From Better Homes and Gardens
On the Porch
Grouping seasonal items gives the display impact. This arrangement uses vines, pumpkins, and mums, using the vines to add height and movement.
 | Fence Post Pumpkins
A simple adornment sometimes makes more of a statement than something fancier. Here a single mini pumpkin sits atop each fence post.
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 | Scale
One dramatic fall wreath is hung in a perfectly proportioned architectural feature on a garage.
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 | Step By Step
A pumpkin for each step greets visitors in October and November.
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 | One for Fall
One pumpkin sits in a prominent position over the front door.
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 | Fall Arrangement
Long-lasting mums, potted plants, pumpkins, and gourds are displayed together near the front porch of this New England home.
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 | Branches
Orange decorations look out of place on a pink painted exterior. Instead, use a long-lasting pretty arrangement of dried twigs set behind the outdoor light fixture.
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 | Big Pumpkins
Two very large pumpkins are the only decoration needed for the entrance to this large home. |
 | Twig Basket
A twig basket hung on the door can be filled with fall leaves, vines, or branches.
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 | Door Decor
An antique is fitted with dried corn and displayed on the front door. Raffia knots add to the harvest theme.
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 | Topiaries
Year round topiaries are decorated with preserved fall leaves in orange and gold. Pumpkins add more seasonal color.
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 | Architectural Features
The molding over the front door is used for a small seasonal display of pumpkins and branches. |
Shelf with Plates
Even a decorative plate shelf can be brought into the season with the addition of a row of pumpkins.
 | Porch Decor
These pumpkins look welcoming for a porch or front entry. The long stem adds interest and an unusual focal point.
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 | Plant Holders
Pumpkins fit nicely into this iron plant holder.
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 | Leafy Stem
The only decoration on this pretty pumpkin is some fall leaves arranged around the stem. |
And Don't Forget...
Bring Fall to Your Home
One Pumpkin
This pumpkin is all that's needed to make a beautiful centerpiece. Add some colorful silk leaf garland and a few ears of dried corn for an arrangement that can last a month or more.
 | Vege Tray
Pile up vegetables and minipumpkins on a tray. Fill in any gaps with moss, straw, wheat, or leaves. It's dramatic, moveable, and long lasting. |
 | Unadorned
Use a simple basket, platter or tray to corral a variety of pumpkins and dried corn. |
 | Go Elegant
If orange isn't your color then go for an elegant look with a plant in a beautiful container flanked by silver candlesticks. The only hint of fall is in a scattering of gold and eggplant silk leaves on the table. |
Apple Basket
Fill a twiggy basket with fresh fall apples and garnish with a few colorful leaves or berry sprigs.
 | Mini Pumpkins
Adorn a narrow mantle or shelf with a row of mini pumpkins and fall leaves. More for Mantles |
 | Simple Line
Make a row of fall materials... here mini pumpkins are alternated with one red leaf. Try this with acorns, pinecones, twigs, or other natural elements.
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 | Raffia Basket
This basket arrangement is easy to make and move around. Fill a basket or tray with straw package shred, then top with pumpkins and gourds. Finish off the edges with leaves. |
Tiered Server
Decorate serving pieces with fall fruits, leaves, and mini pumpkins. Here a tiered serving plate is filled with seasonal items and placed in the dining room.
 | Houseplants
Give houseplants a touch of fall by adding a few preserved fall leaves between stems.
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 | Kitchen Island
Spice up a kitchen with an arrangement on an island or countertop. Here the usual houseplant sits with a pumpkin and orange flowers for a cheery kitchen decoration.
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 | Pumpkin on a Platter
Make one pumpkin more prominent by placing it on a platter of fall leaves. Decorate with a few ears of mini corn. |
 | Leaf Arrangement
Arrange preserved fall leaves in a rustic basket. Add some berry and wheat sprigs for added texture.
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 | Seasonal Runner
Use a seasonal runner to bring a touch of fall to your dining room.
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 | Picture This
Drape a silk leaf garland over a picture frame for autumn.
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 | Happy Pumpkins
Ceramic pumpkins are set on a bed of red fall leaves and decorated with a few twig birdnests. |
Harvest Centerpiece Project
(Open browser window to maximum size to see all instructions.)
This simple centerpiece can be arranged in minutes on a platter or tray, and will last several days. Just prior to your dinner, finish the arrangement by garnishing with kale leaves.
See Centerpiece Materials Page
Materials Needed - Platter or Tray
- Small potted mum or ivy
- 3 Small pumpkins or gourds
- Mini-pumpkins
- Apples
- Greenery (Fresh or preserved greens, leaves, kale, parsley, or moss)
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 | To begin
Place a flowering mum in one corner of the platter. Then nestle two small pumpkins and a gourd next to the plant.
Tip: Remember to water the mum, and take care to keep water off of pumpkins and furniture.
Tip: This arrangement can also be made on a wooden board or on a piece of plastic directly on the table.
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 | Mini-Pumpkins
Add several mini-pumpkins around the platter.
Tip: Save your Halloween mini-pumpkins to decorate all through November.
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 | Apples
Place apples under and around the pumpkins.
Tip: Small apples will give you more flexibility in the arrangement. Use all red, or all green, or a variety.
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 | Finish with a Greenery
Use greenery between the items on the platter to create the illusion that this variety of items "belong" together. Use fresh or preserved greens, leaves, kale, parsley, or moss. Add fresh items just prior to your event to avoid wilting.
Tip: Sheet or Spanish (gray) moss can be substituted for the greens if desired. |
# posted by Skylightsky @ 8:16 PM
