Food and Recipes Entertaining Ideas & Tips 64 Fall Centerpieces To Complete Your Autumn Feast By Patricia S York Patricia S York Patricia was the assistant food editor at Southern Living and worked with the Southern Living food team from 2006-2022. She contributed to articles about food, gardening, and pets. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on October 19, 2023 Close Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez Fall is a season filled with notable holidays and gatherings. For every occasion, there's a new reason to prepare a seasonal centerpiece for your table that captures the true beauty of autumn. Entertainers looking for fresh fall centerpiece ideas have found the bounty. We've brought together some of our favorite fall hues, from warm reds to bright oranges and yellows, and sprinkled in plenty of neutral pieces with subtle and daring elements too. You don't have to buy everything new, either. We've included ideas that mix home décor items you already have and blend them with autumn elements to create the fall centerpiece of your dreams. Our tabletop looks are crafted with plump pumpkins, crisp apples, and lush shrubbery. Everything you love about the fall season is now beautifully displayed across your table. Gather around and admire these artistic pieces that bring the true taste of fall to your event. 01 of 64 Keep a Fall Color Scheme Alison Gootee One of the best ways to bring some Fall into your home is through a warm color palette. Designer Sara Perez-Ekanger nestled flowers with hues of yellow, orange, and red together in a terracotta pot to make a perfectly autumnal arrangement. 02 of 64 Make it Feel Cozy Hector Manuel Sanchez While a big showy centerpiece can be stunning, having a more understated centerpiece can make your Fall gathering feel more cozy and intimate. This centerpiece by designer Olivia Massie features a small yet effective group of Fall-inspired florals and foliage. 03 of 64 Dried Lasts Longer Hector Manuel Sanchez If you love the look of flowers but hate how quickly they wilt compared to candles or pumpkins, consider making a dried flower bouquet. It will give you the look of a gorgeous floral centerpiece without the maintenance required to keep it looking fresh. They'll last you all throughout fall and give your home a bright, outdoorsy feel. 04 of 64 Pampas Grass Among Florals Robbie Caponetto To achieve movement and an eye-catching shape, start by inserting stems of Scotch heather and pampas grass into florist foam on a tray. Next, layer in gomphrenas and dried lunarias before incorporating the more delicate dahlias. Complete the composition by adding Spanish and mood moss, along with yellow persimmons, around the base. 05 of 64 Add Height to Your Space Alison Gootee “If it’s the focal point of a space with tall ceilings, an arrangement needs to have height in the middle,” notes designer Sara Perez-Ekanger of her attention-grabbing centerpiece. 06 of 64 Pretty Pumpkin Planter Robbie Caponetto; Produced and Styled by Buffy Hargett Miller Maybe they used to be novelties, but now white pumpkins have become so popular you can find them just about anywhere. They're a smart choice because they work with any color scheme and make a big statement without much effort. For this planter, we cut the stem and top off a large pumpkin with a low profile, removed the pulp, and filled it with dirt. Then we planted it with assorted succulents and softened the rim with a little moss. Go with inexpensive plants of varying heights and textures for arrangements that are easy but intriguing. A mini orange pumpkin brings a bright pop of color, while dried white bunny tails add height. 07 of 64 Beautiful Budding Trio Robbie Caponetto; Produced and Styled by Buffy Hargett Miller Choose a few squash or gourds in interesting shapes, all roughly the same size (we used two butternut and one acorn squash). For a more eye-catching display, choose three or five gourds rather than an even number. Cut off the tops, and clean out the pulp. Here's the secret: Place a glass inside, and fill it with water to hold your flowers. Keeping water off the squash will help it last longer. Then fill these bud vases with seasonal flowers, foliage, and berries. For our arrangements, we used pepperberry for some softness; orange ranunculus, which looks like a rose but has a small scale that works better for these vases; and seeded eucalyptus as a trailer and filler. Group on a table or in a windowsill for captivating color. 08 of 64 Floating Miniature Pumpkins Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller This rustic look is so visually striking. Take your best apple-bobbing metal tin and fill it with water, fall leaves, and pumpkin candles. 