Make a beautiful fall dough bowl centerpiece with faux pumpkins, colorful florals and a few simple supplies. This easy DIY arrangement makes a striking statement on a dining table, kitchen island or coffee table, and you can personalize it with decor you already own.
Hi, friends! I'm so excited to share this simple fall decorating project with you. I've always loved a pretty floral centerpiece in the dining room, and when I spotted this large wooden dough bowl at a nearby antique store, I knew it would be perfect for a layered fall arrangement.
I chose jewel-toned faux hydrangeas and pumpkins for mine, but you can easily recreate the idea with neutral pumpkins, dried stems, pinecones or greenery. The basic layering method works with almost any dough bowl, tray or wooden box.
I love sharing my favorite fall decorating tips with you! I've shown you how to build a fall mantel and how to make your own fall wreaths, along with beautiful fall centerpieces for your home! I hope they all inspire you to create a home you love!
This is perfect for anyone who has a container they love, like a dough bowl, tray or box, plus some favorite florals, and wants to try making their own.
Side note: It's funny, I actually made a fall centerpiece on a DIY tray a few years ago and forgot all about it until I started writing this post and searched for the DIY tray tutorial.
Thankfully, this table centerpiece turned out a little different, and I'm loving the jewel-tone fall colors I used.
You can fill your beautiful dough bowl with anything you already have, or with items you find outside. I think pinecones or evergreen branches would be great too! I hope it gives you some fresh decor ideas as you decorate this season.
I had my heart set on those faux hydrangea stems because they're just so gorgeous. I looked for similar ones at Hobby Lobby, but the quality couldn't be matched, so I splurged on the real deal. I'm so glad I did! In my opinion, they make this piece shine.
What You Need to Make a Fall Dough Bowl Centerpiece
Want to make one of your own? Let's gather supplies first!
- Dough Bowl or another long tray or box. You can build one yourself like I did here. I bought mine at a local antique store, but this one is similar. Mine is 26 inches long.
- Faux Hydrangea Stems (more hydrangea stems in autumn colors)
- Purple Queen Anne's Lace Stem
- Heather Bush Stem
- Blue, Orange and White Pumpkin Filler – Or any foam pumpkins and gourds you have on hand.
- Orange Mini Pumpkin Filler
- Neutral Pumpkin Filler
- Floral Foam
- Floral Wire Cutters
- Wood Skewers
How to Make a DIY Fall Dough Bowl Centerpiece
Follow these simple steps to create your own beautiful farmhouse dough bowl decor.
1. Place the floral foam in the bottom of the tray or bowl.
I've also used mason jars in my taller wooden box centerpiece when the tray or bowl is deeper, so that's an option if you don't have floral foam on hand.
2. Add the Pumpkins
Insert a skewer into each of the largest foam pumpkins, then arrange them throughout the floral foam.
It's important to start with the largest pumpkins first! I cut my 12" skewers down to 6".
3. Continue Adding Smaller Pumpkins to the Wooden Dough Bowl
Repeat Step 2 with the smaller pumpkins until all of them are in the foam.
4. Fill in the Gaps with Flowers
Start filling in the openings with the largest floral stems.
These will be your hydrangeas. I didn't want to stick them in the foam, so I simply laid them around the bowl.
5. Fill the Remaining Spaces with Smaller Florals and Greenery
Keep filling in all of the openings with floral stems until everything is covered!
See what I mean about easy? Your fall dough bowl decor is going to look beautiful!
The secret to a pretty arrangement is to start with the largest items and work backward. It's the same method I use when decorating my Christmas tree. Start with the biggest pieces, then fill in with smaller ones.
I love how the color palette of the stems and pumpkins turned out. You could always add pillar candles for a different touch. That would be so cute!
This dough bowl centerpiece would be perfect for adorning your dinner table as a Thanksgiving or fall centerpiece, along with a simple table runner. I've also loved using it on my living room bookshelves! It fills the space perfectly and looks beautiful for the season!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in a dough bowl for fall?
Mini pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, acorns, fall leaves, faux florals, dried hydrangeas, wheat and greenery all look lovely. Start with your largest pieces, then fill the openings with smaller stems and natural accents.
How do I keep floral foam from moving in a curved dough bowl?
Trim the bottom corners of the floral foam so it follows the curve of the bowl. You can also place crumpled paper or nonslip shelf liner underneath for extra stability, or anchor it with double-sided tape.
What can I use instead of floral foam?
Try small mason jars, crumpled kraft paper, plastic grocery bags or a layer of pinecones to raise and support the arrangement. Choose something that won't scratch or stain the inside of the bowl.
How do I store a fall dough bowl arrangement?
If possible, remove the floral foam, pumpkins and stems together, then pack them carefully in a labeled storage bin. Store the empty dough bowl separately so you can decorate it during other seasons.
Can I use real pumpkins in a dough bowl centerpiece?
Yes, especially small pumpkins and gourds. Place a protective liner inside the bowl and check the pumpkins regularly for moisture or soft spots that could damage the wood.
Where to Buy Dough Bowls?
Antique dough bowls turn up in many antique malls and flea markets. Etsy is another great resource!
A fall dough bowl centerpiece is one of those simple projects that looks far more complicated than it is. Once you learn to start with the largest pieces and layer in smaller pumpkins, florals and greenery, you can use the same decorating formula season after season.
Use what you already have, choose colors that suit your home and don't worry about making it perfectly symmetrical. A collected, slightly imperfect arrangement often feels the warmest and most inviting!
