I love traditional Thanksgiving - everything. Traditional colors, a traditional menu, flowers, table setting, etc. I'm not sure if creating a floral centerpiece in a pumpkin would be traditional in the eyes of generations past, but in the Martha Stewart era of holidays, it surely seems like a classic.
It has been about 6 years since I created a floral centerpiece in a pumpkin... I am not sure if I thought it was too over done, or if I hadn't had the occasion to do it. Or maybe I got lazy and didn't want to go to the trouble of carving out the pumpkin. This year, I've been itching to do it. I thought about if for Halloween, then Emma's costume took priority in the project department.
Get all of the table setting details, here >
I started by selecting my flowers and colors - getting a feel for what the colors will look like with the table setting, in the room.
I chose these apricot roses with burnt orange and deep red mums. I needed something that would drape downward in the arrangement, so I selected the wheat-looking stems.
As you can see (and you might remember), we received a large collection of Spode Woodland china that I always use during the Fall and Winter holidays. I have admired them for years and am so glad to have them - and I still LOVE them every year when I get them out.
I will use this glass vase set inside the pumpkin to make the arrangement in, so I cut the top to be sure it would fit into my opening.
I cut the opening, then scooped out the insides with an ice cream scoop.
I put the vase in with a square of oasis foam, then filled it with water.
I started by putting in the best roses, trying to achieve the shape.
And then, because flowers look best in groups of the same, I bunched 2-3 flowers next to each of those roses. I like to use different sizes of roses in these groups to add interest - and it looks more natural.
Then, I started plugging in groupings of mums in the same fashion.
It is starting to take shape. At this point, I realized it was a little 'tight,' so I pulled the bottom roses out by an inch or so, so it didn't look so much like a ball of flowers on a pumpkin.
To soften the entire arrangement and to add some drape, I placed the broom cob around the collar.
Done! You can see the groupings of flowers look more appealing than if it were homogeneously arranged - it would look polk-a-dotted!
To keep it fresh, keep it in the refrigerator (or in the garage, if your garage is really cold like mine!).
Here it is on the table!
Shop the Hemstitch Linens featured on this table
here >Hemstitch Napkins (4 for $28), Runner ($28) & Placemats (2 for $16) available in my store, here >This tray is one of my favorite essentials. I use it all of the time for serving drinks, appetizers or as centerpiece. Find the Handled Service Tray,
here >
Here is the easy-to-pin strip!
and...
Happy Thanksgiving Planning!
DIY Instructions for creating the centerpiece, here.
Last year I didn't do a proper Thanksgiving Collection. It is easy to sort of sweep Thanksgiving in with Fall decor, or just move right on to Christmas - but I LOVE Thanksgiving. The traditions, the pretty tables, the menu, the schedule of the day, the crisp air, the crackling morning fire, pies baking... all of it. So this year, I will not move on to Christmas, we will fully celebrate all that is Thanksgiving.
Vintage Turkey Prints, $4-6
The New "The Plan" Planning Tablet, 25 sheet tablet, $12
I've been thinking about this concept for a while. Finally, I've come up with this simple tablet that helps me to get organized for dinner parties, holidays - even home projects. Here, you can see, I've listed some items to help get me organized for Thanksgiving. I'll show more examples of how I use this soon!Is there anything better than a "Kids' Table" at Thanksgiving?
This one set like a bit of a nature hunt + craft table. Lots to see and touch.
Place settings don't have to be complex - just something simple and special.
Paperwhites are classic Holiday. They bring a fresh scent and stately life to homes during the winter months. These bulbs are extra large and a beautiful chestnut color. They will bloom tall, white blooms. I begin forcing them indoors in October, then they are the perfect gift for Thanksgiving and Holiday Parties. They take about 5-7 weeks to bloom.
I hand-stitched a little "H" on our
Hemstitch Napkins. It took about 5 minutes and gave so much charm to these simple staples.
Pies : )
Mini Leaf & Acorn Cutters easily give a classic pie a new twist.
This collection focuses quite a bit on table settings. Really, besides making sure your home is cozy and comfortable, setting the table really is the centerpiece for the holiday. I have created seven individual schemes based on Napkins and Table Linens I have available. By combining a print with a velvet ribbon, coordinating candle and little sprig of this or that, each scheme is the essence season.
Left : Harvest Berry Napkins + Heirloom Pumpkin Candles + Moss Green Velvet Ribbon
Right : Green Hydrangea + Edgartown Sand Candles. + Warm Velvet Ribbon
Deep Brown Topiary Linens +
Rust Candles +
Rust Velvet RibbonAcorn Linens +
Maize Candles +
Brown Velvet RibbonBeige Topiary Print Linens +
Edgartown Sand Candles +
Warm Velvet RibbonCream Hydrangea Print Linens +
Natural Beeswax Candles +
Brown Velvet RibbonsClassic Stripe Napkins +
Falmouth Grey Candles +
Rust Velvet RibbonFall Taper Candles
Tea Towels Cushion CoversAcorn Block PrintTablecloth & Table RunnersNapkins
Acorn Tea Towels
Green Hydrangea Tablecloth & Table Runners
Moss Green Velvet Ribbon
Plaid Wrap, $30, over the chair for warmth
Browse the entire Thanksgiving Collection, here >
For help planning your Holiday, browse all of my
Thanksgiving posts, menus, centerpieces & tables, here >