Thanksgiving holiday table

Related links:
A thanksgiving to remember
Sweet harvest desserts

Make natural vases from gourds and small pumpkins for the holiday table, and fill them with autumn-hued flowers and leaves. These are pretty set on the burlap table runner, and you can use a scrap of the burlap to make a fringe collar.

You need:
• 2 small pumpkins or gourds
• Sharp paring knife or razor knife
• Spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Florist foam
• Scissors
• Fresh and dried flowers, grasses, and seedpods
• 3-inch green, wired picks (available at florist shops or craft stores)
• 2 burlap strips (approximately 15 by 2 inches; optional)
• Straight pins

To make:
1. Cut out the tops of the pumpkins with a sharp knife, and scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Line the pumpkins with foil. (Most pumpkins and gourds will remain watertight for several days, but lining them with foil gives added protection against leakage.)

2. Cut the florist foam to flt inside each pumpkin, and add just enough water to saturate the foam.

3. Arrange the flowers, grasses, and seedpods. Any tender flower stems can be secured and strengthened, using a wired pick.