Pumpkins And Dahlias: An Easy Fall Centerpiece Full Of Color

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In the late 1800’s, English textile designer, William Morris, famously stated that you should, “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. While this quote is so simple, it can be challenging to keep our homes and lives paired down to items that fit within those two categories. But, regardless of the challenge, I think that Morris was onto something. By managing clutter, we cut down on the time and energy consuming task of tending to so many ‘things’, while simultaneously breeding both an internal contentment and a rejoicing in pieces which are beautiful. In turn, rejoicing in something beautiful ultimately brings us back to celebrating that which is good, lovely and a reflection of the creativity of God. This quote, and the thoughts I had following it, inspired me to create a fall tablescape that was full of the natural, beautiful expression of our God’s creativity that is on display all around us in this fall season: pumpkins and dahlias. Full of texture, interest and a bountiful display of color, this easy fall centerpiece highlights the best of the season which I, as Morris puts it, “believe to be (very!) beautiful”. Possibly one of my favorites to date, this tablescape has made my table full and my heart happy, so if you are looking for a Thanksgiving tablescape option or a way to celebrate God’s harvest beauty this fall, here are a few tips for a pumpkin and dahlia tablescape with an easy fall centerpiece full of color. 

Bring On The Color 

One of my favorite aspects of both pumpkins and dahlias is the wide array of colors, sizes and textures that they come in. Big and little, curved or speckled, round or flat, orange or yellow, green or white, pumpkins can come in SO many beautiful shapes and colors. Likewise, dahlias too can come in a plethora of color tones, shapes, textures and varieties. For this easy fall centerpiece, simply embrace them all! 

I began with the hope of integrating blush pink tones (to pull in the pillar candles that I have been using since our summer Blue & Pink tablescape) with red-orange pumpkins I had picked up from a roadside stand. From there, I was curious to see what I could find to pull these colors together using what was available both freely in nature and throughout the city. A few foraged red leaves, a blush / multi-color dahlia bundle and a small box of pumpkins/gourds later, a centerpiece FULL of color was coming together.

To lean into the fall harvest palette, I suggest simply picking one color of something you already have on hand that you would like to integrate before then adding in a variety of gourds/pumpkins, and one primary type of flower in a mix of fall color tones. By selecting a bulk of primarily one flower type (with variations in the colors and shapes), you can more easily skip the traditional centerpiece concept and instead use a more whimsical flower pin frog approach that I further discuss below. 

Easy & Simple Is Best

I love designing with flowers. But even with loving it so much, sometimes I just want something super easy while still being beautiful. If that’s you also, then you are in for a treat because this tablescape is just that. 

Once you have gotten your materials together, it’s time to lay them out. To begin, simply scatter your pumpkins and gourds down the center of your table. Vary the sizes and shapes so that they are somewhat evenly dispersed throughout. Viola… You are done with step 1!

For step 2 and the flowers in this tablescape, I wanted it to seem as if the flowers were sprouting out among the pumpkins in the centerpiece. To do this, I gathered two small bowls (mine were reused glass pudding jars) and placed a floral pin frog in each (you can secure the floral frog with floral putty for additional stability if you would like). Next, I cut the dahlias and foraged branches to different heights and stuck them into the pin frog going several directions (similar to the technique I used for THIS bridal shower décor). Using the floral frogs in this way allows the flowers to be secure within the small dish while intentionally capitalizing on a whimsical airiness that is generally not as sought after in a compote arrangement. With less density, the focus is more on each individual bloom, therefore allowing you to use fewer stems and see each stem displayed almost like you would if they were attached to the stalk in the ground. I personally love the effect that these floral pin frogs give to the flowers among the pumpkins when using them this way, but I also so appreciate how the flower frogs can be used over and over again for a variety of centerpiece looks (see a traditional compote arrangement with them HERE). 

Once you have 9 to 17 stems in each pin frog (depending on the size of your flowers), gently move each flower bowl into your runner of pumpkins. Do not place the two bowls directly together, but instead spread the pumpkins between and around the flowers. Tweak as you feel necessary, add a few candles and your easy fall centerpiece is finished!

Final Thoughts

By capitalizing on the pumpkins, dahlias and bright red leaves in season right now, you can fill your table with color while integrating any pieces you might already have on hand. Seeing the mix of textures / colors in the pumpkins and flowers truly does make my heart sing and gets me so excited for the ways that the Lord adds such beauty to our lives! Creating a tablescape like this helps me slow down and enjoy every minute of the goodness of the season today. So, do you have a pumpkin centerpiece on your table? Or would you be interested in making a simple one like this? The effort is minimal, but the effect is amazing because you are working with such beauty already! Like and save this post for later or share it with someone who loves an easy fall centerpiece!

Happy creating!

Chloe

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