How to make a fall centerpiece with apples & hydrangeas for a simple fall tablescape. To make a DIY fall centerpiece, you need just a few things to get you started.
Traditional colors for a hydrangea centerpiece
When it comes to traditional colors for fall, we always think of colors from fall leaves, fall foliage, fruit like apples and pears, and vegetables like squash and pumpkins or gourds. But we used what we had on hand and in the yard for this hydrangea centerpiece.
Sometimes when you don’t have time to go out and buy something for a pretty fall table, you get creative and make something out of nothing. And the result is organic, beautiful, and practically free!
We are celebrating Madeline’s 28th birthday. I used old clay pots and clipped some hydrangeas with a little blush coloring. Blue hydrangeas would be eye-catching, or pink would work too.
I do love how the changing colors of the limelight hydrangeas blended with the terracotta pots.
Supplies for Fall Centerpiece
- 3-6 small/medium clay pots
- potting soil
- hydrangeas
- apples
- skewers or chopsticks
- candles
- copper candle holders
- Table linens in colors that coordinate with the organic material used (I used dark red linen napkins from Garnet Hill that I’ve used many times). You can see how I used them in this post and this one.
How I Made a Fall Centerpiece with Apples & Hydrangeas
- Clean the pots and fill them with garden soil, pea gravel, or sand.
- Clip hydrangeas and cut them so it sits on top of the pot with no stem showing.
- Then take a chopstick, insert it into the bottom of the apple, and cut to size once you’ve determined the length you need. Stick it into the bed of hydrangea petals and position it so that it’s sort of in the center.
- Place the pot on a clay saucer or small plate and arrange it down the center of your table. Make one, three, 10…it will take no time, and you have an almost free fresh organic centerpiece!
Some additional information for a variation on simple fall centerpiece ideas
If you find that you need to go out and buy some items, here are a few things to consider for your simple centerpiece decor ideas.
- If you have hydrangeas in any color, consider adding white pumpkins. This year, I hope I have some pink hydrangeas left in October to add mini pumpkins instead of apples.
- For a vase, you could use a tea cup, a glass or a small pot to hold blooms.
- You could also use repurposed jars with twine as simple vases.
- Add berries, small oranges, greenery, wheat, or other flora to make small centerpieces.
- What I love about florals and fruit is that the textures are very different and that adds some interest to your floral arrangements even if they are very simple like mine.
- I used potting soil as a base, but floral foam would work too.
Too simple or just right? My new theme! I’m all about making it simple, but beautiful!
I featured the same camel coat…love it. I am not sure how much I would use it unless to come to visit YOU.
Your table setting is lovely!! There is something so positive about seeing a pretty table set for a meal together.
That coat is gorgeous in person. Did you try it on? They all move so beautifully. Please come and visit me and wear it here!
Annie you are absolutely right about simple centerpieces. I find that when I have to work with what I have, sometimes the unexpected happens! Pretty coats from J McClaughlin. And thanks for the tip on the wreath room! I am following that fabulous account now!
Cindy, you have a lot more to work with on your property, but uysing what you have really does make you get creative, doesn’t it?
Loved these blogs. All so beautiful and informative.
So many goodies Love them all.
Thank you Sandra! I was just looking at your Amazon shop for makeup brushes and you did not disappoint. I knew you wojuld have some ideas!
Annie, you always make the most beautiful things. Even I can recreate this beautiful centerpiece. Happy you are back safe at home, it is hard to believe that you were away for a month.
Have a wonderful week.
Elizabeth, than you from the bottom of my heart! We are back and into our routines as though we never left….but filled with memories! And still tan from our week at the coast!
Your hydrangea apple clay pots are the most delightful touch of autumn I’ve seen in a long time! Our hydrangea bushes are heavy with a bounty of blush and berry-tinged blossoms. We’re having a group of friends over for our annual autumn soup supper this weekend…these pots will make beautiful simple decorations for the tables!
These are perfect for your annual soup weekend! What a fun tradtion. I would love to see a photo if you do make them! xx
Annie! Welcome home … and happy birthday to Madeline! What a gorgeous table you created to celebrate her … I love those centerpieces. Thank you so much for sharing my green kitchen … and my love for green kitchens and green in general. You’re the best. Wishing you an amazing week, my well traveled friend. xo
I adore your green kitchen, and I loved the story of how you convinced your husband!! The whole mood board…. I love it!
Okay first I have to say how could Madeline be 28??? I still remember her being in school and wow time flies! What a cute table you created. I love the mix! You are always mixing cool things in an original way.
I love these coats and especially the soft one in dark brown. Looks very Parisian to me. I loved your trip and following along!! Wonderful to get to see places I would never get to otherwise. You guys go off the beaten path which is so great. Have a great week Annie. xo
kim! I know!! I remember a post you wrote about traveling to Europe with small children!! That must have been when you first started blogging! We have known each other for a long time! Isn’t that wonderful!?