Make a Showstopping Fall Centerpiece That Lasts

Create a natural but luxurious table setting using florals mixed with woods and leaves from your own backyard. Dallas floral and event designer Nathan Johnson of Gro Designs shares some easy-to-follow steps for creating an organic-style centerpiece for your holiday table.

This glamorous take on an organic tablescape is a mix of dark woods, soft pastels and crisp white china; the setting has modern elements like the Louis Ghost chairs and cowhide rug.

Follow these steps to create this dramatic centerpiece made of fresh flowers and succulents.


Tools and materials:
Pruning shearsSharp cutting knifeFloral foamSmall clear floral platesWood slicesGold floral spray paintFlowers and foliage:
Naked eucalyptusLiquidambar leavesPeegee hydrangeasArtichokesFinesse rosesScabiosa (pincushion plant) podsSmall green succulents (Echeveria used here)


Creating Your Floral Arrangement

1. Using a deep cardboard box to contain the spray, rotate the eucalyptus to coat it evenly with gold floral paint. "With a fall design, lean more towards golds and not silver," says Johnson. "Silver will remind you more of Christmas and the holidays."

Tip: Be sure to include the tops of the plant, not just the sides. Always use spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.


2. Place the dry floral foam block in a water-filled basin and let it pull in the water naturally; do not submerge. Then cut the foam block into three equal-size sections.


3. Place the foam blocks onto small clear floral plates. You can secure the blocks with floral tape if needed. Starting with the hydrangeas, strip the leaves from the stem and cut the ends into a sharp angle to insert them into foam.


Tip: Blow directly into the middle of the rose to spread the petals, says Johnson (shown here).


4. Add vibrant purple artichokes, trimming the stems so only the blooms will be visible in the arrangement.


5. Add hydrangeas and leaves to fill the arrangement, creating an oblong, organic shape.

Tip: The arrangement should be lower than 11 inches to allow for conversation across the table.


The metallic sheen of the eucalyptus adds contrast to the dark-colored artichokes and leaves.


Arranging Your Centerpiece

1. Lay out the wood slices down the center of the table. Let the wood take an organic shape, stacking a few for height.

Tip: Contact local tree cutting services for salvaged wood. You can also purchase pieces like these birch slices from a local craft store or use low cake stands.

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2. Place one or more arrangements on top of the wood slices. Have fun with moving the wood around until you're happy with the formation surrounding the floral arrangements. "This is organic design, so you don't want it to be symmetrical," says Johnson. "You want it to appear as if it's naturally growing out of your table."


Add scabiosa pods for texture. North American sweetgum balls are a great alternative.


Place large succulents on each end to finish the cascading arrangement. For this arrangement Johnson used Echeveria.

Tip: Succulent cuttings readily sprout roots and can be replanted later.


Setting the Table

For a touch of luxury, Johnson used baroque-pattern white dinner plates by Vietri.


Small succulents on top of linen dinner napkins from Crate & Barrel complete the look.


Note: Most of the elements in the arrangement should last two to three months. The hydrangeas, succulents, scabiosa pods, eucalyptus and leaves will maintain their coloring and dry naturally.


"There are so many amazing things in nature that can be used in your arrangements," says Johnson. "During dinner I can say, 'This came from my backyard.' Now how cool is that?"

More: Your Easiest Fall Decorating Ever

URL: Make a Showstopping Fall Centerpiece That Lasts http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-21598.html