Make a Dead-Branch Centerpiece for Halloween

In just a few steps, you can turn bare branches into a bewitching Halloween centerpiece.
Decorate centerpiece with bats and spiders.

Display your Dead Centerpiece

Once finished, add any desired Halloween-themed decorations to the branches, such as rubber bats, snakes, spiders or mini hanging lanterns.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • dome-shaped floral foam
  • 10" to 14" diameter urn
  • cut branches
  • garden shears, reciprocating saw or hack saw
  • roll of brown kraft paper
  • scissors
  • matte black spray paint
  • bag of pebbles
  • hanging rubber bats (or other Halloween-themed touches)
  • tape measure
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Spanish moss

Gather, Cut and Paint Branches

Gather an assortment of fallen tree branches from the yard (Image 1). Use garden shears, reciprocating saw or hacksaw to cut branches to proper height (Image 2). Tip: To determine proper height, measure the distance from the top of the table to the bottom of any light fixture above. Protect work surface with kraft paper then place branches on top. Add two even coats of matte black spray paint to branches (Image 3). For the best finish, hold spray-paint can 6 to 8 inches from surface of branches, moving the can back and forth as you spray.

Add Pebbles and Floral Form to Urn

To ensure the urn doesn't become top-heavy once branches are inserted, it's necessary to weight the base with pebbles. Pour an even layer of pebbles into the urn that's approximately 6 inches deep (Image 1). Place dome-shaped floral foam inside of urn with dome side facing down (Image 2). Ensure that foam stays in place by adding a bead of hot glue around the perimeter of the urn.

Add Branches and Moss to Foam

Insert branches, one at a time, into foam (Image 1). Focus on keeping them spaced at least one inch apart to keep the look balanced. Cover the surface of the floral foam with moss secured with hot glue (Image 2). Once finished, add any desired Halloween-themed decorations to the branches such as rubber bats, snakes, spiders or mini hanging lanterns (Image 3).

Next Up

How to Make Halloween Tombstones From Upcycled Styrofoam

Upgrade your outdoor Halloween decor and create a creepy graveyard scene with this easy-to-make Styrofoam tombstone complete with custom epitaphs.

How to Make a Life-Size Halloween Ghost

Create a life-size ghost for Halloween using cheesecloth and other inexpensive items. Hang it from a tree or place it on your front porch so passersby will shake in their boots.

Halloween Pet Costume: Court Jester

This Halloween honor your pet's inner clown with an easy-to-sew felt jester costume. Our free printable templates make stitching up this playful costume a snap.

10 Fun Ways to Treat Your Favorite Pup This Halloween

Halloween isn't just for humans! Show your four-legged best friend some love with these festive dog treats, toys, accessories and costumes.

DIY Halloween Outdoor Decor That Will Have "All Eyes on Boo"

Create some Halloween curb appeal with a mischevious monster door. Inexpensive card stock, crepe paper and tape are a budget-friendly way to deck out your home before Halloween guests or trick-or-treaters arrive.

40+ Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Are the holidays sneaking up on you? We've got you covered for the first one to hit the scene — Halloween — with costumes you can get delivered to your home in a matter of days.

20 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

Halloween Treat Recipe: Lucky Black Cats

Made from salty pretzels and creamy chocolate, there's nothing to fear from these delicious Halloween black cats.

Halloween Treat: Healthy Monster Apples

Turn tart apples, dried fruit and nuts or seeds into healthy treats for your favorite trick-or-treaters.

25 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023

Make an entrance (and earn a lot of laughs) with these Halloween costumes inspired by Barbie, The Little Mermaid, Ted Lasso, Taylor Swift, boy bands, TikTok trends and other iconic 2023 moments.

More from:

Halloween Ideas

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.