Free Fall Centerpiece

Today, I created a fall centerpiece for our dining table that was completely FREE!  Yes, free. My fave!   Decorating for the seasons is so easy (and affordable) when you just use what nature has to offer.  We don’t have a lot of leaves falling yet but there are lots of plants offering up beautiful fall colors of gold and orange and I just couldn’t resist. 

I made this autumn bouquet using goldenrod, bittersweet berries, and salt myrtle.  You can find these plants growing all over the place here in Georgia, on the side of the road, in meadows, in the woods, literally everywhere.  I just gathered a basketful and began to arrange them.

I used a “tall can” that I had spray painted gold a while ago.  I put a large glass vase full of water inside.  It fit perfectly.  I then filled the vase with all of my finds. 

Sometimes, it seems God just sends little gifts my way.  After I had gathered my flowers, I went to our local little grocery store and right when I stepped out of my car, I spotted these butterfly wings. Somehow, this monarch butterfly had died and the body was gone and the wings had been left, perfectly preserved.  I added it to my basket and I think the little butterfly wings add the perfect touch to my arrangement.

It may seem gross to some of you to keep them but I think they are beautiful.   I watched a nature film once about the monarchs and they are truly amazing!

A few words of advice if you decide to pick some of these wild flowers/weeds/berries/etc.  Never trespass onto private property.  Watch out for snakes and spiders and any other creepy, crawly things.  Also, if you pick bittersweet, the oriental variety has thorns, so be careful!  Use pruning shears for those.  Before arranging, check the clippings well for insects so you don’t bring any of them into your home!  As with any plants you bring into your home, keep them away from small children and pets.  I will not even pretend to know which are poisonous and which are not, but if this is a concern, please look it up! 

In my opinion, real is always better than fake if you can afford it.  I have no idea what an arrangement of this size would cost but mine didn’t cost a dime and that makes me happy!   

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