DIY Pumpkin Centerpiece: A Stunning Autumn Tutorial

If you’re planning an autumn celebration, embracing the season's natural beauty is a wonderful way to personalize your day. A DIY pumpkin centerpiece filled with gorgeous flowers is the perfect project to add a touch of effortless charm and rustic elegance to your tables.

This tutorial will guide you through creating your very own stunning pumpkin floral arrangement. It’s a simple, budget-friendly project that makes a huge impact. We’ll cover everything you need, from materials to step-by-step instructions, so you can craft a beautiful focal point for your wedding, bridal shower, or any fall event.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather all your materials. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. You can find most of these items at a local craft store, grocery store, or farmer's market.

Materials List:

• Pumpkin: Choose a medium-sized pumpkin (about 8 inches in diameter) that sits flat and has a shape you love. Cinderella pumpkins, with their wide, flat tops, are an excellent choice.

• Sharp Knife & Spoon: For carving the pumpkin. A serrated knife works well for cutting through the top.

• Floral Foam & 5-Inch Liner: 1/3 of a brick of wet floral foam will keep your flowers hydrated and secure.

• Waterproof Floral Tape: To secure the foam in place inside your liner 

• Floral Shears: For trimming flower stems.

• Wooden Picks: To hold the pumpkin topper in place (if applicable)

• Fresh Flowers and Greenery: For this tutorial, I used our DIY Citrus Punch Flower Kit, which includes a stunning mix of coral ranunculus, orange marigolds, orange ranunculus, Coral Reef roses, orange spray roses, peach statice, vibrant orange snapdragons, and lush green pennycress to bring the essence of autumn right to your table.

Citrus Punch DIY Kit

Choosing Your Flowers

The flowers you select will define the style of your centerpiece. Our Citrus Punch Flower Kit bursts with vibrant, seasonal color and a beautiful variety of textures—perfect for an inviting autumn arrangement. The kit features:

• Focal Flowers: Coral ranunculus, orange ranunculus, orange marigolds and Coral Reef roses

• Line Flower: Orange snapdragons

• Filler Flowers: Orange spray rose and peach statice

• Greenery: Fresh green pennycress

Pro Tip: Choose flowers with varied shapes and lengths to build a more natural, eye-catching arrangement. The mix in this kit makes it easy to achieve that perfectly balanced look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s turn your pumpkin into a stunning centerpiece that will light up any tablescape!

Step 1: Prep Your Pumpkin

Start with a medium pumpkin, about 8 inches in diameter. Wash and dry the outside to showcase its vibrant color. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a circle around the stem, making an opening wide enough for your 5-inch liner. Scoop out all the seeds and pulp with a spoon, scraping the inside until smooth. Set aside those seeds for roasting if you’d like a tasty snack later!

Step 2: Build Your Foundation

Cut about 1/3 of a brick of floral foam and soak it in water until it's thoroughly saturated. Secure it firmly inside your liner or cylinder vase using waterproof floral tape so it won’t shift while you arrange the flowers. Nestle your foam-filled liner snugly inside the pumpkin. If using the top portion of your pumpkin in your design, insert two wooden picks underneath the stem and place into your foam. 

Step 3: Add a Greenery Base

Begin your design with a light base of greenery—this adds natural flow and sets the stage for your beautiful blooms. Place small sprigs of foliage around the edges, letting a few pieces drape gracefully over the rim for a soft, organic shape.

Step 4: Place Focal Flowers

Now for the stars of your creation! Use radiant focal flowers like ranunculus, roses, and marigolds. Trim stems at an angle and insert them into the foam, varying heights to create dimension. Start with a central cluster and build outward, turning the pumpkin as you go for a balanced look.

Step 5: Incorporate Line Flowers

Add movement and height with line flowers like snapdragons. Place these at varying angles and positions to lead the eye and add graceful vertical interest to your arrangement.

Step 6: Fill with Filler Flowers

Tuck in filler flowers such as spray roses and statice wherever you see gaps. These smaller blooms will add pops of color and lush fullness, helping your arrangement feel abundant and harmonious.

Step 7: Finish with Extra Greenery

Complete your masterpiece by tucking in extra greenery as needed—especially around spots that need a bit more shape or softness. Step back and admire your arrangement from all sides, making any final tweaks for balance and beauty.

Step 8: Display with Pride

Place your finished pumpkin centerpiece at the heart of your beautiful tablescape. Let it inspire conversation, warmth, and a joyful autumn spirit!

You’ve created something beautiful! Now, here’s how to keep it looking fresh for your event.

• Keep it Hydrated: Check the floral foam daily and add a small amount of water to keep it moist.

• Find a Cool Spot: Keep your centerpiece away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cool room is ideal.

• Preserve the Pumpkin: If you're making your centerpiece several days in advance, you can rub a little petroleum jelly on the cut edge of the pumpkin to help seal in moisture and slow down decay.

Creating your own seasonal decor is a deeply rewarding experience that infuses your celebration with personality and love. This DIY pumpkin centerpiece is a perfect way to unleash your creativity and design something truly unique and beautiful for your celebration. Happy Fall!