Step 1: Select a pumpkin. Select a pumpkin that sits flat and upright. For a small bouquet, pick a small, round pumpkin. For a larger bouquet, select a taller pumpkin.
Step 2: Clean the pumpkin inside and out. Start by cutting the top off of the pumpkin, creating an opening for the flowers. Make the inside bottom surface of the pumpkin as flat as possible. Set the “lid” aside. Clean the inside of the pumpkin and wash it down on the outside.
Step 3: Insert a container into the pumpkin. Choose a container with a mouth wide enough to hold the bouquet. Use a jar, plastic container, water bottle, or small vase. Fill it half way with water and insert it into the pumpkin. If necessary, stuff aluminum foil around the vase to stabilize it. The top of the container should not show from outside the pumpkin. Floral foam inserted in the bottom of the container may make it easier to arrange your bouquet, especially if it is tall. If your pumpkin seems especially “sea-worthy”, skip the container and insert the floral foam and add water right into the cavity of the pumpkin. Be sure it doesn’t leak!
Step 4: Arrange your bouquet. Fill the pumpkin vase with fresh seasonal flowers and greenery. Decorative winterberry, boxwood, sunflowers, wired pine cones, and wired fruits make nice additions. Consider sticking the “lid” of the pumpkin on a twig or wire and including it as part of the bouquet.
My Halloween pumpkin (uncarved) is begging to become a pumpkin bouquet Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Thank you so much for the suggestion and the directions. Beautiful picture!
You are amazing! Clare and I received these from a women’s group we catered last week as gifts! They were charming. I miss you!