Learn to layer pieces of nature gathered outdoors to create a simple yet stylish centerpiece for your fall or Thanksgiving dinner table.Not only is it beautiful, but budget-friendly as well!
FALL | Updated October 22, 2023
The centerpiece on your fall table can be the star of the show.
Regardless of whether it is created for your everyday decor, a casual lunch, or Thanksgiving dinner with your extended family, the centerpiece is something that people will notice and remember.
That doesn't mean it has to cost a lot of money or involve special decorating skills to create, though. It is something that anyone can spend a little time putting together this season.
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When creating a seasonal centerpiece, there is no need to buy anything new. Creating a memorable display to stretch across the center of your table is most fun when you mix and match items from around your home that will compliment your place settings. You can really think outside the box and use pieces that you love even if they aren't traditional centerpiece decor.
And by shopping your home, this project is pretty much cost free.
In the case of today's post, though, I took a trip outside to gather pieces of nature that I find to be beautiful in the fall rather than using things that have been purchased at the store. Putting this together took no time at all and is so simple and mistake-proof that anyone can do it.
You're basically going to gather the "ingredients" I list, toss them (gently!) into a bowl, and you've got a centerpiece. It is a project even a beginner can handle.
In this post, I'm going to share just a few guidelines to help you create something similar, yet in your own style and with what you have available.
A Few Centerpiece Tips to Keep in Mind
BUILD IT ON SOMETHING EASY TO MOVE
One of the most important things to remember when creating any centerpiece is that it should be built on something that can be removed easily from the table. If you need to make more room for food or an impromptu Sunday afternoon craft project, you don't want to have to disassemble everything you've worked hard to create piece by piece.
For this post, I used a long wood dough bowl to hold my entire centerpiece, but you could also build yours on things like a tray, cutting board, or rustic plank of wood. You may have to move a few singular things like a candlestick or two, but the majority of what you create should be able to be moved at one time.
KEEP IT LOW
If you are planning to leave the centerpiece intact while dining, you'll want to be sure that it doesn't interfer with sight lines across the table. There is nothing worse than having to look around a tall candlestick or flower arrangement to converse with those on the other side.
If you are using something tall, just make sure that regardless of where you sit, you'll be able to easily see each individual person from wherever you sit. Sometimes you just need to place your decor a little off-center to make it all work.
LOOK AT YOUR CENTERPIECE FROM ALL ANGLES
When constructing a centerpiece or flower arrangement, you want to make sure that it looks good from whatever angle someone might be viewing it. We often build things to look good from our vantage point as the creator, but fail to turn it around or inspect it from the other side to be sure that it is pleasing from the other side.
What You'll Need
There are only a few things that you'll need to reconstruct a natural centerpiece for your own table. I'll go into more detail about what I chose and substitutions you can make in the next section. Feel free to substitute faux for the real thing!
- long wood bowl or tray
- leaves - Etsy has a great selection of dried and preserved leaves for sale
- small pumpkins
- berries
- table runner or tablecloth to display your centerpiece on - this is obviously optional, but when you are putting a wood bowl on a wood tabletop, you may need to break up the similar surfaces with a little contrast.
READ NEXT: How To Preserve Fall Leaves
How to Construct Your Nature Inspired Fall Centerpiece
STEP 1: Green oak leaves that I gathered outside and dried form the first layer of elements in my centerpiece display.
I love the light green shade that these leave turn to as they dry and curl. It isn't your traditional fall color palette, but I feel like they really fit with my neutral style. And the scent they have is pure autumn.
Any cuttings from trees or bushes will do here, and you can even use faux leaves if the real variety is no longer available when you are putting your centerpiece together. You can also buy preserved leaves online.
While I love the green oaks, pick a color and variety that fits with your decorating sense. Mix them up or choose a single type or color.
STEP 2: Next, small white pumpkins (called baby boos) are gently placed on top of the preserved leaves. There is nothing fancy about this centerpiece, so the pumpkins do not have to be perfectly placed, evenly spaced, or lined up. Because they are resting on uneven branches, they are going to want to tip and that is fine.
Just tuck them into the leaves wherever you think they look best. Use whatever number fits best in your bowl. Load it down or just use a few.
For a different look, feel free to try using orange "Jack-Be-Littles," gourds, or faux pumpkins.
STEP 3: Berries cut from a bush in the woods are the final accent to tuck into this vignette in a bowl. While a few berries were lost while putting this together, they dry nicely in the arrangement and remain intact on the stems for the most part.
Again, a faux version will give you a similar look. You could also sprinkle some acorns throughout the display for something different.
STEP 4: (Optional) Although I didn't do it here, adding candlesticks and taper candles into the bowl or alongside it would be a nice final touch and add a little shine at the dinner table. Candlelight is always a welcoming addition at the holidays.
Also, a tablerunner or tablecloth can provide contrast between a wood tray or bowl and a wood table. While it isn't necessary, it is an easy way to elevate the look of your entire centerpiece and make it look complete, especially when it is being used for everyday decorating.
The goal here really is to use what you already have or available around you to create something festive to highlight the center of your table.
There is no going wrong. This one turned out to be a bit of an unconventional color pallet for fall, but I love that it is unique. And whatever you choose to put together for your table will be just as special.
There is no going wrong. This one turned out to be a bit of an unconventional color pallet for fall, but I love that it is unique. And whatever you choose to put together for your table will be just as special.
Some More DIY Projects for Fall You Might Enjoy
- Simple Fall Flower Arrangement - Everything I used came from my end of the season garden cleanup!
- Dried Oak Leaf Wreath - A perfect accent for your front door!
- Neutral and Simple Fall Tablescape
- Simple Fall Centerpiece - with Green and White Pumpkins and Gourds
