Easy Fall Table Centerpiece: Using Candles & Pumpkins

Since we are all looking for quick, easy, and inexpensive fall table decorating ideas (more than ever this 2020), I came up with this simple centerpiece for you to try. It is very similar to one of my tips from 9 Holiday Table Decorating Tricks: Using What You Have, and I thought it was the perfect DIY tablescape (+ table setting) to bring new life and warmth to your home this autumn season. If you have a frame, some pumpkins, fall flowers and candles – you can create your own pinterest-worthy masterpiece! Let’s get to it! Easy Fall Table Centerpiece: Using Candles & Pumpkins.

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Scroll to the very end of this post for the Table Setting Option.

Easy Fall Table Centerpiece: Using Candles & Pumpkins

I just wanted to start with a couple of reminders and tips:

Don’t forget to pull out what you have on hand first, before heading out to shop. You’ll be surprised at how many fall decorations you already own!!
It’s your table and your home, so change out any of the items that I used to fit your style. No one is coming to award any “ribbons or medals” – so use what makes you happy!

Here are the supplies I used.

I bought most of my supplies from Joann, Michael’s, Home Goods, and Target.
Some of the items are not exact matches, but similar in looks or function.
Other places to look are Amazon, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart.

Supplies:

4 Gold Medium Votive Candle Holders – (assorted here, similar here )
4 Gold Small Votive Candle Holders – (similar here or here )
8 Scented Tea Lights/Votive candles – here
1 Blue Table Vase – similar here
4 Fall Floral Stems – Rust Orange (Leaf Sprays)
1 Fall Floral Bush – similar here
5 Small Pumpkins – (here or here)
Needle Nose Pliers (optional)
1 White Frame (optional), Platter, or Tray
1 White/Cream Tassels Table Runner (optional) – (here or here)

Let’s get to the 4 steps to creating this easy fall table centerpiece!

Easy Fall Table Centerpiece: Using Candles & Pumpkins

Step #1: Place Frame/Tray on Center of Table

If you are using a table runner (completely optional), go ahead and put that down first in the center of your table.

Then once you have that done, place your open frame, tray, or platter in the middle of the runner (or table – if you’re not using a table runner).

TIP: If you don’t have a longer, rectangular frame – try 3 smaller 8 x 10 frames, or use a serving platter/tray you already have on hand.

The good thing about using a serving platter or tray, is that you can actually keep it on the table and use it when hosting your Thanksgiving Dinner.

No pressure – LOL!!

Step #2: Add Blue Table Vase + Fall Floral Stems

Now you will add your 4 faux/artificial fall stems to your (cobalt blue ) vase in a diamond shape.

Think of it like an angled north, south, east, west type of pattern.

I also bent/curved my stems at the bottom to shorten them (rather than cutting), so that I can use them again if needed.

I have cut a lot of stems over the years only to realize that I could have reused them – and needed that

extra length – ugh!

You might have to play around with your floral stems once you get them into your vase.

I always move mine a little so that I can see them from the front view (entry of the house) and side view (from the kitchen).

Step #3: Place Candle Holders & Pumpkins on Table

Now it’s time to add your 8 mercury glass candle holders and 5 pumpkins to your tablescape.

Candle Holders:

I used 4 medium-sized candle holders, and 4 smaller-sized candle holders – just to add a little variety.

You can also use different-shaped votive holders, slightly different color tones (like mine), or ones with different designs (like mine) to add a little interest to your table.

I put the 4 larger candle holders out first, and then filled in the gaps with the 4 smaller candle holders. There’s no exact science on this part – just stagger them so you can see each candle holder.

Then you can add your scented (or unscented if you prefer) tea lights, votive candles, or battery-operated tea lights to your candle holders.

TIP: I would recommend using the scented candles if you’re setting the table arrangement for decoration only, and using unscented if you’re going to host an actual family dinner.

Here is the picture with the 4 larger candle holders.

And with the smaller votive holders.

Pumpkins:

Now it’s time to pop in some white and gold pumpkins to your centerpiece.

I used 3 artificial white pumpkins (1 small, 2 medium) inside the frame, and 2 gold pumpkins (medium size) outside of the frame.

You can use whatever color and size you want, just keep them grouped in similar color schemes.

Step #4: Add Fall Floral Bush Filler

Once you get your candles and pumpkins in place, it’s time to insert the ivory/beige floral “filler.”

Take your floral bush, and cut off 5 or 6 individual stems (like the picture below), and then just kind of tuck them into your tablescape to “fill in” the gaps.

These floral branches will not only just add texture, they really complete the look of your entire table centerpiece.

Simply tuck them into the right and left sides, where a natural opening occurs.

And then tuck some stems into the back side as well.

Aren’t these floral bushes amazing? You get a lot of bang for the buck with these – I love them!

TIP: If you have a “hole” or area that needs and extra “small” filler, just pop off a couple little branches (right off of the stem), and tuck them into the gaps.

These little pieces are perfect for those bare spots that need just a touch of texture.

You Are Done!! Woohoo!!

Here are some pictures to show you how it all turned out.

Without Candles lit.

And With Candles lit. So much warmth – right?

From the back side.

Love how it reflects in the mirror too.

I love how simple and easy it is to put together, but how much impact and ambiance it gives to the dining room – right?

Table Setting Option:

I just added some charcoal gray and ivory striped placemats, white ruffled linen napkins, white dishes, and gold-rimmed antique glasses to tie in the gold and white color palette.

Front View.