Fall Decorating Ideas – Centerpieces
Create Simple Autumn Displays with Pumpkins and Gourds
Sep 2, 2009
The arrival of autumn means cozy sweaters, brilliant colors, and delicious meals around the dinner table with friends and family. And best of all, it's time for fall decorating.
Delight guests with a table decorated just for this special season. Not sure where to start? Begin with a tabletop focal point: a fall centerpiece. Pumpkins and gourds come in a range of sizes, colors, and shapes, and they can be used in many different ways to create fun and bold fall centerpieces.
Pumpkin Centerpieces
Pumpkins are surprisingly versatile, and fall is their time to shine. Here are a few ways to incorporate pumpkins into a seasonal fall table.
- Use a pumpkin as a unique vase for fresh flowers. Start by cutting off the top and cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin (just as you would for creating a jack-o-lantern). Then place a glass vase inside so that it cannot be seen. Add water and flowers and voila. Mums work well as they are a traditional fall flower, but don’t be afraid to try something different. Roses combined with bittersweet and leaves is simply stunning.
- Don’t be afraid to play with color. Consider spray painting pumpkins of various sizes and using them as fall centerpieces. Paint them to match the color of your décor. While the color might not scream autumn, the pumpkin will. It can be a really fun way to play with tradition.
- For a totally stress-free creation, try placing very small pumpkins in clear glass bowls or tall cylinder vases. They’re very simple and add a wonderful touch of fall flair to the table. To add some interest, try including pinecones and other natural fall elements such as gourds. Just don’t overdo it – the pumpkins should stand out.
- Feeling creative? Paint a pumpkin white (or use a white pumpkin!) and paint a design on it. Place it on a cake stand or other similar serving dish and use it as a fall centerpiece.
Gourd Centerpieces
- Small gourds are fun to use as candleholders. Find a steady one that will not fall over and hollow it out. Place a glass dish and a tall pillar candle inside (or just carve a hole the size of the candle base and stick it in.). If gourds are too small, use a small pumpkin. Consider adding leaves and berries at the base of the candle. Place a few of them together to create a centerpiece, or run them down the center of the table.
- A simple long white platter is a great place to display gourds. Garnish it with a few leaves, flowers, or fall berries to add some interesting color and texture.
- Find an appropriately sized basket and spray paint it to match your fall decorating color scheme. Place it on its side in the center of the table. Add gourds and flowers for a lovely, homemade cornucopia.
- Like with the pumpkin idea, spray paint a collection of gourds and place them in a bowl in the center of the table. It will create a more streamlined look than having a bunch of gourds in different colors. Add some pinecones spray-painted in the same color for extra textural interest.
Pumpkins and gourds can easily be found in grocery stores and farmers markets during the fall season. Inexpensive and perfect for the season, consider picking some up and trying some of the above ideas. They’ll look great and will add a touch of autumn to the table.
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