Portland: Inspired Looks For Your Fall Table | Home

Fall has officially arrived in Portland, just in time for those poor trick or treaters.  And though the skies are gray and gloomy, the bright colors of autumn offer a great palate to add cheer and color to your home.  This year, think beyond the typical cornucopia for your fall table.  With items found at your local farm stand, beach or even your own backyard, you can easily create a truly unique centerpiece to add pizzazz to your table.  I asked northwest floral expert Kim Foren of Geranium Lake Flowers to show us how it’s done:

1. Begin with a piece of driftwood – this is a great time of year to find gorgeous pieces on the coast of Oregon and Washington. The smoothness of the driftwood makes for a great textural element, but an interesting branch from your yard will work just as well (there are plenty to choose from after a good windstorm). Lay the wood horizontally, or if the piece works better vertically, secure a piece of florist foam in a steady base (a planter or a basket) and anchor the branch into the foam.  Surround the foam with Indian corn, squash and floral elements in the colors of fall.  Hang small votives from the branches, and surround the entire thing with pillar candles.
2. A fresh take on the traditional cornucopia starts with a natural lichen branch basket.  Choose two colors on the tonal end of the scale – deep purple and green are striking and a little unexpected for fall.  Fill the basket with eggplants, purple artichokes, Bok Choy, green apples and herbs, with tufts of lichen in between.
3. If you’re handy, try crafting a rustic box out of old fencing, or look for a weathered wooden box at a craft supply store or yard sale.  Fill with rusty fall leaves, whole nuts, rose hips, branches, even an old bird nest for a textural, simple centerpiece featuring a patina of browns, rusts and gold.
4. This centerpiece is gorgeous and easy to put together.  Gather together mismatched cordial glasses and/or antique juice glasses from the 1940s.  Fill with water, submerge cranberries and top with floating candles.  It’s the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving table, and the rich tones work well for the upcoming winter holidays, too.

These ideas are just a launch pad for your own creations.  Let the rich colors, shapes and textures of fall inspire you to craft a unique centerpiece that’s all your own.  Maybe you’ll find a diamond in the rough the next time you’re raking leaves.