A visit to Longwood Gardens in the fall inspires me to incorporate pumpkins and gourds for a Thanksgiving table design.

Pumpkins and gourds are part of the curcubit family and are harvested in the fall.

The first step is to choose a color palate that will complement the orange and greens of the curcubits. Bronze chrysanthemum and orange ranunculus are arranged on a base of foliage with accents of dried wheat and blue veronica. An eco-friendly alternative to floral foam, Oasis FibreFloral,TM is the base placed on a gray, rectangular tray.

To insert pumpkins into a design, two skewers inserted at angles, allow for sturdy placement. A gourd is staked in the same way but may need an awl to create the hole through the hard skin.

Wheat or dried grasses may be bundled with bindwire and attached with a skewer.

The same color palate of oranges and browns with just a touch of blue/purple accent is shown with the mini pumpkins as an accent, rather than inserted into the design.

With no fresh flowers greens, gourds and pumpkins combine with dried materials for a very long lasting arrangement surrounding a battery operated candle. This is perfect for a round table or low coffee table.

I wish you a plentiful harvest season with lots of good food and beautiful flowers—pumpkins and gourds too.