Learn the steps to create a fall centerpiece in a dough bowl for your dining table using a variety of white and green pumpkins, gourds, and squash.
FALL | Updated May 2, 2023
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 orange pumpkins litter porch steps leading to the front doors. And that palette typically finds its way indoors as well.
While those amazing shades are a welcome sight in nature, there are those of us who prefer more muted shades indoors. Maybe opting for deep burgundy and plum shades 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 centerpiece.
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Simplicity is one key to enjoying fall. Spending time creating elaborate displays does not have to be on your agenda.
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 which I already had), I was able to create a really pretty arrangement that will last throughout the season.
It is also easy to remove from the table when a clear space is necessary....a good consideration if your table served multiple functions or if you'll need to remove it for serving dinner.
And this is the type of display that you could also use on a coffee table or buffet, 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
SIMPLE NEUTRAL FALL CENTERPIECE WITH PUMPKINS TUTORIAL
Gather Your Centerpiece Supplies
You don't need a lot to put together a simple fall centerpiece using pumpkins and you can mix and match what will fit into your decorating style and autumnal color palette. Here is what I used:
- table runner - while obviously not necessary, a runner provides color, contrast and texture while putting a little separation between a wood tabletop and wood bowl. I chose to use a cotton runner with crocheted trim on the ends in a neutral fall tone, but you could also use something like linen or go more rustic with burlap or an old grain sack. For a smaller table, you could also use a placemat. (If I were doing this post today, I would likely choose something in a cream tone for the runner and get away from seeing so much of the brown from the table and bowl.)
- dough bowl - you need something to hold all of your pumpkins, so anything with sides will work here. I chose to use a reproduction wood dough bowl, but you could also use a flat wood crate or metal tray. For a square or round table, an old ironstone mixing bowl would also be nice.
- collection of pumpkins, squash, and gourds - in keeping with my neutral green and white theme, I chose to use small white baby boo pumpkins, a 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.
- leaves - they are the last touch to tuck into any voids. Pick a color and variety that will compliment the pumpkins and gourds you've chosen.
Feel free to use real or faux supplies for this centerpiece. This is a great bundle of faux white pumpkins in all different shapes and sizes.
How to Build a Simple Pumpkin Centerpiece
It is not a complicated process to put together an attractive centerpiece with pumpkins.
STEP 1: Lay your runner across the table if you are using 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. I focuses on the outer edges of the bowl, but feel free to add some mixed in with the pumpkins as well.
STEP 4: Add a few extra pumpkins and leaves outside the bowl if you'd like to extend the vignette or you can leave everything contained inside.
Sometimes when decorating your home, you need something that will take just a few minutes to put together. This simple fall centerpiece with neutral pumpkins is that type of project. In no time at all, you dining table will be ready for the season.
Some More Fall Posts You Might Enjoy
- Rustic Fall Vignette
- Dried Oak Leaf Wreath - A perfect accent for your front door!
- Chalk Painted Heirloom Style Pumpkins
- Nature Inspired Fall Tablescape - this would make a really cute fall sign as well!
2 Bees in a Pod - Rustic Fall Mantel
The Crowned Goat - Fall Inspired Dining Room Tablescape
Canary Street Crafts - Fall Decorating Ideas
Pocketful of Posies - Fall Table
Refresh Living - Fall Harvest Mantel
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