Turn a Butternut Squash Into a Fall Centerpiece

In just a few minutes, hollow out a group of oblong butternut squash to make a non-traditional, affordable vessel for fall flowers.
Turn a Butternut Squash into a Fall Centerpiece

How to Turn a Butternut Squash into a Fall Centerpiece

In just a few minutes, you can hollow out a group of oblong butternut squash to make a non-traditional, affordable vessel for fall flowers.

Photo by: Jason Kisner ©Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Jason Kisner, Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Liz Gray

Materials Needed:

  • 3 small butternut squash, each a slightly different height
  • 1 iced tea spoon
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • fall flowers of your choice, such as sunflowers, dahlias and cockscombs

Cut and Hollow Out Butternut Squash

On a cutting board, slice off the top of the butternut squash with a chef's knife (Image 1). With a long-handled spoon (such as an iced tea spoon), make a ring around the inside of the squash, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the outside of the squash (Image 2).

Using the spoon, hollow out the squash until you reach the seeds at the bottom (Image 3). Turn the squash upside down, tapping on the cutting board until free of seeds. Repeat with remaining squash.

Discard top and reserve seeds for another use.

Fill With Flowers

Set each butternut squash vase upright to make sure it stands on its own. If the bottom of the squash is not flat, use the chef's knife to level it.

Fill the hollowed-out squash with an assortment of fall flowers. Here, we used cockscombs, sunflowers and dahlias.

Fill Butternut Squash Vase with Colorful Flowers

Fill Butternut Squash Vase with Colorful Flowers

Set each butternut squash vase upright to make sure it stands on its own. If the bottom of the squash is not flat, use the chef's knife to level it. Fill the hollowed-out squash with an assortment of fall flowers to complete step four of the project. Here, we used cockscombs, sunflowers and dahlias.

Photo by: Jason Kisner ©Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Jason Kisner, Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Display Vases and Enjoy

Display the butternut squash vases on your fall dinner table.

Finished Butternut Squash Fall Centerpiece

DIY Butternut Squash Fall Centerpiece

Once you have cleaned out the butternut squash, display the vases on your fall dinner table.

Photo by: Jason Kisner ©Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Jason Kisner, Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Next Up

Turn Paint Sticks Into a Herringbone Table Runner

Transform basic wooden paint sticks into a trendy herringbone table runner. Guests will never believe this designer-style runner had such humble beginnings.

Host a Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner Party

Celebrate fall's bounty amidst the season's brightest foliage with our step-by-step instructions for throwing an autumn farm-to-table dinner party.

Fall Garden Vegetable Soup Recipe

Full of fall flavors, this farm-to-table vegetable soup is as healthy as it is delicious.

Homemade German Seeded Bread Recipe

Germany is known for dense, whole grain, multi-seeded bread called dreikernebrot. It’s a nutrition-packed dietary staple that can be found at every corner bakery and is a favorite of locals and tourists, alike. Now you can bring the hearty flavor home and make an authentic loaf in your kitchen using this recipe. Dreikernebrot is a tasty seeded loaf that will fortify you through the festive days of Oktoberfest and beyond.

Mini Black Forest Cake Recipe

This rich chocolate cake hails from the Black Forest region of Germany. It’s a layered confection soaked with Kirsch (cherry liqueur), and filled with whipped cream and Morello cherry preserves. Make several of this mini version to feed an Oktoberfest party crowd. Petite but with a tasty punch of rich chocolate and tart cherries, these mini mouthfuls are the perfect way to end an Oktoberfest feast.

Mini Apple Strudel Recipe

Nothing’s better than homemade apple strudel — unless it’s having one all to yourself. These individual strudels have a crunchy phyllo wrapper with a sweet interior of shredded apples, golden raisins and walnuts. Serve this classic German confection, aka apfelstrudel, as a sweet ending to your Oktoberfest celebration.

Mini German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Oktoberfest wouldn’t be the same without golden kartoffelpuffer, otherwise known as German potato pancakes. We’ve miniaturized them for bite-sized finger food that's perfect for an Oktoberfest celebration. Serve the crispy mouthfuls with applesauce and sour cream for dipping.

Everything You Need to Create a Cozy Backyard This Fall

You don't have to head indoors as the temperatures drop. Keep your outdoor space warm and cozy with these essentials, and enjoy watching the leaves change colors.

Authentic German Mulled Wine Recipe

Traditional glühwein, which translates to 'glow wine' will make cheeks rosy and keep Oktoberfest and fall fun in full swing. Be sure to keep the recipe handy for winter months, too. This soul-warming sip will put a fire in your belly (and a glow in your cheeks) when temperatures plummet.

56 Gorgeous Autumnal Accents to Set the Perfect Fall Table

Infuse your tablescape with the look and feel of autumn. Beautiful tablecloths, pretty dishes and glasses, eye-catching napkin rings and a showstopping centerpiece all combine for a fall-worthy table.

More from:

Fall Design Trends

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

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