Clipped, Found and Strewn

Fall, in those parts of the world where leaves change colors, has to be the easiest season in which to find and assemble a quick table arrangement. From a gathering of gourds to a sprinkling of orange, yellow or red leaves, anyone can look like a pro.

Here are two quick and easy ideas for your next gathering. The first is a simple display of fall gourds with evergreen clippings (in this case from some cedar bushes in desperate need of a trim). Using either a flat basket or a platter, fan-out and arrange three evergreen clippings to either side so that the cut ends are meeting in the middle. Then arrange an assortment of small gourds (we used ones with stripes of green) amongst the evergreens. This makes for a nice transitional arrangement between fall and winter and it will stay fresh at least two weeks.

The second small arrangement utilizes another farmer’s market find and scavenged yard pickings. With the base of a small, vintage silver platter, apples are nestled amongst hickory nuts. Other ideas would be to include nuts in the shell purchased from the grocery store, or a collection of whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise or nutmegs.

Our last idea is all store-bought. Benefitting from pre-season or mid-season half-off sales, we purchased a nice quality fall leaf garland. Using a pair of wire snips, the garland was cut into 8-10 inch pieces and wrapped around a simple brown napkin. This makes for an inexpensive option of decorating a fall-themed table.

Fancy Fall Finds in the Dollar Bin

Forever on the lookout for unique and inexpensive additions to the holiday table and kitchen, these inexpensive pieces were found in the dollar-section upon entering Target.

The raised texture plates are available for two for $2.50 and come in off-white and olive green. Small salad/dessert plates were also available. The rich gold and burgundy kitchen towels were the same price and could even double as oversized napkins.