I just realized that we hadn’t had a Creative Challenge for a while!    So.. here is a dose of creativity for your week- a hands-on challenge that will prep your thanksgiving decorating too!

Supplies:

Large bowl, tray or low vessel to fit your dining table

Assorted pumpkins, silk or dried flowers, fruits, artichokes, leaves, branches, and greens

Scissors, floral foam, pins and tape (optional)

Any other accessories, ribbons, green or spanish moss, do-dads, or fun things that you would like to be part of your table decor

Here is an example of what I’d like you to assemble:  (in your own creative way of course!)

I’d like you to fill your vessel with the elements that you have gathered.  Don’t worry about being too stylized, just make a loose arrangement of fall gatherings.

To Start:

Use your largest item as the first piece in, building around that.  I like to put in off center, if possible. (My largest item is the twig pumpkin.) 

Next:

Cut a square piece of floral foam to sit next to your largest item.  This doesn’t have to too big, just an anchor to build up some height with your next items.  If you can gain height without adding the floral foam, no need to follow this step.

Next:

Now the rest of your pieces just get layered in, so just go ahead and just start arranging in the objects that you have collected. Vary the height, color and texture of your collections.  If you have any open spaces that you want to fill, add some green or spanish moss to fill those areas.  The moss also is a great “bed” for everything to lay on.

Final touch:

Add a few ribbons to your arrangement.  Don’t worry about making bows per say, just use some floral tape or wrap, tie or fold them into soft loops to fill in and compliment the other textures in the arrangement.

Now, you’ve just made a super easy centerpiece that didn’t take too much time and will be the perfect centerpiece when the table is all set.  Remember to keep your arrangement low, it’s much easier to talk and see your guests when they don’t have to crane their necks to see over the centerpiece.

Good job- what part of this challenge did you find the most fun?  The part that challenged you the most?  Thanks for participating!