09 of 64 Modern Cornucopia Robbie Caponetto; Produced and Styled by Buffy Hargett Miller Instead of the traditional horn-shaped basket, choose a wooden dough bowl for the base, with felt beneath it and waterproof florist foil lining it. Use florist foam to make a flat surface on top of the foil. Add various fruits and vegetables: pumpkins, gourds, and squash along with persimmons, apples, Brussels sprouts, and small carrots. To anchor your arrangement, create a loose S shape with deep-pink spray roses in the center, and then asymmetrically balance fruits and veggies on either side of it. Fill in with mums, rose hips, bittersweet, and silver brunia. Place the stems of all the fresh flowers in filled water picks before inserting them into the florist foam. 10 of 64 Bountiful Container Robbie Caponetto; Produced and Styled by Buffy Hargett Miller Pick a pumpkin with an attractive stem. Cut off the top, and set it aside. Then clean out the pulp. Soak florist foam in water, and place it inside the pumpkin, leaving just a few inches between the top surface of the foam and the rim. Insert flowers, foliage, and berry stems directly into the foam, working all around the perimeter of your pumpkin. We chose a mix of spray roses, spider mums, anemones, scabiosa, blue thistles, green chinaberries, bittersweet, and ferns. Use florist picks to reattach the pumpkin top at an angle. After attaching the topper, fill in any empty spots with flowers and foliage, varying the depths for extra interest. 11 of 64 Festive Arranging Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller This festive look is not complete without your favorite seasonal flowers. It's a fairly easy centerpiece to create, all you need to do is cover a cylinder vase with birch sticks and add colorful flowers for the final touch. 12 of 64 Decoupage Pumpkins Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller Grab a pumpkin and your favorite magazines, and get to work decoupaging a faux pumpkin. This is a creative way to display rich fall colors that will instantly brighten your table. Little ones can join in the fun. 13 of 64 Neutral Ground Robbie Caponetto; Produced and styled by Kathleen Varner Brown is pretty common in autumn, acknowledges floral designer and stylist Kathleen Varner. To make the ubiquitous hue feel special and interesting in her arrangement, she relied on a mix of textures. Smooth pears and pumpkins plus fluffy moss-covered sticks and bunny tail grass liven up the dried elements, like pinecones, corn husks, cinnamon sticks, and hydrangeas. A footed terra-cotta container underscores the casual nature of the centerpiece, which is designed to last for weeks. Plus, nothing in this styling needs water so it will last for a long time. 14 of 64 Fall-Filled Centerpiece Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller We adore this farm-to-table centerpiece idea. All you need to do is fill a tray with seasonal veggies such as kale, eggplants, and radishes. Then fill it up with your favorite succulents and scatter small pumpkins in the openings to complete your look. 15 of 64 Fall Greenery Laurey W. Glenn Spruce up your fall display by creating a green-dominant piece. This look is completed with green apples and a variety of green cuttings. 16 of 64 Pumpkin Party Jim Franco If you don't want to carve faces in your pumpkin, you can just carve the inside and place your favorite flowers, twigs, and plants to make your centerpiece stand tall. 17 of 64 Rustic Fall Display Jennifer Davick This unique idea plays with layers to add a visually appealing tablescape. Take wood slabs and place candles, pumpkins, and even fall foliage on top. The lower height makes this centerpiece perfect for conversation around a large table. 18 of 64 Pretty Pumpkins Helen Norman This floral arrangement is oh-so-appealing. Want a crafty new idea to display your fresh mums? Look no further. Take the softest pumpkin, poke holes in it, and fill it with beautiful mums. 19 of 64 Outdoor Centerpiece Helen Norman If you have an upcoming outdoor gathering, this is a gourd option. This exterior-friendly piece is complete with a bed of moss, gourds, succulents, and other leafy plants. 20 of 64 Asymmetrical Elegance Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller If you want an elegant table-scape, this one takes the cake. The rich tones provide a dramatic appearance to your centerpiece. 21 of 64 Monochrome Mums Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller This no-hassle, simple centerpiece calls for mums and a monochrome vase. Fill up your table with as many mums as you desire. 22 of 64 Fall Wreath with Dried Flowers and Herbs Laurey W. Glenn This wreath takes on the true essence of the fall season. Gather a variety of dried flowers and herbs to attach to a wreath form, and lay it flat for an eye-catching piece for your table. 23 of 64 Succulent Pumpkin Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller We can get behind this hip succulent trend. If you want to switch up your table setup, try placing succulents inside of the pumpkins. 24 of 64 New Cornucopia Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller A cornucopia that is far from average. This redesigned piece is filled with bright colors and fun shapes. Use in-season vegetables, greenery, and of course pumpkins. 25 of 64 Golden Gourds Hector Sanchez Good as gold, this stylish arrangement is beautifully designed and something you can bring out year after year. Grab a bunch of wheat sheaves and tie them together with ribbons. 26 of 64 White Pumpkin Topiary Laurey W. Glenn This overflowing topiary is filled with greens that perfectly complement white pumpkins. It creates such a bountiful look, guests are sure to be impressed at the visually striking levels. 27 of 64 Natural Inspirations Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Even though fall means the lack of lush greens, that doesn't mean your centerpiece has to follow suit. Bright lime green is the perfect complement for fall colors. 28 of 64 Pile On The Pumpkins Photo: Laurey W. Glenn If you need a last-minute tablescape, gather pumpkins of different sizes and uniquely arrange them together for an enchanting look. This easy arrangement can last all season. 29 of 64 Fall Harvest Centerpiece Laurey W. Glenn Rich purple and red hues complement the greens to complete this standout piece. Mix an array of flowers with radishes and Brussels sprouts for an unexpected harvest display. 30 of 64 Crepe-Paper Pumpkins Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Even though these faux crepe-paper pumpkins give the illusion of real pumpkins, they provide a much more sophisticated tone by being wrapped in copper wire. Plus, you can store these for years to come. 31 of 64 Woodland Monochrome Centerpiece Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller This rustic piece belongs on your farmhouse table. The wood vase meshes wonderfully with the vibrant colors and foliage. 32 of 64 Good as Gold Robbie Caponetto; Produced and styled by Kathleen Varner This year, skip the mums in seasonal displays, and instead rely on timely produce, such as pumpkins and squash. Floral designer and stylist Kathleen Varner recommends this styling to show off classic yellows and oranges. She filled an antique iron urn with a variety of gourds in different shapes and sizes and then tucked in sunflowers and bittersweet vines so the arrangement didn't seem too heavy. Add a monarch butterfly from your local crafts store for a whimsical final touch. 33 of 64 Modern Twist Mums Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller The best way to spice up a flower arrangement is to change the vase that it's in. This creative look calls for green apples and your preference of mums. 34 of 64 Make Pomanders Photo: Ralph Anderson This orange-filled centerpiece has a dual purpose. Not only do they have stunning designs, but they fill your house with the scents of fall. These will last a few days fresh, or you can preserve them to last all season. 35 of 64 Sequin Style Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller When in doubt add some sparkle to your pumpkin display, it's sure to be attention-grabbing. Just grab some Mod Podge and a variety of gold sequins. Paint the pumpkin with the adhesive and add sequins to create your design. 36 of 64 Dramatic Stack Centerpiece Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Stack your pumpkins high and lace the layers with bold flowers to complete this imaginative look. Replace the flowers as needed. 37 of 64 In the Red Robbie Caponetto; Produced and styled by Kathleen Varner For party-ready decor rooted in deep shades of purple and red, floral designer and stylist Kathleen Varner filled a brass urn with pomegranates, grapes, purple cabbages, and apples. She then added dahlias, zinnias, coneflowers, and foraged leaves for lightness and height. The unexpected star here is the purple onion, secured on top using a wooden pick. Don't feel compelled to follow this list of elements to a T, says Varner. As long as the items are in the same color family, the finished product will have this impressive effect. 38 of 64 Fall Bounty-Inspired Table Helen Norman Mix up your centerpiece with a variety of fall elements. This centerpiece consists of crisp red apples, peak fall leaves, and branches. 39 of 64 Pumpkin Serving Pieces Photo by: Helen Norman If you want to have a functional yet decorative piece on your table, try placing trays on top of large pumpkins for a standout look. This simple trick adds a touch of fall to any gathering. 40 of 64 Faux and Floral Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller All you have to do is grab flowers that complement your space and place them in a reusable faux pumpkin base. This is an easy display that matches any party theme. 41 of 64 Unexpected Hues Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Gather purple mums, eucalyptus, and dried hydrangea for a sophisticated centerpiece look. Place in a hollowed-out pumpkin vase or use what you have on hand. 42 of 64 Fall Pumpkin Tableau Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller We love the fall variety look for our table. Use upside-down glass cylinders and place pumpkins and pinecones inside for a delightful display. Then gather odd pumpkins and fall leaves to complete the look. 43 of 64 Tack Pumpkins Helen Norman This look is anything but tacky. Decorate white pumpkins with warm-colored tacks for a rustic appearance that complements your decor. 44 of 64 Rustic Centerpiece Photo: Helen Norman It's time to get your pumpkins in a row and surround them with acorns, pinecones, and anything woodsy. Gather materials from your yard or a nature walk. 45 of 64 Warm and Natural Centerpiece Photo: Iain Bagwell Ribbons and twine complete this inviting centerpiece. Gather rich orange-hued flowers and a bunch of golden wheat for this cozy style. 46 of 64 The Great Outdoors Peter Frank Edwards We love the idea of a rustic outside tablescape. Complete this look with burlap pieces, warm flower arrangements, and neutral-toned pumpkins. 47 of 64 Cute No-Carve Pumpkins Photo: Laurey W. Glenn This no-mess look has us swooning. Just add metallic tape or ribbons to your choice of pumpkins for a dazzling centerpiece. 48 of 64 Moss Wreath Pinterest/Matthew Mead Wreaths surely aren't confined to the winter months. If you want an earthy look to celebrate the season, grab a moss wreath and place your preference of candles and pumpkins inside. 