Easy DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece idea! Turn pumpkins into vases for a rustic Thanksgiving aesthetic with this simple tutorial.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing a delicious meal, and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. A beautifully decorated table sets the stage for a memorable gathering, and a stunning centerpiece can really tie everything together.
But who says centerpieces have to be complicated or expensive? This year, let’s skip the traditional floral arrangements and embrace the rustic charm of a pumpkin vase! It’s surprisingly simple to create, and the result is a unique and elegant display that captures the essence of the season.
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Gathering Your Supplies
Ready to give it a try? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pumpkins (I used three mid-sized sugar pumpkins)
- Chrysanthemums (or your favorite fall blooms)
- Plant Saucer
- Sharp Kitchen Knife
Creating Your Pumpkin Vase
Prepping the Pumpkins
Give your pumpkins a quick clean. Then, carefully cut a circle around the stem to remove it, just like you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern (but maybe with a little less mischief in mind!). Now, I’ve learned a thing or two about pumpkins over the years. My first attempt at a pumpkin vase was a gorgeous masterpiece… until it wasn’t. Let’s just say I learned the hard way about the lifespan of a carved pumpkin and the importance of protecting the surface underneath!
Creating the Vase
Scoop out the insides of your pumpkins. You can compost the seeds and pulp or save them for roasting later. Now, here’s where the plant saucer comes in. This is our secret weapon to prevent any pumpkin mishaps (and trust me, you don’t want to experience the “Pumpkin-pocalypse” I went through!). The saucer acts as a barrier to keep the pumpkin from rotting within.
I also recommend using one underneath the actual pumpkin on your table to protect your table from potential leaks. This happened to me once and it was AWFUL. Here’s what happened. (Feel free to skip down to the next step if you don’t want to read it!)
The Mistake I’ll Never Make Again
Several years ago, I made a gorgeous centerpiece for my Thanksgiving aesthetic and it was a huge hit. I spent almost ALL DAY making it the day before Thanksgiving that year. Because I picked up the pumpkins so late in the season, the nursery gave them to me for free.
And I purchased fresh flowers from the market. Now I realize this picture does my arrangement no justice because it is so old, but trust me…it looked so amazing at the time! I even tucked in a few gorgeous leaves from my oakleaf hydrangea.
So I hosted Thanksgiving the next day and my guests loved it. Anyway, we were leaving the next day for Vermont to get an early ski weekend with some friends and their kids.
Chris and I packed the family up and we left first thing Friday morning. When we returned on Monday, the house SMELLED SO BAD!!!!
Like…really bad.
And when I say it was bad, you couldn’t even breathe it in bad because you’d get physically ill. I immediately ran to the dining room and discovered the pumpkins rotted over the weekend, leaked, and totally ruined my wood farmhouse table.
UGH!!!! It was such a mess! I learned a BIG lesson from this first one. Always, always, ALWAYS protect the surface underneath if using fresh pumpkins. Because trust me when I tell you, rotting pumpkins are NOT worth the risk. So if you make this pumpkin and flowers centerpiece, be sure to protect the table beneath and keep and eye on it after the event.
Adding the Flowers
Determine the right height for your mums. You can adjust the height by adding or removing some of the stems. Give those mums a good drink of water before tucking them inside the pumpkin. Place the water-filled saucer inside the pumpkin, and then arrange your mums on top.
Caring for Your Pumpkin Vase Thanksgiving Centerpiece Idea
To keep your centerpiece looking fresh and avoid any pumpkin disasters, keep an eye on the water level in the saucer and add more as needed. You can tell if it needs water by gently touching the soil or using a soil moisture meter. And remember, if you’re using real pumpkins, they have a limited lifespan. Keep an eye out for any signs of softening or mold, and maybe keep a can of air freshener handy, just in case!
Variations and Ideas
- Go big or go home: While I used three mid-sized pumpkins, you can use one large pumpkin or even mini pumpkins for individual place settings.
- Floral foam for the win: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create a more elaborate arrangement, floral foam is your friend. It’ll help you achieve a professional-looking design.
- Embrace the neutral: For a more modern aesthetic, consider using white pumpkins or painting them to match your Thanksgiving decor.
Final Thoughts About Making a Pumpkin Vase For a Thanksgiving Centerpiece Idea
With its simple elegance and rustic charm, this pumpkin vase centerpiece is the perfect way to bring a beautiful Thanksgiving aesthetic to your table. It’s a beautiful reminder of the abundance of the season and a testament to the joy of gathering with loved ones. So go ahead, give this easy DIY a try, and create a centerpiece that’s as unique and special as your Thanksgiving celebration. Happy crafting!
Have you ever made a pumpkin centerpiece before? Do you make your own centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? How do you like to make yours? Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Please tell me more in the comments below.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
Get My FREE Thanksgiving Essentials Ebook
Getting ready for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? CLICK HERE to get my free 25-page downloadable Thanksgiving Essentials Ebook that shares decorating ideas, hosting tips, recipes, and ways guests can support hosts.
More Ideas For Your Thanksgiving Aesthetic
If you are looking for more Thanksgiving Day ideas and inspiration, check out these posts. From hosting gifts to table decor, food, and menu ideas, I’ve got you covered.
- Rustic Elegance: A Vintage Farmhouse Fall Home Tour
- 101 Ideas for Thanksgiving
- Friendsgiving Decor and Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas
- Flowers and Pumpkins Centerpiece Idea for the Dining Table
- The Best Thanksgiving Food and Fall Table Decor Ideas
- How to Set a Cozy Harvest Table
- The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
- Quick Fall Centerpiece Ideas for the Dining Table
- Mouthwatering Pumpkin Dump Cake You Can’t Resist
- The Best Recipe for Easy Apple Crisp
- The Best Fall Pumpkin Spice Cocktail
- Thanksgiving Tablescape Idea
- How to Decorate for Fall and Christmas Before Thanksgiving
- How to Set a Thanksgiving Table
Wait Until You See These Friendsgiving Table Decor Tour!
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