“FALL BOUQUET CENTERPIECE”

The fall months ahead are often a time when friends and family get together for indoor activities and celebrations. Meals are often shared together during this season and this activity will enable you to create a beautiful centerpiece for any table or to display anywhere showing off the colors and splendor of the season. This is a simple fun activity using a pumpkin as a simple centerpiece container for a fall bouquet. The pumpkin can show off from every angle.

Before you begin this activity, read through all the steps to see where you may need help. Check the list of supplies to make sure you have everything you need on hand.

A shopping trip to a supermarket, a garden nursery, or a florist can be the first part of this activity. The steps below are for creating a centerpiece for an upcoming thanksgiving table.

SUPPLIES:
Old newspaper
Pumpkin
Large Spoon
Wide-mouth jar
Varnish or clear paint sealer
Paintbrush
Bouquet – an assortment of mums, marigolds, ornamental grasses, fall leaves or berries
Platter or dish Knife

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Planning
Once you have gathered all the materials needed you are ready to start. This activity can be done on a table or counter. Just protect the area by using old newspaper as certain steps can be messy!

Step 2: Cut open the top of your pumpkin wide enough for your jar to fit in. You may need help with this step because the shell of the pumpkin is tough and you must use a sharp edged tool.

Step 3: Once you have cut the top off use your large spoon and scrape out the inside of the pumpkin. Remove seeds and strings from the entire inside. Once you have this step completed the next step is optional. You can apply a clear coat of varnish to the outside of the pumpkin using a small paintbrush. Allow the finish to dry. It will create a shiny coat on the pumpkin and preserve it.

Step 4: Place the pumpkin on a platter or dish. Insert a wide mouth jar filled with water in the bottom of the pumpkin. Arrange your flowers in the jar with taller blooms in the center. You may want to cover the platter with fall leaves you have collected.

Your centerpiece is now complete and ready for the center of your table for all to enjoy!

Hints: When choosing a pumpkin, pick one that sits flat. You might want to wipe the outside of the pumpkin before you being this activity.