Creating a Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece for Thanksgiving

Create a Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

I always enjoy using pumpkins and gourds as a seasonal centerpiece for Thanksgiving. If there’s no room at the dining table with the Thanksgiving feast, it’s a pretty way to dress a sideboard, kitchen island, or foyer table.

DSC_0050-1

Like everyone else, I’ve been busy harvesting recipes and table ideas with Thanksgiving a few weeks away.

DSC_0045-1

To create a pumpkin vase centerpiece, I always start with wet floral foam, soaked in water for 30 minutes. You can skip the wet foam and insert a bowl or plastic container in your pumpkin to hold water and flowers instead, but the wet foam helps to anchor heavier elements~ apples, artichokes, mini pumpkins, that can be added with floral picks.

Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece

Cut your pumpkin and remove the insides and seeds. Next, I line the pumpkin with a few plastic bags to keep any additional water from the oasis away from the bottom of the pumpkin to keep it a little drier, helping it last longer. If you wedge your foam in tightly, you won’t need floral tape to hold the foam in place.

You can make your centerpiece a couple of days in advance, keeping it out of direct sunlight and cool, to slow down the evaporation process. Misting them with a spray water bottle occasionally will help keep your flowers looking fresh.

DSC_0014-1

Here a few centerpieces using pumpkins as vases from the archives, click on the links if you’d like a peek.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving With a Touch of Blue

Thanksgiving Table

DSC_0818-1

Thanksgiving Lakeside

A centerpiece with individual tiger stripe pumpkins for each place setting.

Harvesting, Reaping, & Sowing

Gathering Together for Thanksgiving

DSC_1261-001

If you’re pressed for time you can gild your gourds and pumpkins with a little metallic craft paint and have them ready for the table in an hour!

DSC_0543-002

DSC_0503-001

Thank you for your visit, I’m joining:

 Metamorphosis Monday,

The Scoop,  Inspire Me Tuesday,

Wow Us WednesdaysTablescape Thursday,

 Home Sweet Home,  Feathered Nest Friday

 Foodie Friday and Everything Else Link Party

Share Your Style

  20 comments for “Creating a Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece for Thanksgiving

  1. Peggy Thal
    November 11, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Such a pretty centerpiece! I love how you added artichokes , it makes it interesting.

  2. Cheryl
    November 11, 2013 at 7:36 am

    So wonderful Mary. I especially love the mini arrangements. Your table and arrangements are just beautiful.

  3. Bonbongirl
    November 11, 2013 at 8:26 am

    Never one to disappoint, each one of your creations is stunning! I also love the new table & chairs featured outside :)

  4. November 11, 2013 at 8:42 am

    I remember the little individual tiger pumpkin settings Mary-love them! Everything’s so pretty and festive, especially the warm colors in that throw in the first full setting:@)

  5. November 11, 2013 at 9:20 am

    Lovely centerpiece, my friend! I like the tiny ones at each place setting, too!

  6. November 11, 2013 at 11:46 am

    Mary, I’ve pinned several of these shots. I love the idea of the mini pumpkins w/ flowers at each setting as well as the wonderful layering of the placesetting.

  7. November 11, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Gorgeous! There is just nothing like the colors of fall for vivid beauty.

  8. November 11, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    so gorgeous, the autumn lights and lush colors soothe my ragged soul~

  9. November 11, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing your tips Mary, I haven’t ever attempted an arrangement in a pumpkin and have always admired yours…floral foam is often skipped in my impatient process, I must remember to use this valuable step~ the individual centerpieces are just beautiful, your guests are always in for a special treat or three!
    Jenna

  10. November 11, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    your arrangements are always so beautiful and unique. the artichokes are a wonderful addition!

  11. November 12, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Always the most beautiful show in blogland! Thanks for the tips… love the lightly gilded gourds!

  12. November 12, 2013 at 9:51 am

    Mary, Your tablescape is gorgeous and the centerpiece is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing your pretty table at the Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

  13. November 12, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    Love this idea, how beautiful and that plaid table cover is sensational. I love it. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me and don’t forget to link up to our Holiday Baking Party on the 20th. Hugs, Marty

  14. Katherine G
    November 14, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    I saw one of your beautiful pumpkin centerpieces, and it inspired my own, but I used a pumpkin that had gone flat on one side, (highly discounted after Halloween I might add) and cut out the opening in the opposite side, leaving the stem intact.

  15. November 14, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Love the pumpkin centerpiece and the throw. Can’t take my off of these for a minute or two before I study your details. Your little pumpkin arrangements on each plate are gorgeous too. Love it all!!

  16. Carolyn
    November 17, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Mary, these center pieces are incredibly beautiful! I just want to caution everyone. I made one and placed it on my dining room table for 3 days and the pumpkin rotted and ruined the finish on a very expensive table. Completely my fault. I just wasn’t thinking and should have placed it on a plate.

  17. November 20, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    What a great collection of ideas! I might just try to make one this year…..
    Thanks!
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

  18. November 16, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    I’ve never done a pumpkin centerpiece with flowers and I may do it this year. You are giving me the inspiration to give it a try. You make it look easy.
    All your tables look stunning as always.

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: