Bring the fall harvest to the table

Hands-on time: Two hours.
Skill: Moderate.
Cost estimate: Approximately $40.00.

Materials & Tools

• Assorted dried flowers and grasses (meadow grass, bull-rushes, black-eyed-Susan's, statice, baby's breath, or hydrangea sprigs - available at flower shops, garden centers, markets and craft stores)
• 4 small gourds (for candle holders)
• Wax paper or aluminium foil
• Glue gun
• Assorted small fruits (crab-apples, grape and berry clusters)
• Carving knife
• Clear lacquer spray
• 4 candles
• Floral foam, 3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 1/2 inches thick (available at flower shops, garden centers and craft stores)
• Florist picks or pins
• Gardening clippers
• Hurricane lamp and stand: 14 inches long x 5 1/2 inches in diameter
• Leaves, spray-painted gold
• Additional pumpkins, squash and other small gourds (optional)

The spectrum of nature's abundance inspired this harvest centerpiece. Start this harvest centerpiece by gathering dried flowers, leaves, and small gourds from your neighbourhood market, your own backyard, or on a nature walk.

Choose gourds with fairly flat bottoms for the candle holders so they can sit on their own without tipping over. Slicing the bottom a little with a sharp knife can help stabilize them. Place wax paper or foil under the gourds to protect your tablecloth.

Carefully carve out the stem of the gourds, leaving just enough room to insert a candle. Use a clear lacquer spray on the gourds to help preserve them. Insert the candles in the gourds. Garnish the gourds with grape clusters around the candle opening, set them into place with hot glue and put aside.

Plan a floral arrangement, preparing the dried flowers by cutting them to the desired lengths. Place florist picks or pins into the fruit clusters and crab apples, then start inserting the longer elements like meadow grass and the bulrushes into the floral foam at each end. Place the crab-apples and grape and berry clusters diagonally around the foam base, and fill in the gaps with accent pieces such as statice, baby's breath, hydrangea sprigs and black-eyed-Susan's. The smaller elements can be glued on. For a balanced arrangement, try to repeat the same composition on each side. Once the arrangement is complete, spray it lightly with lacquer.

Carefully slide the floral arrangement into the hurricane lamp. Lay the lamp on its side on a stand at the center of your table. Place the gourd candle-holders and additional small gourds around the arrangement. Adorn the composition with gold leaves and grape clusters, and there you have it - autumn's kaleidoscope of colours.

Tip

• You can substitute any of the flowers, grasses or fruits used in this project with elements that suit your style and décor. Some suggestions: yellow yarrow, Queen Anne's lace, Indian corn, strawflowers, barley, wheat, rye, Chinese lanterns, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, etc.
• Apples and red or orange peppers can also be used for the candle holders.
• For more information on harvesting, preserving and arranging dried flowers, try visiting Canadian Gardening.