I created these natural fall centerpieces as a fun and simple DIY project. They would be the perfect accent to a Thanksgiving table!

This season in the Midwest has me enjoying the last bits of warm weather. While I’ve been basking in a splendor of colorful falling leaves, I am also preparing for the long indoor hibernation that is to come.

I found myself wanting to bring the outdoors in. Autumn decorations can help to savor the beautiful ambiance of Fall just a bit longer. The great thing about decorating this time of year is that you can easily find inspiration (and supplies) in nature itself! By using items from nature, you can decorate inexpensively as well.

FIND A CONTAINER

The first step for a this centerpiece project is finding a container. It can be as small or large as you would like. Be sure to consider where the centerpiece will be placed when searching for the perfect container.

I found a vintage wooden drawer, likely one that was used in a sewing cabinet at some point. I’m not exactly sure when I acquired it, but it has been taking up space in our storage closet for a while now just waiting for it’s moment to shine.

If you plan to use fresh flowers in your centerpiece, as I did, you will need to make sure your container is appropriate to hold water. Obviously, filling a vintage wooden box with water wouldn’t be the best idea. Because of this, I searched for waterproof vessels that could fit inside the box. Luckily I tend to be a glassware hoarder, and had a nice collection of small glass jars to choose from.

 

CHOOSE ITEMS TO PLACE INSIDE CONTAINER

With your container(s) ready, it is time to go on a hunt for items that can fit inside. Think about layering and how the colors of each element can complement each other.

Search in a variety of places – your backyard, the holiday decor stash, even the garage! Once you find a good selection of items, begin placing them in the container. Rearrange, and add/ take things out until you get an arrangement that is pleasing to your eye.

Take a look at the three Fall centerpieces I came up with!

 

CENTERPIECE 1: FLORAL + PRAIRIE GRASS

The first centerpiece design features autumn colored fresh flowers. I wish I could say that I grew these beauties in my own backyard, but alas I did not. They were purchased from a local grocery store and cost just a few dollars for the entire bouquet. The rust hues scream ‘Fall’ to me.

The stems were cut down to sizes that would fit well in the short glass jars. I arranged the flowers so that the colors and types were evenly distributed. Prairie grass, which was found growing near our driveway, was then layered into the mix.

I love how the colors of the flowers bring out the golden tone of the wooden box!

CENTERPIECE 2: PINE CONES + HOSTA +DOORKNOBS

The second centerpiece includes a bit of whimsy. When searching for items to use in my arrangements, I came across a couple of old doorknobs and thought it would be fun to include them. The knobs were originally installed in a 1900’s outbuilding on my in-law’s property, which they recently tore down. The motif seems to be inspired by nature.

I placed the knobs in two of the glass jars, so that they would stay upright. I then layered pine cones (found from our Christmas decoration stash) around the glass jars. A few sprigs of hostas, cut from our landscaping, were feathered in.

Though they are contrasting elements, I am very pleased with how well they compliment each other!

CENTERPIECE 3: PUMPKINS + FALL FOLIAGE

Pumpkins are super easy to find this time of year, and are ultra inexpensive. I picked up a package of 6 mini pumpkins for $3.99 at a local nursery, and only needed half of them for this centerpiece.

If I had set the pumpkins into the wooden drawer/box they would have been too low. Because of this, I placed a few pine cones in the box first. They helped give the pumpkins a little lift. I then cut small branches off of trees in our yard, which contained leaves that were turning colors but not quite ready to fall.

I also layered in a few sprigs from a shrub that is in our landscaping. I’m not completely positive of it’s technical name, but I think it might be a Goldmound Spirea.

The delicate flowers are in the process of drying up. Even so, I was able to catch a few of them when they were in all their bright pink glory. Absolutely stunning. The colors of this arrangement really pop!

 

ADDITIONAL FALL DECOR INSPIRATION

I had so much fun pulling these centerpieces together, and searched Instagram for other creative goodies. Check out this amazing trio of images I found! Click on the name links for source info and to see more of their beautiful Instagram feeds!

1.  @sarahlynnbrennan also used a wooden box. The painted monogram decoration adds a personal touch that is quite charming. She used preserved flowers and greens – meaning that it will look beautiful for years to come!

2. @housebyhoff cleverly utilized a copper pitcher as her container. Inside she placed a few hydrangea branches. Set beside a single white pumpkin, the pair makes a simple statement for Fall. Just lovely!

3. @thehomehour went 100% natural with a large pumpkin layered with smaller pumpkins, moss, and succulents. Gorgeous and colorful!

 

I hope this post has inspired you to go searching in nature around you, to see what type of decorations you can create.

Be sure to check out the FREE art print available from Arrow Hill Cottage!

Be Thankful Art Print

 

PIN THESE CENTERPIECE IDEAS FOR LATER