DIY Fruit and Vegetable Tablescapes

Centerpieces and tablescapes are a creative way of adding style to any dinner party or everyday meal, but finding a theme or decorations can be a daunting task. Fruits and vegetables are widely used in recipes, as snacks, or simply as garnishes, but they can also double as centerpiece items, giving a natural and organic feel to any tablescape. Check out these unique ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your centerpieces and décor.

Orange Pomanders

Pomanders are the combination of oranges, cloves, and spices. Pomanders not only create a beautiful holiday arrangement, but also give off a warm citrus-spice smell to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Gather up as many fresh, firm oranges as you want to be displayed along with a generous amount of cloves and a spice combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Poke the cloves into any design that you would like, while also making sure to distribute them evenly. Having toothpicks are handy to pre-poke the design in case the orange is too firm. After you have finished the clove design, lightly roll the pomander into the spice mixture. Allow your pomanders to hang in a dark and dry place to complete the process. Pomanders will last for a few months if dried properly and will keep your home smelling fresh through the holidays.

Candles and Fruit

Candles remain a classic and traditional way to adorn a table but there are ways to dress them up even further. One option is to surround your candle centerpiece with an assortment of fruits and vegetables. Which fruits and veggies you choose can depend on the season or theme of the party; Apples and oranges contribute bright fall colors to any tablescape. Another interesting way to display candles is by using a fruit or vegetable as a candle holder. Mini pumpkins are the perfect size for candles and add a rustic ambiance to any table setting.

Veggie Vases

Squash and pumpkin are a great addition to any fall tablescape, offering a variety of colors, textures, and sizes. Instead of leaving these vegetables in their whole state, consider carving them out to make vases for your floral arrangements. Using fruits and vegetables as decorative containers adds a fresh twist on standard flower arrangements and doesn’t take up much time or effort. In this example, butternut squash is used as a vase to create a fall-themed centerpiece.

Paint Your Fruits and Veggies

Painting fruits and vegetables may seem odd, but it allows you to choose which colors you want to highlight in your tablescape, while still achieving a natural and organic look. You can choose to partially paint your fruit or vegetable, leaving some of its natural colors visible while accenting it with your specific color palette. Another fun option is to choose metallic finishes. Painting fruits and veggies silver or gold will add a little bit of sparkle to your tablescape while maintaining a classy and sophisticated feel.

The options are never ending! How do you incorporate fruits and vegetables into your dining setting?


References:

www.pinterest.com

http://abbyandjuddlangham.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-pomanders.html

http://www.practicallyfunctional.com/diy-mini-pumpkin-candle-holders/

http://craftthyme.com/2013/08/vases-from-butternut-squash/

http://www.theperfectpalette.com/2014/09/metallic-fall-tablescape-diy-easy.html