Learn how to create a neutral fall centerpiece using a variety of white and green pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Displayed in a rustic dough bowl, it is the perfect arrangement to place on your dining table or kitchen island during the autumn and Thanksgiving season.
FALL | Updated July 8, 2025
FALL | Updated July 8, 2025
For many, fall is all about the color.
It is a beautiful time of year when the trees are ablaze in shades of orange, red, and gold. Brightly colored mums and vibrant pumpkins litter porch steps leading to the front door. And that palette typically finds its way indoors as well.
While those amazing shades are a welcome sight in nature, there are those who prefer more muted, neutral shades inside. Maybe opting for deep burgundy and plum colors over the reds. Pure white pumpkins. An unconventional mix of greens for a neutral twist.
When done intentionally and with the addition of lots of texture, fall décor in shades of green and white can be really inspiring.
One of the easiest places to start incorporating this look into your seasonal decorating is with a fall centerpiece on your dining table or kitchen island.
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Simplicity can be the key to enjoying the fall season. Spending time creating elaborate displays does not have to be on your agenda.
And while stores are filled with new pieces to buy each year, nature provides all the décor that you need. Pumpkins, gourds, and fallen leaves are a perfect combination for fall in any color palette.
The best centerpieces don't have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money to create. For less than $10 (not including the dough bowl or table runner I already had), I was able to create a really pretty arrangement to last throughout the season until Thanksgiving.
The long bowl makes it easy to remove the pumpkin centerpiece from the table when a clear space is necessary - a good consideration if your table serves multiple functions or if you'll need to remove it at dinnertime.
This is the type of display that you could also use on a coffee table, buffet, or kitchen island, making it really versatile. You could even move it around the house as your decor changes over the season.
READ NEXT: Another Easy Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece with White Pumpkins
Gather Your Fall Centerpiece Supplies
You don't need a lot to put together a simple fall centerpiece using pumpkins and gourds and you can mix and match what will fit into your decorating style and autumnal color palette. Here is what I used:
- Dough Bowl - You need something to hold all of your pumpkins, so anything with sides will work here. I chose to use a wood dough bowl, but you could also use a flat wood crate or metal tray. For a square or round dining table, an old ironstone mixing bowl would also be nice.
- Table Runner - A runner provides color, contrast, and texture putting a little separation between a wood tabletop and wood bowl. I chose a cotton runner with crocheted trim on the ends in a neutral fall tone, but you could also use linen, burlap or even an old grain sack. For a smaller table, you could even use a placemat.
- Collection of Pumpkins, Squash, and Gourds - To keep with a neutral green and white theme, I chose to use small white baby boo pumpkins, green buttercup squash, and some uniquely shaped and patterned green and white gourds. Look for a variety in various sizes that will look cohesive or keep it simple and choose one single fruit.
- Short Branches of Leaves - The last touch to tuck into any empty spaces. Pick a color and variety that will compliment the pumpkins and gourds you've chosen.
How to Build a Simple Pumpkin Centerpiece
It is not a complicated process to put together an attractive arrangement with pumpkins. Here's how to do it:
STEP 1: Lay your cloth runner across the table (if you chose to use one).
STEP 2: Add your pumpkins, squash, and gourds, layering some on top of those deeper in the bowl. Start with your biggest fruit (in my case, the buttercup squash) and fill in with the other smaller varieties you've chosen. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Move them around until it pleases your eye.
STEP 3: Tuck leaves into any bare spaces that look like they could use a little something extra to fill in. I focuses on the outer edges of the bowl, but feel free to add some mixed in with the pumpkins as well.
STEP 4: PLace a few extra pumpkins and leaves outside the bowl if you'd like to extend the vignette down a long table or leave everything contained inside.
Sometimes when decorating your home or getting ready for a dinner party, you need something that will take just a few minutes to pull together. This simple fall centerpiece with neutral pumpkins, squash, and gourds is that type of project. In no time at all, you dining table will be ready for the season.
Rustic Fall Vignette
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