10 Simple Centerpieces from the Garden

With all the holidays entail, creating a beautiful table centerpiece may be the last thing on your mind. Shopping, preparation, cooking, and hosting requires a lot of time, energy, and mental gymnastics. But once you’re all seated around the table, it would be nice to have something to brighten up the center of your table.

So today, in celebration of keeping the holidays simple, natural, and low stress, we’ll explore 10 simple centerpieces from the garden. You can put these together in as little as 10 minutes, likely using things you already have. If these items aren’t already on hand, you could easily grab them on your next trip to the store. Isn’t there always one more trip to the store, despite writing out our list and checking it twice.  Let’s dive in and see which one should be at the center of your table this season.  

These oranges and rosemary are a staple in most homes around the holidays and keep for a long time, whether they’re in the fridge or out on the table. In milder climates, rosemary, a perennial herb, may even still be growing in your garden and will add a nice, subtle scent to your table. Check out these simple instructions from Sustainability Success.  

Dried Flower Box Centerpiece by She Keeps A Lovely Home 

Out of these 10 simple centerpieces from the garden, this one may be the best choice if you truly love seeing flowers all year round. If your table is narrow and you want a tidy centerpiece, consider using a narrow vintage wooden box to form the base of your centerpiece. For the filling, focus on dried flowers and foliage to fill the crate. 

If you’ve not yet cut your perennial flowers back for the fall, take a stroll outside and see what looks good. Anything with dried flowers or interesting seed heads could work. Try to pick some flowers that are a bit fuller and bushier to form your base. Taller, airier flowers can be added down the center for height and interest without blocking the view. Dried herbs can be tucked in amongst the flowers to add some fullness and a nice smell. For detailed directions, head over to She Keeps a Lovely Home.  

Dried Fall Flower Arrangement by Gleam Wedding 

What could be simpler than dried flowers that require no care or water? Not much! A day or so before your holiday meal, take a walk through your garden and see what has dried and remained on the stem. You’d be surprised at what you can find. Better yet, if you have access to woods, either on your own property or during a hike, see what unusual foliage, grasses and dried flowers you spot. Think about various colors and textures along with shapes and heights. Pair this bouquet with some simple white candles and you’ll have an easy and elegant centerpiece in no time. For more detailed considerations of foliage choice, head over to Gleam Weddings.  

Rosemary and Lavendar Napkin Holders by Sustainability Success 

When considering these 10 simple centerpieces from the garden, this next one is a great option for adding a fresh scent to your table. Even if you choose to just have a simple arrangement of candles in the center of your table, a little touch of greenery at each place setting can be a cheerful addition to your table. Make a small bundle of rosemary and lavender and tie it with some rustic twine. Wrap it around your cloth napkins of choice and you’ll have an easy table dressing in no time. Rosemary and lavendar, both perennial herbs, can still be growing fresh this time of year out in your garden or can easily be sourced at the store. You could also use thyme, mint, tarragon or any other fresh herbs you have available. Check out these simple instructions from Sustainability Success. 

Pinecone, Leaf and Acorn Runner by Abloom Decor 

For a woodsy table theme and muted colors, focus on collecting treasures from the areas around your garden or the forest floor. Oak leaves pressed flat from the runner base. A variety of pinecones in different sizes add interest, and acorns help fill in the gaps. Simple pillar candles and a thin strand of twinkle lights add some shimmer. Tea lights could replace the twinkle lights if you wanted to strictly use candles. See more detailed instructions over at Abloom Decor.  

Apple, Cinnamon and Leaf Runner by Jenna Day 

If you have a narrow wooden tray, make a simple arrangement of apples, fresh green leaves, and bundles of cinnamon sticks. For the freshest leaves, wait until the morning that you’re hosting to pick them off a tree and bring them inside. If you don’t have a wooden tray, you could even spread out a pretty scarf or fabric scrap with fall colors. 

Dried Hydrangea Fall Centerpiece by Blue Ribbon Kitchen 

For a lush, full centerpiece try adding dried hydrangeas to a shallow bowl or tray. Add pinecones and small pumpkins along with a center candle in a hurricane glass. Easy peasy and it will last for several weeks with no water needed. For more details on how to dry hydrangeas head over to Blue Ribbon Kitchen. 

Acorn and Evergreen Centerpiece by By Bella Bliss 

For a centerpiece that can easily transition from fall to winter, try out this acorn and evergreen option from By Bella Bliss. Start by spreading out some small evergreen clippings down the center of your table. Tuck in larger pinecones and then spread acorns in-between the pinecones. Finish it off by tucking in dried fall leaves and some taller candles. As it gets closer to winter holidays, swap out the acorns and leaves for winter fruits such as citrus fruits and pomegranates.  

Apple and Pear Centerpiece by Delphine 

If you have a rustic wood milk crate or box on hand, put it to use this season as the base for your centerpiece. Add any tall candles you want to feature as part of your centerpiece. Next, tuck in wadded up newspaper amongst the candles to take up some space in the bottom. Then start layering in cut evergreens and herbs. Finish by adding apples and pears on top.  

Wooden Bowl with Gourds and Pumpkins by The Creativity Exchange 

Do you have some extra pumpkins and gourds hanging out in your garden or kicking around your front stoop? If so, you’ve got the beginnings of a simple rustic centerpiece. Even if you lack pumpkin and gourds, these are readily available at your local grocery store and are usually marked down the closer you get to the holiday season. Collect them in a large wood bowl and tuck in some fresh greens, dried moss, and small branches. Pair it with some simple white candles on the table and you’re all set for your holiday meals. This beautiful and tidy centerpiece can easily be moved off the table if needed and can easily transition to the winter months by swapping out the pumpkins and gourds for pomegranates and citrus fruits. For more details head over to The Creativity Exchange.  

As we head into the holidays, don’t let creating a beautiful table add stress to this season. Try one of these 10 simple centerpieces from the garden and see where it goes. Take a few minutes to assess the type of centerpiece that would fit best on your able and what items you may already have at home to work with.

Wood bowls, crates, metal trays, pretty fabric or scarves can all work as the foundation of your centerpiece. Next, see what you may have still growing out in your garden or in nearby woods. Dried wildflowers, grasses, branches, berries, herbs and seed heads all add interest and beauty. Pair that with pinecones, acorns, fall produce or winter fruits and you’ll have a unique, natural centerpiece that will transition from one holiday to another. The final touch is a little candlelight, and you’ll have a beautiful table to gather around with friends and family.