49 of 64 Compact Centerpieces Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller This fall-inspired look requires rich autumn colored florals to make a simple centerpiece. Consider using shallow glass vases, wrapped with a festive gold or autumnal ribbon to help bring forth even more vibrancy from the flowers. 50 of 64 Rustic Touches Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller If you prefer earthy, warm tones, decorate your table with pinecones and acorns for an inviting natural look. Here, we have glued our mini pinecones and acorns to moss-covered spheres to create an organic, unique arrangement. 51 of 64 Cozy Tablescape Helen Norman This warm centerpiece has us mesmerized; we love the vintage stacked books that provide a layered look across the table. Additionally, putting a small arrangement of a single flower and other small greenery adds a personalized touch that further accentuates the real centerpiece. 52 of 64 Glorious Greens Robbie Caponetto; Produced and styled by Kathleen Varner Although spring may be the season most associated with this lively hue, it hardly has a monopoly. Celebrate fall's wide range of greens with an assortment of pears, artichokes, variegated gourds, leafy kales, feathery moss, and a coneflower. Anchor the produce with sturdy wooden picks to avoid runaways. A vintage silver container elevates the centerpiece, and there's no need to polish it first, says floral designer and stylist Kathleen Varner. A little tarnish keeps it from feeling too fussy or precious. Place this smaller arrangement on a bookshelf, or set it on the coffee table for a burst of color. 53 of 64 Earthy Centerpiece Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Birch wood creates a very natural yet elegant look. Fill a birch-like container with a mix of hydrangeas, roses, and cypress for a neutral masterpiece. 54 of 64 Beautiful Bounty Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Katie Collins and Martha Sweezey If you're trying to achieve an elegant monochrome style for your centerpiece, look no further. You can use a silver champagne bucket or monochrome holders and fill them with magnolia branches, gray brunia berries, and boxwood clippings to create this eye-catching arrangement. 55 of 64 Antique Refresh Photo: Melina Hammer; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas and Buffy Hargett Miller Our idea of being crafty is filling a tureen with white peonies, sage-colored greens, and gold-dipped faux fruit for a tasteful look. Spread the look throughout the table by adding pieces of gold-dipped faux fruit around the table. 56 of 64 Cake Stand Candles Pinterest/Pretty Providence This centerpiece takes the cake for a picturesque design. Just place candles on a cake stand and fill in the open space with fall leaves, pumpkins, or twigs. 57 of 64 Pumpkin Vase Iain Bagwell There's nothing prettier than an overflowing bouquet of flowers—just swap out a vase for a pumpkin. Hollow out the inside of a pumpkin, add in some floral foam to act as a base, and start arranging. 58 of 64 Forage For Foliage Hector Manuel Sanchez "Use natural materials to beautify your table by gathering leaves, berries, hydrangeas, and more from your backyard," Mary Hollis Huddleston of Mrs. Southern Social and Please Be Seated, the elevated event-rental company, said. "In the South, we're lucky that we still have plants blooming in the fall. I love combining these things with more seasonal items, like colorful autumn leaves." 59 of 64 Let There Be Light Hector Manuel Sanchez "Do you remember in the movie Clueless when Cher had to 'design a lighting concept' for her date with Christian? She was wrong about the guy but 100% right about lighting—it's the best way to create the perfect ambience," Mary Hollis Huddleston of Mrs. Southern Social and Please Be Seated, the elevated event-rental company, said. "Everyone looks better when the candles are glowing, and there's something about tall, elegant tapers that just makes a table so pretty." 60 of 64 Preserved Flowers Hector Manuel Sanchez; Produced: Kathleen Varner Use preserved flowers in red, orange, and brown to create a stunning centerpiece that will be the focal point of any fall meal. Add dried pampas grass, dried bunny tails, and preserved leaves for color and drama, and tuck gourds inside and around the display. 61 of 64 Ginger Jar Bouquet Photo: Hector Sanchez Dress up simple fall floral arrangements by using ginger jars as the vessels. Use a grouping of these for a formal centerpiece, or place a single arrangement for a more intimate setting. 62 of 64 Pumpkin Stack Hector Manuel Sanchez A trio of pumpkins creates a simple fall topiary you can display indoors or out. Tuck moss between the layers, and add smaller pumpkins, acorns, and corn to complete the display. 63 of 64 Fall Harvest Laurey W. Glenn Fall favorites like gourds and apples star in this festive centerpiece. Arrange fruits and vegetables in a shallow container, and insert sprigs of foliage and flowers to fill in the gaps. 64 of 64 Fall Foliage Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: Kathleen Varner; Location and Props: Courtesy Black Sheep Antiques Look no further than your backyard for inspiration and materials for this fantastic centerpiece that brings the beauty of fall foliage inside. Gather branches from a variety of trees and shrubs in an array of colors and sizes. Let the leaves dry naturally for a display that changes with the season. 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