Pumpkin Floral Centerpiece

Your guests will delight at the originality of this lovely fall centerpiece display.

Materials: 1 medium pumpkin or you may purchase a terra cotta pumpkin to preserve the arrangement for years to come; 1 block of styrofoam or florist's clay or plain potting soil for a real pumpkin ; silk floral stems in fall colors such as mums, orange/red bittersweet and orange goldenrod (be sure to have some greens) Note: if using a real pumpkin, you will want real flowers, since the pumpkin will not last very long; (optional) a tall pillar candle may be used in the center of the arrangement if desired.

Instructions:

1. Cut a circle from top of (real) pumpkin and remove. Clean the inner contents of the (real) pumpkin out completely. (Optional) Cover the entire exterior of (real) pumpkin with a coat of spray or brush on varnish or polyurethane and allow to dry completely. If using a purchased terra cotta pumpkin skip step 1.

2. Trim away excess from styrofoam or florist's clay until the size fits inside the pumpkin, then place on bottom, inside center of pumpkin. A touch of glue should be used for terra cotta pumpkin to secure it to the inside bottom of planter. If using a real pumpkin, fill with potting soil to about 2 inches from top of pumpkin.

3. Arrange your silk floral stems or real flowers into an attractive arrangement. You may decorate with a fall bow if desired.