How to make an easy Fall Centerpiece

Fall is in the air and here are a few easy centerpiece ideas you can put together in minutes — no floral design skills required.

1. Pumpkin Centerpieces

Creating a pumpkin centerpiece is a popular and easy DIY project for fall. Here are some ideas and steps:

Pumpkin Vase: Cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin and hollow it out. Place a vase, jar, or coffee can inside to hold water for fresh flowers. This prevents the pumpkin from rotting and keeps the flowers fresh.

Floral Arrangement: Arrange a variety of fall flowers and greenery in the pumpkin vase. Good choices include sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and eucalyptus leaves. You can also add berries or pinecones for extra texture.

Candles and Accents: Place pillar candles on a wooden slab or tray alongside the pumpkin. You can also scatter smaller pumpkins, gourds, acorns, or fall leaves around the base to complete the look.

Alternative Filler: Instead of fresh flowers, you can use floral foam inside the pumpkin to hold faux flowers or other decorative elements.

2. Fall Mason Jar Centerpieces

There is something joyful about fall mason jar centerpiece arrangements. I find them charming decorative pieces that bring the essence of autumn indoors, making it perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.

• Select mason jars that fit your decor in size and style. Clear glass jars highlight the colors of fall foliage, while colored or frosted jars add uniqueness. Mix different sizes, from pint to quart, for visual interest and depth.

• Create a stunning fall centerpiece by gathering seasonal elements like colorful leaves, small pumpkins, gourds, and acorns. These natural items add texture and evoke a crisp fall day. Enhance the arrangement with dried flowers such as sunflowers, wheat, or berry-adorned branches. Use a mix of rich oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows to capture the essence of the season.

• Once you have gathered your materials, it’s time to start arranging them in the mason jars. Begin by placing a layer of floral foam or a small amount of water at the bottom of each jar to help support the stems of any flowers you may include. Start with larger elements, such as pumpkins or gourds, and place them at the base of the jar. Then, add in your foliage and flowers, gradually building up the arrangement. Play with the heights and angles of the items to create a dynamic look that draws the eye. Consider using twine or ribbon to wrap around the neck of the jars for an added rustic touch.

3. Apples & Candles Centerpiece

An apple & candle centerpiece is perfect for a cozy table or sideboard.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples — mix red, green, and golden for color variety

• Candles — pillar candles, taper candles, or tea lights

• A tray or shallow bowl — wood, metal, or ceramic

• Filler greenery — eucalyptus, magnolia leaves, or pine branches

• Optional accents: cinnamon sticks, pinecones, acorns, mini pumpkins, or dried orange slices

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Choose a Base Pick a tray or shallow bowl as your base. A rustic wood or metal tray works great for fall.

• Arrange Candles First

  • Place 3–5 candles in the center (odd numbers look most natural).

  • Use different heights for visual interest.

  • If using taper candles, place them in sturdy holders so they don’t tip.

• Add Apples

  • Scatter whole apples around the candles.

  • Mix colors for a vibrant look.

  • For a creative touch, core a few apples and insert tea lights inside them (instant apple candleholders!).

• Fill the Gaps

  • Tuck in greenery, leaves, or small branches between the apples.

  • Add cinnamon sticks or pinecones for texture and scent.

• Final Touches

  • Sprinkle a few acorns or dried berries for color contrast.

  • Light the candles and enjoy the warm, cozy glow.

Tips:

• Use unscented candles so they don’t clash with food aromas.

• For a modern look, use all-white candles and green apples.

• For a rustic fall look, use red apples, warm-toned candles, and burlap underneath.