How to Create Stunning Pumpkin Flower Arrangements 101

I’ve been making pumpkin flower arrangements for years, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in the fall.

I use real pumpkins and real flowers.

I also love adding things like pampas grass which my neighbor lets me cut from her yard for free.

My husband is allergic to it though – found that out the hard way – so I’ve had to cut back on it.

A pumpkin flower arrangement is a beautiful and unique way to add DIY fall decorations to your home.

It usually involved hollowing out pumpkins and putting something in it to hold the water and flowers.

You can use any variety of flowers for your arrangement, but fall-colored ones are popular.

The arrangement can be customized with different types of flowers, leaves, and decorations to fit your personal style.

There are so many options! So let’s jump in!

Pumpkin flower arrangements - I made these for Thanksgiving at my sister's house

Tools and Materials Needed for Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

To create a beautiful pumpkin flower arrangement, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials. Here’s a list:

A Pumpkin (Real or Faux): Choose a pumpkin with a flat bottom so it sits right. Whether you use a real pumpkin or a faux one, make sure it’s in good condition.
A Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is a must for cutting the top off the pumpkin clean. This will make it easier to hollow out the pumpkin and prepare it for the arrangement.
A Scoop or Spoon: Use a scoop or spoon to remove the pumpkin’s pulp and seeds. This is the most important part of the process to create space inside the pumpkin for the floral foam and flowers.
Floral Foam: Available at craft stores or online floral foam helps keep your fresh flowers hydrated and in place. Soak it in water before putting it inside the pumpkin.
Fresh Flowers or Faux Florals: Choose flowers in autumnal colors like orange, yellow, red, and burgundy. These are traditional fall colors that will make your arrangement pop.
Greenery: Add some texture and depth to your arrangement with greenery like eucalyptus or ferns. They go well with the flowers.
Floral Wire or Hot Glue Gun: These are useful for securing the stems and any decorative items you might want to add.
A Vase or Container (Optional): You can put a small vase or container inside the pumpkin to hold the water and flowers. That’s what I always do so the real flowers get enough water to last.
Decorative Items (Optional): Add ribbons, twigs or pinecones to your arrangement. These are personal touches that will make your arrangement stand out. Like I mentioned I LOVE to add pampas grass. I think there’s something luxurious about it.

Pumpkin arrangments - putting the cup of water in the pumpkin

Preparing the Pumpkin

Choose a fresh pumpkin with no soft spots and a flat bottom.
Consider the size and shape of the pumpkin, the color and texture. I always go too big with mine and then they take up too much space on my dining room table during dinner. Don’t underestimate the power of a small lil’ pumpkin.
Cut the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the guts. I like to clean and save my seeds and cook them with butter and salt for a snack later.
Line the inside of the pumpkin with plastic to hold moisture and insert floral foam or vase.
I just used a plastic cup as my vase because it was small and fit perfectly.

Creating the Base of the Arrangement

Soak the floral foam in water for a couple of minutes before using it to start arranging.

Use a 1/2 block of floral foam for a medium-sized pumpkin.

Place the floral foam inside the pumpkin and trim it to fit.

You could also use a vase or container to hold the water and flowers.

Fall flower arrangement - select autumn colors that look nice together like orange, yellow and purple

My guy helping me collect pampas grass from the neighbor's yard for our fall floral arrangement

Selecting Flowers and Greenery for a Beautiful Pumpkin Flower Arrangement

Use fresh flowers and greenery for your arrangements.
Fall colors like orange, yellow and red are traditional.
Choose flowers with strong stems and different textures and shapes.
Add some fall leaves and berries to the arrangement.

fall decor - making the beautiful arrangements

Pumpkin arrangement supplies for flower arranging

Building the Floral Arrangements

Start by adding a few branches of fall leaves around the base of the arrangement.
Add some of your choice of flowers.
Fill in the holes with filler flowers and add more fall leaves to fill in any gaps.
Use floral wire to secure stems and finish the arrangement.
I also added candles before which is really pretty. Just make sure they’re not too close to the other items like the flowers.

Adding Embellishments to Enhance Your Pumpkin Flower Arrangement

Add some decorative items like ribbons, bows or pinecones to your arrangement.
Use a hot glue gun to attach the embellishments to the pumpkin or flowers.
Add candles or fairy lights to create a warm glow.

Displaying Your Gorgeous Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Display your pumpkin flower arrangement on your Thanksgiving table, mantle or side table.
Use a decorative tray or plate to add some extra pizzazz.
Add some fall decorations like pumpkins, leaves and acorns to tie in with the theme.

Seasonal Variations for Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Use different flowers and greenery for different seasons.
For example, use pastel flowers for a spring theme.
White flowers and greenery for a winter theme.
Pumpkin flower arrangements can be great for Thanksgiving too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Flower Arrangement

Don’t use too many flowers or greenery, it will look cluttered.
Don’t make the flowers too tall. I hate it when you can’t see the person you’re talking to across the table because the flower arrangement is in the way.
Don’t forget to trim the stems of the flowers to fit the arrangement.
Don’t use flowers that are too delicate or fragile for the arrangement.

So easy - this picture shows my awesome 3 year-old and the rest of our family helping

Budget-Friendly Tips for Creating Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

You don’t have to break the bank to create a beautiful pumpkin flower arrangement. Here are some budget friendly tips to help you create a gorgeous arrangement without overspending:

Use a Real Pumpkin: Real pumpkins are often cheaper than fake ones. You can find them at lower prices at farmers’ markets or grocery stores especially during the fall season.
Shop Smart for Flowers and Greenery: Look for flowers and greenery at wholesale markets or discount stores. You can also use flowers from your own garden or forage for wildflowers to save money. I like to look at the Dollar Store to score great deals fall decor and faux pumpkins.
Reuse Floral Foam: Instead of buying new floral foam for each arrangement, reuse foam from previous projects. Just make sure it’s still in good condition and can hold water.
Get Creative with Embellishments: Use items you already have at home or find in nature, like ribbons, twigs and pinecones. These can add a unique touch to your arrangement without costing a thing.
Make Smaller Arrangements: Consider making a smaller arrangement using a smaller pumpkin or even a gourd. This will save you money and make the arrangement more manageable and cute.
Use a Pumpkin Vase or Gourd: Instead of a traditional pumpkin, use a pumpkin vase or a gourd. These are often cheaper and add a fun twist to your arrangement.

A pumpkin arrangement with flowers and a vase inside is fun to make. Bonus points if you get the greenery from your own garden

Caring for Your Pumpkin Flower Arrangement

Keep the water in the vase fresh and clean.
Don’t put the arrangement in direct sunlight or heat.
Use floral preservative to extend the life of the flowers.

Tips for Creating Unique Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Use different shapes and sizes of pumpkins.
Use various flowers and greenery to make it colorful.
Add personal items like photos or decorations to make it special.
Incorporate it with other fall decor items like a DIY Dollar Tree Pumpkin Wreath.

I love the pop of hot pink in the gourds I used on my Thanksgiving Table two years ago. Pink isn’t a traditional fall color but it worked here.

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Conclusion

Creating a pumpkin flower arrangement is a fun and simple DIY.

Use these steps and tips to make a beautiful pumpkin flower design for your home.

Check out my fall signs and decor for more.

Go ahead and get creative and try new things to make it yours. I’d love to see what you do and have fun!

Erica Fox

Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!