Brighten Up The Home With Fall Gourds
Two seasons ago I bought some gourds for autumn display, “just ’cause“, which lead to this years crop from the discards. I am already planning the Thanksgiving centerpiece with some of those harvested fruits of the compost pile, and it inspired this post.
Gourds come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, and they were once used for practical purposes like bowls and ladles, birdhouses, and musical instruments. Most of us just display gourds indoors during the fall season.
A Sampling
Some gathered ideas on how to use them in displays will inspire you make plans on growing your own next year, I’m sure. They’re very easy!
Display Ideas
Using wooden boxes and candles for centerpiece
With a simple wooden box and white candles, just a few gourds, some foliage and pine cones turn into something special.
Garnered ideas:
- mixed sizes of white candles
- oats and fall foliage and stems for horizontal interest
- small gourds for color
I would create a barrier between the candles and the dried materials if planning on lighting the candles, however. Like the mason jars used in the next picture.
Shanty to Chic DIY post gives you a complete how- to
A similar idea, but with just the gourds and mason jars holding the candles. The post at Shanty 2 Chic not only presents the idea but has a complete illustrated demonstration of making the wooden box!
Garnered ideas:
- Use an old drawer
- mason jars for candles
- just fill with little gourds
One more example from Far Above Rubies
Source: Far Above Rubies
A few different elements: dried flowers, bittersweet, and fresh red apples are just one idea form many centerpiece ideas on this post. One time saving idea given: switch out a few elements to take into the next season.
Try inserting pine cones and evergreens for gourds and bittersweet.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Strung from branches, tiny gourds make a statement.
Garnered ideas:
- birdseed filled glass vases
- painted twigs with hanging mini-gourds
- fruits,pinecones, and gourds around the base
- birch branch to hold it in place
Just as effective when they are placed directly on the table, piled up in compote dishes or arranged on a table runner, an array of gourds bring a harvest touch to your home.
Create Candle Holders
Here is a very cute idea, and so simple:
hollow out a votive sized holder from your fresh gourds.
Source: Revel blog
Using a spade drillbit, Revel blog created the votive sized hole for tealights. Use alone or with other elements, bamboo placemat or mirror, for table decorations. Perhaps line along a mantle…
On The Porch Of Course
Source: SAS design
Jennaburger.com came up with this darling idea after buying some oversize lanterns. She repainted them in colors she preferred and filled them with little gourds. If using real gourds, remember that real cold (frozen for a length of time) will turn vegetable material to mush, but Autumn temperatures shouldn’t be a problem.
Garnered ideas:
- buy lanterns at discount- repaint
- fill with tiny gourds and pinecones
Source: Jo-ann of a Pretty Life
A Pretty Life has the kind of porch idea I like best:
simple, but visually effective, using things I already have.
Using two matching containers (or you could go with one very large one), Jo-ann filled it with medium large pumpkins, gourds, and spikes of willow. You could use any decorative twigs. I grow Harry Lauder contorted hazels just for that reason. Spirea shrubs have nice twiggy branches, but any 3 ft. vertical length of twig will do, and voila! a beautiful fall porch decoration.
Garnered ideas:
- Use what you have
- Repurpose summer flower containers (use larger sizes for best effect)
- Find twigs. grow gourds.
Tip: to fill containers, you don’t need lots of pumpkins or gourds, use chicken wire underneath and set decorations on top. Wire will also hold twigs in place.
Now that you have this sampling of ideas and inspirations, go create something with your gourds. Because we can all use touches of beauty and celebration in our lives.
Harry Lauder Contorted Hazel Growing Gourds