Pumpkin and Flower Centerpiece

Now is the time of year when my garden blooms with the most beautiful autumn flowers, and the pumpkins at the market are irresistible, so I decided to turn gathered stems into this seasonal centerpiece. Overflowing with lavender, snapdragons, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and more, it’s lush enough to make a vibrant Thanksgiving centerpiece, particularly if made in multiples.

As we head deeper into fall, my home will be filled with differently colored heirloom pumpkins, particularly those that tend toward blue and gray – though I also have my eyes on a gorgeous pinky-peach Galeux d’Eysines. Traditional varieties like the sugar pumpkin will certainly make their way into the mix as well and even be used to make a soup roasted in a whole pumpkin. Even that peachy French heirloom I have my eye on is edible, which makes purchasing different varieties a great way to introduce a bit of beauty and some new flavors to the table.

Whichever variety you pick for this floral pumpkin centerpiece, save the seeds for roasting, as we will be scooping out the middle and replacing it with a glass container to hold the flowers. Instead of floral foam, which is popular for centerpieces, I opt for a container that can be removed. This way, it’s easy to separate the floral insert from the pumpkin. If you’re entertaining over multiple days, let the flowers soak up water contained on the counter while the pumpkin stays fresh in the refrigerator between parties. Before guests arrive, pop the arrangement back into the pumpkin.

Materials

Pumpkin
Knife for carving
Assorted floral stems from the garden or market
Scissors
Glass or plastic container
Preferred kitchen cleaning spray (optional for helping centerpiece last longer)

When gathering materials for this autumn floral arrangement, keep in mind that any size pumpkin will work, though some will be more manageable than others. The size of your pumpkin will dictate the size container to be used as an insert for holding the flowers, as well as the height of your stems.

Begin by cutting the top of the pumpkin in the same way as you would cut a lid on a jack-o’-lantern. Insert the knife diagonally at a 45-degree and carve a circular opening. Hollow the pumpkin by scooping out the seeds and strings.

Though this arrangement should last about 3 to 5 days, you can help to ensure its longevity by wiping down the pumpkin, particularly the inside, with a kitchen-safe cleaning spray. Allow the inside of the pumpkin to dry before proceeding.

Insert a plastic or glass container that will fit inside the pumpkin snugly. For small pumpkin flower arrangements, a juice glass works well. Add water so that container is about ¾ full.

Arrange flowers, berries, and other seasonal elements as you like, interspersing the stems for interest. Water as necessary to keep the arrangement lush and healthy.