For a recent autumn table, I created a centerpiece in the colors and attributes of the season to decorate it and add a touch of poetry. I usually use bouquets to decorate my tables and other settings, but at the end of the year, I take more time to create centerpieces to garnish and highlight the season. Creating a natural fall centerpiece isn’t very complicated, and I’ll explain here (and in video) how to do it in just a few simple steps.
As always, all you need are the right tools and an understanding of the various stages. I often call the centerpiece a table garland, as it’s a bit like a garland in its flexibility. You can also use this method to decorate a staircase banister, for example. I’ll explain two ways of proceeding: a simplified, more practical version (especially if you live in the city) and another that starts from scratch.
Simple version: the autumnal centrepiece with a "fake" garland
What you need
- Autumn garland (in store or online)
- Pruning shears
- Beech and oak branches
- Berries
- Pine cones
- Fresh hazelnuts
- Moss
- Cucurbits (sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkins, etc.)
- Black candles
- Colored candles with candleholders
1. Start by folding your autumn garland so that it forms waves and curves to create movement on the table.
2. Prepare the various branches you’ve found in the forest (beech, oak, etc.) and cut them to obtain smaller branches which you’ll slide under the garland for the flatter branches, and prick vertically into the garland for branches with more volume.
3. Now stitch a few berries vertically to add color and volume.
4. All along the garland, place a few small orange pumpkins, white pumpkins and other original gourds of different shapes and colors on either side.
5. Place black candles on either side of the wreath to create an interesting contrast, as well as colored sparklers (don’t be afraid to use pop colors) and candleholders (circled in foam) of varying heights to create height.
Elaborate version: the autumnal centerpiece made from scratch
Watch the second part of the video above for a step-by-step explanation.
What you need
- Long curved branch (approx. 3-4 cm thick)
- Pruning shears
- Metal florist’s wire
- Metal wire cutter
- Scissors
- Rustic twine
- Beech and oak branches
- Berries
- Pine cones
- Fresh hazelnuts, chestnuts
- Cucurbits (sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkins, etc.)
- Black candles
- Colored candles with candleholders
- Start by making small, flat bunches of about 20 cm. Take a flat beech branch, for example, and add smaller beech branches on top. Make sure there’s a bit of volume. Tie with rustic string and repeat the process with several other bouquets made on the same principle.
2. Secure the bouquets all along the main branch using metal florist’s wire, without cutting it. Place the last bouquet in the opposite direction, tighten well and cut the metal wire only at the end.
3. Prick elements such as berries, branches with small buds throughout the garland vertically.
4. Place cucurbits, pine cones, hazelnuts, chestnuts, etc. on either side of the garland.
5. Place candles on either side as for the Simple version, and your centerpiece is ready.
Note: beware, this type of branching dries out quite quickly, so I advise you to cancel the centerpiece on the day of your event or the day before. In the latter case, keep it outside overnight.
