Last Minute Autumn Decor

Have a gathering coming up in the next week or so and need some fresh ideas for decorating?  Look no further!  Here are some great last-minute ideas to spruce up your church luncheon, family meal or community gathering!

• Put those autumn gourds to good use.  Hollow out the tops of decorative gourds, fill with a bit of water and some fresh-cut flowers for a new spin on floral arrangements.  Don’t have any gourds?  Go for squash and zucchini as well as pumpkins!  Don’t let the size or shape of the gourd intimidate you; simply determine the best way for the gourd to “sit” before hollowing out a place for those flowers to fit.
• Use glass containers of all shapes and sizes to fill with decorative cuttings and small gourds.  These can be tall glasses, clear candy dishes with (or without) lids, vases and trifle bowls.  Use holly sprigs, barley or wheat sprigs, pumpkins, eggplant or pepper plants.  Setting the decor of a table with a variety of containers in all shapes and sizes will add to the whimsy of the collection of “fill”!
• Large pumpkins are perfect for potted plants.  Simply cut open the tops, hollow them out, and place the potted plant inside.  Voila!  Fall decor!
• Invest in some potted herbs, and wrap the pots in burlap.  Tie off with a lovely bronze or other complementary color.  Use the same ribbon to create napkin “ties”.  Tuck a sprig of wheat or pine inside for a festive touch.  The herbs make a lovely centerpiece and are practical for cooking or for even giving away as gifts.
• Not enough room for a large centerpiece?  Create a simple autumn garland using a large-gauge rope and hot-glue pine cones along it.  For an added touch, lightly spray the pine cones with a dusting of gold spray paint before gluing to the rope.  The hot glue can be hidden with a decorative bow in a rustic ribbon or a coordinating color.  Drape your rope among the serving dishes on a buffet or along the dinner table.

For more last-minute ideas, stay tuned later this week!