Thrifty Thursday Creating an Eclectic Autumn Vignette

If you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you may know that I like to change up my dining table centerpiece or vignette seasonally. Rather than decorating for specific holidays, I typically alter, add and subtract, small bits and pieces of decor on a seasonal basis. I might include a few items that are holiday specific, especially at Christmas time, but I prefer to decorate with items that can be used for 3 or more months at a time.

I did some thrifting this week to find items for my autumn tablescape. Here are some of the things I found to use.

Utilizing these simple items and adding a few new accessories, I created a fall vignette that is unique and eclectic.

Keep reading to see how I came up with this fall centerpiece and to learn more about each component used.

I bought this vintage planter for $1. I knew I wanted some white and the shape is somewhat pumpkin like. I needed a fall colored candle and a favorite, local thrift store had just what I wanted. I placed the candle on a jar lid to lift it up a bit more. I filled it with black beads from a thrift store beaded seat cover. The black beads match the black edge on the tray.

The thrift store tray has a bit of a summery, beachy feel. But, I liked the black edge for fall and the texture that the rattan weave adds to my wood table. I typically use a table runner or tablecloth, but decided to let the table be naked wood for this season.

I filled a small, orange dish (that I thrifted last spring and used in my summer table vignette) with some small wood mushrooms I had. I might swap these out for some caramels or dark chocolate squares.

Old books in the colors that I am using for fall add height to the vignette.

The velvety pumpkins I created in the post below this one. I placed them in a heavy brass tray that I found at my favorite thrift store. I liked the aged patina on it, so I left it as is.

I placed some fake flowers that I bought new at Michaels in a brass vase or pitcher. Next to the vase on top of the book stack sits a wood salt grinder that I got from a garage sale free box.

I placed everything in a very linear or organized fashion on the tray. This isn't my typical style, but it helps to keep the vignette from looking too cluttered. Why does this centerpiece work and how can you create something similar?

*Use three or four colors and have more than one object with each color. The white planter ties in with the white/cream colored pumpkins and the white book pages. The orange and yellows tie together, as well as the black beads and the black tray rim.

*Use at least 3 different textures. I used wood, rattan, brass, cloth book covers. You could add leather, stone, glass as other textures.

*Height--make sure your eye has different heights to keep the flow. Use books, stacked dishes, a chunk of wood, a small pedestal to add height. Be sure to have something at tall, medium, and low heights.

*Group like items together to keep the vignette neater looking. 

*Look at your centerpiece from all sides and make sure it is interesting on all sides.

*Keep it practical if you are using it on a dining table or kitchen counter--add salt and pepper shakers, snacks, a plant that isn't messy or dropping pollen in your food (thus the fake flowers), and maybe something interactive for guests. I thought about adding some paint and paintbrushes so guests can paint the mushrooms. 

*Have fun, don't take yourself or your decor too seriously. I had a variety of different items and played with them until I found an arrangement that I liked.