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Pumpkin & Succulent Autumn Centrepiece

October 8, 2017

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I was going to my family Thanksgiving dinner and was looking for something quick and easy to give the hostess, especially since I didn’t have to bring any food.  Did I think ahead and get something on my last shopping trip?

Of course not.

Thankfully I was inspired by my succulents that were in need of re-potting, my sweet little pumpkins, and the need to do something creative.

The best part?  Everyone loved it and couldn’t believe that I made it.

You can too!

Prepare the pumpkin

The hardest part of this DIY is cutting the hole in the pumpkin.  If you’re using a larger pumpkin, trace the container over the top and cut your pumpkin hole.  Smaller pumpkins can be filled with dirt.  Bonus: your hostess gift is fully compostable.

Arrange the succulents

Once your pumpkin is cut and filled with dirt, you can start filling it with succulents.  Start with the tallest one in the centre and fill the edges with smaller and longer ones.

Try to use at least three different types of succulents.

If something looks off, cut it and put the cut piece somewhere else in the arrangement.

Succulents are incredibly forgiving plants.  Cut bits will form roots within days, and any leaves that fall can be set on dirt to propagate more succulents.

Related: How to Propagate and Care for Succulents

Once you’ve arranged your succulents the way you’ve liked, place your gorgeous new arrangement where it can be admired and enjoy your handiwork.

Makes a great hostess gift, Thanksgiving centrepiece, or even fall wedding decor.

When the pumpkin starts to go bad, transfer your new succulent babies into a small pot or bowl and enjoy them all winter long.

Pin me for later!

Sometimes you need a quick and easy hostess gift or Autumn centrepiece. I combined pumpkins and succulents to create a beautiful DIY fall centrepiece. #thanksgiving #pumpkin #succulent #autumncenterpiece #fallwedding

Obsessed with pumpkins?  Me too!  Here’s how to process your garden pumpkins, a yummy biscuit, and my favourite bread, as well as a chia seed pudding that gets me going in the morning.

Get all the latest by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.  Each account is different! 

Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

24 Comments
Filed Under: Backyard Florist, DIY, Use it up!, Zero Waste Tagged: autumn wedding, centrepiece, DIY, easy, fall wedding, hostess gift, pumpkin, succulent, tablescape, Thanksgiving, tutorial

About Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

Comments

  1. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    October 9, 2017 at 6:23 am

    What a unique idea for a pumpkin!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you!
      Reply
  2. Alice Mills says

    October 9, 2017 at 6:34 am

    This looks really pretty. I will have to try it. I'm such a big fan of succulents.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      Thanks!
      Reply
  3. Sarah Althouse says

    October 9, 2017 at 8:43 am

    Well if this isn't absolutely adorable!! I love the bright colors too.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks friend! I can't wait to try your latest pumpkin DIY. It looked so cool.
      Reply
  4. Jenn says

    October 9, 2017 at 8:47 am

    I absolutely love succulents and this is perfect for my fall decorating! So cute!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you!
      Reply
  5. Hailee says

    October 9, 2017 at 9:49 am

    This is so cute! I'm obsessed with succulents. And of course, pumpkins now that it's fall. Perfect combination! I need to try this!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Let me know if you do! It's so easy.
      Reply
  6. Carri says

    October 9, 2017 at 11:25 am

    Such a simple but stunning project! Would make a unique table centerpiece. Thanks for the idea!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Yes! I wish I had a few more of them to make a couple for the table.
      Reply
  7. Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms says

    October 9, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    This is beautiful! I love succulents and I am always looking for ways to use them in my decor!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      Thank you!
      Reply
  8. Laura @ The Mindful Mom Blographer says

    October 9, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    This is SO cute! I think we are going to the pumpkin patch this weekend. I am going to have to get an extra one to do this. I have become obsessed with succulents and this looks perfect for blending together my love for the plants and fall decor! Thanks for posting!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:48 pm

      Awesome! Have a great time and let me know if you end up making one.
      Reply
  9. Kate says

    October 9, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    This is so cute! Love that you used a real pumpkin!
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      Oh my, I guess a fake one would have actually been more practical. Oh well.
      Reply
  10. Keri Snyder says

    October 9, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    This is so cute! I love it! What a great idea.
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 9, 2017 at 7:46 pm

      Thank you!
      Reply
  11. Megan | LoveFamilyHealth says

    October 10, 2017 at 4:47 am

    I love this! Fall is my favorite season and I go a little crazy with the decor!
    Reply
  12. Nicole says

    October 10, 2017 at 9:38 am

    I love this idea!! I may have to do it during naptime today!!
    Reply
  13. Laura | The Yellow Birdhouse says

    October 11, 2017 at 7:04 pm

    What a clever idea! This would be so cute in little mini pumpkins too! Hmm... :)
    Reply
    • Kristen Raney says

      October 12, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Totally! It would make such a cute arrangement with 3-5 of them.
      Reply

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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

P.S. First time gardener? You'll want to download the quick start gardening guide below!

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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