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Looking for the perfect fall inspired centerpiece for an autumn wedding or Thanksgiving? Then grab some freshly laundered decorative fall tablecloths or table runners and create a stunning Pumpkin Flower Arrangement using my step-by-step tutorial below.
When I was in college one of my friends was majoring in horticulture. To me her class load seemed so fun and easy. I mean while I had my head stuck in a three-thousand-page British Literature book, trying my best to analyze the writings of some the world’s most prestigious historical authors; she was learning to snip and color coordinate seasonal flowers.
Yes, I quickly learned there is much more to a horticulturist than producing floral arrangements, but at the time I might have been slightly jealous of her degree plan; secretly wishing that I could frolic in flower fields and run barefoot in the greenest grass, instead of write wording term papers on subjects I didn’t care about.
Of course, later on I DID decide to peruse a degree I was more passionate about, and no, it didn’t involve the study of flowers, but more like the study of the plants that make up the food on our dinner plate.
And even though I have spent most of my adult life with my head buried in cookbooks and hovering above pots of hot simmering sauces and pots of stew; I think I can now fully appreciate the work that my horticulture college friend does.
Not only do horticulturists deal with the science and business of growing flowers, decorative trees and plants, they also specialize in the growth of food plants too; both I have come to realize are pivotal in the food and beverage industry. Not only do horticulturists help farmers get the fresh fruits and vegetables to my kitchen for cooking, fresh floral arrangements and greenery are huge in the event planning industry.
Because I have spent enough years working as a caterer and event planner to know that centerpieces and floral arrangements are big business; it is a subject that I have enjoyed learning more about over the years. Any of you who have read this blog for some time know that I LOVE to entertain and host dinner parties. This used to mean just planning and executing the perfect dinner menu; but after attending and planning so many special events over the years; I have learned I thoroughly enjoy the “front of the house” part of the entertaining too and love to put together a perfectly crafted and themed tablescape.
Yup, I now love fussing over every detail of a dinner party from the carefully selected seasonal menu options, to classic cocktails and the dinner table centerpieces and décor. Luckily for me this time of year is the busy season and filled with so many dinner parties, both that I personally host for friends and family, and events that I am hired to do.
In the next few weeks I’ll be hosting our annual Friendsgiving, co-hosting Thanksgiving, and will be working on an event for a client. I have been working hard planning all the details and have eagerly dug through my boxes and boxes of décor, looking for the right pieces for each event.
In addition to a great food and beverage table for parties with buffets, I love dressing up the dinner table to make it extra special for the event. I love pulling out my fall tablecloths and linens and getting them washed, using all® free clear detergent that I pick up at my local H.E.B. while grocery shopping, and ready to go for the first dinner party of the season.
Since I have obviously long loved fresh flowers, I love incorporating not only fresh flowers and other plants into my party décor, but love using fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in my centerpieces and tablescapes as well. From living basil, to cabbage and lemons and limes, to bold and aromatic fresh flowers, I can’t help but add a pop of color and freshness to my décor!
This year I have decided to create these fresh Pumpkin Flower Arrangements for the centerpieces for several of my fall dinner parties. I have seen these fall themed centerpieces everywhere from already made in the floral department at the grocery store, to at elaborate fall weddings, and multiple places online. I love them because they are stunning and festive, yet fun and easy to make. Today I am sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how I make my Pumpkin Flower Arrangements, that I hope inspires you to add that extra little touch to your next dinner party or for Thanksgiving.
How to make Pumpkin Flower Arrangements:
By Heather H. of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com
Printable Directions
Supplies:
1 small pumpkin
2 flower bouquets in festive colors (yellow, orange, magenta, white)
1 wet floral foam
Large bowl of water
Paper towels
Sharp kitchen knife
Sharp scissors
Newspaper or butcher paper
Small vase
Petroleum jelly
Large kitchen spoon
Directions:
1. Gather supplies and lay newspaper on work surface. Using a knife, carefully cut an approximately 3-inch circle around the stem of the pumpkin. Using the spoon carefully pop the cut piece of pumpkin out of the center of the pumpkin.
2. Use the spoon to scrape the seeds and membrane out of the inside of the pumpkin, scraping until the inside is completely clean. Discard stem piece and wash and rinse pumpkin seeds, if desired to roast, if not discard as well.
3. Using a damp paper towel, wipe the inside and outside of the pumpkin clean. Dry both the inside and the outside of the pumpkin with a dry paper towel. Spread a thin layer petroleum jelly on the inside of the pumpkin to help slow down the rotting process. Place the small vase into the hollowed out pumpkin and add a small amount of water. Set aside.
4. Carefully remove the wet floral foam from the package and cut the foam down to fit into the vase, cutting the foam into a few pieces if needed. Place the foam in the large bowl of water and let soak for approximately 30-60 seconds. Remove the wet foam pieces and arrange in vase.
5. Begin cutting down the flower stems and arranging the flowers as desired, by pressing the stems into the foam in the pumpkin. Start by working the flower stems and leaves around the outside of the foam/vase, arranging them as close to the edge of the vase as possible to cover up the cutting into the pumpkin and the vase. Once the flowers cover the outer edge of the vase, begin filling in the top with more flowers.
6. Place Pumpkin Flower Arrangements as desired on a mantle, use as a dinner table centerpiece or outside on the porch. To water, carefully add water to the glass vase or spray the stems/foam with a water bottle. The Pumpkin Flower Arrangements should keep for 4-5 days, depending on how fresh the pumpkin was and the variety of flowers.
all® free clear detergent, all® free clear fabric softener and all® free clear dryer sheets (available on the laundry aisle at your local H.E.B.) not only helps me be free to be creative and prepare for fall fun and entertaining by washing my fall tablecloths and linens, it is the #1 detergent recommended by Dermatologists, Allergists, and Pediatricians for Sensitive Skin. Since I have long suffered from sensitive skin and other allergies (having to be really careful of the types of products I put on my skin), I have been using all® free clear detergent for years to not only wash my seasonal linens but my day to day linens and clothes as well. Not only is all® free clear detergent free from dyes, perfumes, certain chemicals, and irritating residues, it fights tough stains, whitens whites, brightens colors and removes 99% of everyday and seasonal allergens. For more ideas on how all® free clear detergent can help you be free to enjoy all the wonderful things this time of year has to offer, click here for additional seasonal crafts and tutorials from other bloggers. And be sure to click here to sign up to be an all® free clear connector and receive special offers, preview new products and other content from all®!
Let all® free clear detergent help you be #FreeToBe to enjoy all that autumn has to offer! Please share you favorite fall traditions or decorating ideas and tips in the comments below!
