About Autumn Centerpieces

During the autumn months, nature provides an abundance of elements that can be used to create stunning decorations for your table. Autumn centerpieces present the colors of the season. Deep reds and gold, rich reddish browns and forest greens make up a color palette that can complement any table. Pine cones, evergreen branches, apples and gourds are just a few of the items available during the fall season.

Function

Centerpieces serve as focal points for a table setting. They can reflect a party theme or add a touch of elegance to a simple meal. A centerpiece also complements the meal. Choose the colors for a centerpiece to coordinate with the serving ware. Use some of the whole fruits or vegetables and herbs that are in the foods being served. This brings all the elements of the meal together.

Size

Elements such as pumpkins, evergreen branches and bunches of fruit, common to autumn centerpieces, can take up a considerable amount of space. On smaller tables, use the large elements sparingly and build around these with herbs and dried flowers. For long tables, use multiple centerpieces. Create one with the larger elements for the center of the table, but keep it low in height. Make smaller, modified versions of this piece and place them to either side of the main centerpiece.

Features

The bounty from the fields and gardens and the fall colors of nature are the two dominant features of autumn centerpieces. Shape and texture play important roles in creating autumn centerpieces as well. Squash, gourds and peppers bring organic shape to the centerpiece, while elements such as oranges and pine cones provide texture. Including dried flowers and grasses in a centerpiece gives the piece a visual sense of flow. Bundled in ribbon, these elements can be set in baskets or laid along a table runner.

Types

Autumn centerpieces can include gourds, squash and fruits. These foods represent the autumn harvest, a time of plenty. One of the common elements for the harvest theme is a cornucopia, or horn of plenty. A cornucopia, so filled with foods and herbs that they tumble out onto the table, makes for a festive centerpiece.

Autumn means cool days and the coming of cold nights. Candles can warm up a chilly evening. Put three or four small, clear glass vases on a silver platter. Place a candle in each vase and surround the vases with fresh herbs such as rosemary and sage. Tuck in a few small gourds or baby pumpkins for a punch of color.

To celebrate the seasonal colors, lay down a linen runner with a pattern that includes reds and greens. Fill a large antique wooden bowl with apples, oranges and peppers. Place this in the middle of the runner and surround the bowl with evergreen branches and pine cones.

Geography

North of the Mason/Dixon line, the autumn season includes leaves turning bright red and golden yellow and dropping to the ground. These leaves can be used in centerpieces along with small, leafless twigs and baby pumpkins.

In the southeast, the harvest includes okra, onions, garlic and cucumbers. Place a few of these in a ceramic serving bowl and surround it with chestnuts and pecans.

The mild weather of the southwest United States means autumn is a season of moderate temperatures. Lighter shades of red and green can be seen in nature in this region. For a southwest autumn centerpiece, fill a wooden trough platter with oranges, sweet peppers and yellow squash. Fill in with stems of rosemary and red jalapeno peppers.