The Absolute Coziest Fall Centerpiece Is Actually Hiding in the Produce Section

Some people can’t resist going above and beyond when decorating a tablescape — especially for extravagant dinner parties. If you’ve always had family or friends over for the holidays, it’s understandable that you may want to outdo yourself this year. However, the next-best centerpiece isn’t going to be bought from your regular decorating spots: It’s actually hiding in your grocery’s produce section. 

“Picked up a few gourds at the farmers market, drilled a hole in the top, and popped in some beeswax tapers,” Emma Jo Wassink wrote in a recent Instagram caption. “Five minutes later… instant fall centerpiece. Simple, cozy & budget friendly. Turns out last-minute can still look intentional.”

Wassink shared her display of her gorgeous roundup of fall-colored gourds with followers on Instagram. Instead of just placing them in the center of the table, the content creator took it a step further. 

You’ll first want to pick up a few gourds or mini pumpkins at your local farmers market or grocery store. It’s best to look for gourds with a flat bottom or side if you’re planning on using them for candles. But if you fall in love with one that’s round and rolls around, try cutting a flat spot into one of its sides to keep it stable.

To make a hole for your candle, use a drill with a large bit like Wassink did — or grab a sharp paring knife (or an apple corer!) to hollow out a hole just large enough to securely hold a taper candle. Just watch your fingers!

Wassink arranged the gourds on a cutting board and book to really sell the cozy vibes, but you could get creative with cloth napkins, doilies, twinkle lights, and whatever else you have on hand. Mixing your gourds with some brass elements would also be perfect for a fall feel.

“Stop, I’m obsessed!!! This is such a good idea!!! Def doing this for Thanksgiving!!” one person commented on Wassink’s post. Another said, “This is such a creative idea!” with Wassink responding, “So easy, too! My kinda DIY.”

And that’s it! This fall centerpiece hack is so beautiful, so simple, and really affordable to re-create. And if you use natural beeswax candles, everything can be composted when the party is over. Give this decor DIY a try — your guests will be wowed.