Fall Floating Candle Centerpiece Ideas

A floating candle centerpiece adds warm light to a table.

When the green of summer fades away to autumn gold and the sun sets lower and sooner in the sky, we naturally turn to the warmth and comfort of the interior of our homes. The need to connect with the outdoors lingers for a bit, though, taking the form of garlands and harvest displays for our tables and doors.

Fall Foliage Centerpiece

For a simple, but attractive centerpiece, lay a burlap or straw runner down the center of a rectangular or square table (use a round mat for round tables). Float three candles of different autumn colors--olive green, gold and rust-brown--in a large pale amber goblet or bubble bowl. Surround the bowl with preserved leaves in autumn hues. Scatter a few acorns among the leaves for added effect.

Burnished Gold Centerpiece

For an elegant and warm centerpiece, start with a champagne-colored tablecloth topped with a gold lace runner. Arrange a garland of burnished gold leaves around the base of a large round mirror. Place a crystal punch bowl or extra-large brandy snifter in the center of the mirror. Add clear faux diamond crystals intermixed with gold oversized glitter in the bottom of the bowl and float champagne colored candles on the surface. Sprinkle gold glitter over the tablecloth and around single floating candles in small brandy glasses. For extra glitz, twist the wire stem of a single gold leaf or gold-painted spray of tiny berries around each brandy glass stem.

Harvest Centerpiece

Float grape leaf-shaped candles in extra-large, long-stemmed wine glasses. Group the glassware in odd numbers of varying heights in the center of the table. Arrange clusters of grapes, apples, tiny pumpkins and gourds around the glassware and along the center line of the table, interspersing additional votive candles in and around the fruits for extra sparkle.

Autumn Flowers Centerpiece

Create a long garland of interwoven chrysanthemums, sunflowers, yellow roses or other autumn flowers and foliage. Build the greenery and flowers somewhat wider and higher near the center of the table (using dried moss to cover and disguise pedestals or other objects you may need to boost the height of the display). Cluster three cylinder vases in different heights together in the center (on the moss) and surround them with a ring of the colorful flowers. Submerge an additional blossom in each vase and float an olive green candle on top.

Bittersweet and Pumpkin Centerpiece

Hollow out a large fresh pumpkin and place a bubble bowl in its center, so that it fits inside like a liner for the pumpkin. Use toothpicks or straight pins to attach a low garland of moss around the rim, if desired, to bridge any gaps between the bowl and the pumpkin's edges. Make two swags of cedar boughs to flank the pumpkin and surround the pumpkin bowl with a garland of bittersweet in full fruit. Float three to five burnt-orange candles in the bowl. For a long table, make miniature versions of the centerpiece using hollowed-out baby pumpkins or gourds with votive candles. Sprinkle loose bittersweet berries or cranberries around the tabletop.

Resources

• Super Weddings: Autumn décor with candles
• Country Living: Seasonal Decorating Ideas
• Wedding Flower and Reception Ideas: Autumn Centerpieces