Every year at this time I have the same dilemma: fall decorating when you don’t love orange! I so enjoy the change of seasons and even the beautiful fall foliage, but when it comes to my home, I really prefer to stay in my own color palette, which tends to focus on creamy whites, pinks and greens. So this year I started with a pretty French Country fall centerpiece that works more closely with my personal style.
I tend to ease into the seasons anyway, so I like to start out with just a few touches, rather than changing over the entire house from top to bottom. Just little hints here and there of the coming season, to freshen things up and get me in the mood for what’s to come. The weather is still lovely here in the northeast and I’m not quite ready to let go of summer. It’s just the right time for a pretty little floral by the window, or a lovely centerpiece on the dining table.
I began, as always, with a concept, which was to encircle a pumpkin with pretty flowers that were true to my signature color palette; then tuck in a few vegetables for a suggestion of the harvest and call it a day.
Of course, the most important element in my fall centerpiece was the pumpkin, so I needed to find one that would work with both my color story and the feeling of my French style. I found this fabulous bronze mosaic pumpkin which adds a touch of the glimmer I always enjoy, while lending a bit of autumn imagery to my home.
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My next stop was the flower market, but I also love to decorate with food, so I headed to the grocery for a little bit of both. I was fascinated by these tomatillos, which while actually related to tomatoes, looked a whole lot like little green pumpkins to me. There I stood in the grocery picking out a few strange looking items, working out a little portable still life.
I selected pink roses for the main flower and green sedum for the base. I also wanted some bits of creamy white added to my arrangement and cauliflower florets were just the thing.
Once I got it all home I chose my container and started snipping away. I started with a bed of the sedum to rest the pumpkin on and then began tucking in my roses. I filled in with the vegetables being sure to maintain variety in placement so it looked more random and natural.
I finished up with greenery from the roses, added to give movement to the piece. I scattered the food bits beneath the footed bowl for a spillover effect. I’ve had this bowl for years but you can find something similar HERE or HERE.
This fall centerpiece works with my French Country style and coordinates with my many rosy pink accessories. I do tend to get a little more into fall colors as the season progresses and you can see how I’ve used those colors in this simple but elegant fall mantel and this romantic autumn table setting for two.
I plan to let the flowers dry from this arrangement, as roses dry so well. The cauliflower will be removed and the bits below added in their place. Please tell me in the comments below how you like to decorate for fall…
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Shenita says
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 10:29 pmLory, your floral arrangement is beautiful! I went through my Fall decor and all I wanted to use were the muted colors. Everything else just felt overwhelming to me. It’s so nice to have other options for Fall decor.
Stacey says
Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 7:33 amSo pretty, Lory! The easy way is really the best way…it’s best not to overdo. 🙂
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 8:32 amVery pretty! I love how you thought out of the box, or at least, out of the floral department on this arrangement. I love using items from the produce department. It so looks like fall in your home.
Nancy
[email protected] Bleu Interiors says
Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 9:09 amLory, your centerpiece looks lovely! I love all of the elements you incorporated and how you stayed true to your style! I hope that you have a wonderful day!!!
Debrashoppeno5 says
Monday, September 12, 2016 at 8:01 pmThe vignette is so lovely. I love how you used the untraditional colors for your fall look.
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Monday, September 12, 2016 at 9:14 pmThank you so much, Debra!!
C. Gresham says
Friday, September 16, 2016 at 5:06 pmLory, I was really into the “use produce in the arrangement” idea. I thought the greenery was broccoli and since I don’t know what sedum looks like I guess ignorance is bliss! Broccoli will however not last too long without wilting.
I’m not fond of orange either and have none in my home decor (or closet) but being a retired preschool teacher whose classroom was full of typical Fall colors I have to include oranges, maroons, and yellows for awhile or it just doesn’t seem like I’m welcoming the season. I really love your idea of including the white of cauliflower to tone down the brilliance of the orange. Always love your ideas. Cindy G
Lory at Designthusiasm says
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 8:35 amThanks, Cindy! I didn’t know it was called sedum either – I had to read the tag… lol. But the sedum was able to dry well, so I could keep it in the arrangement for a full week, whereas the cauliflower had to come out after a day. I use produce in table settings a lot, because they don’t have to last more than for the day of the meal.
As for fall colors in decor, I find there’s still a nice way to use the actual colors of the season, as long as you don’t use them all together. I often get more into those colors later in the season. For instance with mums, I’ll go with burgundy, the dusty orange and cream, and it will still look pretty, as long as I don’t mix in the yellow or bright orange or the purple-y color.
Thanks for reading!
Cindy says
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 10:48 pmSoooo elegant with the perfect amount of fall added.
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Cecilia from Georgia says
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 6:50 amI love the mixture of vegetables and the roses in this arrangement. I usually use grapes but I’m looking for something else that will hang down. I like to stick fresh flowers ini with something still blooming in my yard…always end up buying some fresh flowers and purple status is a favorite because it lasts so long. I’ve never used cauliflower! Tomatillos are nice and last too. I like to use old wooden cheese board or something rustic as my container. Always enjoy seeing your beautiful arrangements. XOXO
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 11:50 amThis is so fun Lory! I especially like the spillover concept – I’m going to try that next time. Plus, if you’re sitting there with your tea and a book, and you feel a little snackish, you’ve got some cauliflower right handy! 🙂 Thanks as always for the beautiful inspiration!
Leslie says
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 6:11 pmBeautiful! And the teacup and saucer 🥰