How to Make a Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Carefully cut a circular opening in the top of the pumpkin large enough to allow a 6” plastic or terracotta flower pot to be inserted.

   Discard the “cap” and stem of the pumpkin.
2. 2

   Step 2: Remove the loose pulp and seeds from the pumpkin and discard.

   (You may want to harvest the seeds for toasting or planting!) ,,,, Place your potted pumpkin on the plate or tray. (Be sure to stabilize the pumpkin to prevent it from rolling around.
   
   This can be achieved by making little “legs” from toothpicks inserted into the bottom of the pumpkin; or, place a saucer beneath it.) , Use oak, maple or magnolia leaves (real or artificial), seed pods, nuts, acorns, simple twigs, cinnamon sticks, bits of moss, gourds, fern fronds, babies breath and Indian corn, cattails, thistles, wheat shoots, eucalyptus stems. , Keep the mums thoroughly watered (moist, not wet) and examine the pumpkin periodically for signs of deterioration.
   
   Discard the pumpkin if soft spots, or if mold or mildew begin to occur on the bottom.
   
   Remove the mums and plant them in your garden or a larger pot.
3. 3

   Step 3: Scrape the inside of the pumpkin as smoothly and cleanly as possible without puncturing through the flesh of the pumpkin.

4. 4

   Step 4: Pour about a 3” layer of sand into the bottom of the pumpkin.

5. 5

   Step 5: Insert a purchased pot of mums into the pumpkin’s opening.

6. 6

   Step 6: Using a plate or tray that is a few inches larger than the circumference of the pumpkin

7. 7

   Step 7: place a festive napkin or fabric swatch (a roughly cut section of burlap gives a real “autumnal” feel) over the plate.

8. 8

   Step 8: Enhance the appearance of your pumpkin “vase” by tucking a variety of foliage around the base of the pumpkin and onto the table.

9. 9

   Step 9: You can enjoy this autumn centerpiece for weeks.

Detailed Guide

About the Author