Beautiful ways with fresh apples!
Bring charming seasonal flair to your space with DIY apple accents! Here, design pro Shannon Acheson shares the easy how-to’s
SWEET AUTUMNAL CIRCLET
“Decorating with apples during fall is the perfect way to celebrate the season and add style to your space on a dime,” says Acheson. One easy idea? A sweet wreath! To get the look, soak a 12" floral foam wreath in water; snip large handfuls of rose hips, berries, nigella, Chinese lanterns and green foliage to 3". Press sprigs and stems into foam until wreath is mostly covered. Pierce a dozen apples with wooden skewers; press into foam. Tie on ribbon.
CHEERY PLACE SETTINGS
Place settings go from simple to striking when adorned with fresh-picked touches that showcase the fruits of the harvest. To do: Set a folded orange dinner napkin on a green plate and top with cutlery, a few bright rose stems (or other seasonal blooms like chrysanthemums or asters), colorful leaves and a freshly washed apple. Use a white paint pen to jot a guest’s name onto a green leaf; let dry. Finish by simply setting the leaf on the plate, leaning it up onto the apple.
JUST-PICKED PLATE IDS
Guests will happily find their seats, thanks to these adorable leafy apple IDS. “And they are a breeze to make!” To do: For each, gather leaves from the yard. Use a teal-hued paint pen to jot a name onto a leaf, let dry, then hotglue a toothpick to the back of the leaf. Stake the pick into an apple and set near a place setting. Tip: For long-lasting IDS that guests can take home, opt for craft-store faux apples and leaves. Have extra apples and leaves? Use the same method to create menu signs for a buffet table— just jot each main entrée, side dish or dessert name onto the leaves.
RUSTIC- CHIC CANDLESCAPE
“Whether placed on a dinner table or a side table, this sparkling candlescape kissed with apples is sure to kindle a good mood,” says Acheson. “Plus, this looks impressive but can be tossed together in seconds!” To do: Place a small glass bowl in the center of a round rustic serving tray. Fill the bowl with water; add 5 or 6 floating candles. Tie a length of twine around the bowl. To finish, add apples and fall leaves around the bowl onto the tray.
SO-PRETTY FOCAL POINT
Filling a decorative bowl with a pile of crisp apples and a mix of seasonal snippets creates a showstopping centerpiece. To do: Line the base of a footed bowl or basket with a gingham napkin. Add about 9 to 10 apples to the base of bowl. Fill in gaps with cut seasonal blooms, Chinese lanterns and leafy greenery; display on a table.