening gold provided subtle guidance, helping the guests flow through the impressive grounds with ease. The stanchions and rope were not merely practical but were draped in autumn color ribbons, harmonizing with the enchanting fall aesthetic. Mrs. Vanderbilt herself was known for her meticulous attention to detail, and she personally oversaw the placement of every purple event carpet, every orange carpet runner, and every stanchion and rope used in the lavish layout.
This grand Thanksgiving celebration was attended by a staggering 15,000 people, an unprecedented number for a private holiday gathering, with many transported from nearby towns and even distant states. At the heart of the event was the massive Thanksgiving feast, served in the sprawling Great Hall, which was filled with round tables set for the guests. Each table was elegantly decorated with autumn color ribbons, looping delicately around centerpieces that included golden cornucopias, candle-lit lanterns, and deep-purple chrysanthemums, all sitting atop purple event carpets spread under each seating arrangement. On the outer terraces, where more tables were arranged, the floors were lined with plush orange carpet runners, enhancing the warmth and harmony of the autumnal color scheme.
Stanchions and rope, again meticulously arranged, defined areas for each of the day’s events—from games and performances to a moving ceremony honoring the veterans in attendance. Many of these veterans were invited as special guests of honor, receiving their own personalized seating along purple event carpets, a symbol of respect and gratitude.
The purpose of this spectacular Thanksgiving was both philanthropic and patriotic, as Mrs. Vanderbilt wanted to unify the community and create a space for togetherness and gratitude. She envisioned it as a one-time event, not intending to replicate it annually. However, its impact was so profound that many Newport locals and attendees remembered it as a high point in their lives. Surprisingly, while this grand Thanksgiving gathering was widely publicized and celebrated, it was never officially recorded in the Guinness World Records. Nonetheless, it holds a place in the annals of American history as a defining moment of Thanksgiving generosity.
The day concluded with an evening dance held on a ballroom floor framed in purple event carpets, where couples glided across with grace and joy. Lining the perimeter were more stanchions and rope, interwoven with autumn color ribbons, capturing the flickering glow of candlelight as laughter and music filled the air. For hours, guests celebrated and danced on orange carpet runners and purple event carpets, their hearts full, their spirits high. Although never repeated, this Thanksgiving became legendary for its unparalleled decoration, generosity, and patriotic heart. You too can create a magnificent Thanksgiving holiday feast with the help of CeremonialSupplies.com. Shop our branded options of beautiful ribbons available in widths from 1.5” up to extra-wide 12” and colorful event carpets and matching stanchions with velvet ropes, slick and polished groundbreaking ceremonial shovels in shiny mirror chrome or a multitude of colors, military regalia, embroidered corporate clothing, plaques and desk trophies and medals, display cases and stands, and accessories and keepsakes to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Talk to us on our live chat, or lick here for a quote.