The Ultimate 30-Minute Fall Dough Bowl (Or Not) Arrangement
Create a beautiful fall dough bowl arrangement filled with seasonal organics like mini pumpkins, Indian corn, pinecones, acorns, and more. With one easy fall arrangement, you can create a fall look and feel in a room in your home.
Let’s make a fall dough bowl arrangement! Once in a while, you learn a decorating trick that truly changes the way you decorate and makes your life so easy in the process! Just one little discovery! So today, I’m sharing that trick along with a very easy way to style a fall dough bowl. Beautiful!
A Little Fall Decorating Story
Here’s my before and after story…
I used to drag big plastic bins up from the basement each season and holiday. What a chore! Then, I’d forage the depths of these big bins, looking for the least tired decor to decorate my home. It was physically and mentally exhausting! Can you relate?
I’m taking a less-is-more, do-not-kill-yourself decorating approach to all seasons and holidays. Now, I use lots of what I call naturals—anything organic (real or faux) associated with the season. This fall, I’m using lots of pumpkins, gourds, acorns, and mini Indian corn. A nod to what is growing in the fields in my area.
Why Make An Arrangement
I found another decorating lightbulb moment that also changed the way I decorate.
Easy Designer Tip
By adding one seasonal arrangement to a flat surface in a room room, the whole room takes on a seasonal look and feel.
It’s so easy! Just one pretty seasonal arrangement can change the entire vibe of a room. You could add a big vase of dried hydrangeas or faux fall branches to a sideboard or console table, and your fall decorating is almost done! Or use a dough bowl, cake stand, or large wide-mouth bowl to create a similar look.
Here’s another easy designer tip that I use all the time…
Easy Designer Tip #2
Place candles beside an arrangement to instantly create a warm, finished look.
An arrangement typically looks best when paired with other elements that offer contrasting textures, depth, heights, and styles rather than standing alone. This combination creates a lovely fall vignette.
What You Need To Make A Fall Dough Bowl Arrangement
This is such an easy arrangement to put together, and it is brimming with fall beauty! Here’s what I used to make this rustic dough bowl…
- small pumpkins
- bits of greenery
- faux leaves
- gourds
- mini Indian corn
- acorns
- pinecones
Here are some other fall natural elements you might also like to use…
- hydrangeas
- bittersweet
- faux fall stems
- faux pumpkins and gourds
- berries
- wooden beads
- burlap to line your dough bowl
- reindeer moss
- pods
- dried citrus
- dried sunflower heads
- cinnamon stick
- deer sheds
How To Create A Dough Bowl Centerpiece
Start With A Wooden Dough Bowl Or Large Bowl
For this arrangement, I used a new-to-me antique dough bowl. If you don’t have a dough bowl, use a large shallow bowl.
Over the years, I have collected these shallow bowls because they are perfect for holding arrangements. You can also use a low-sided basket, tray, pedestal cake plate, or a footed bowl.
The Big Tip…
Here’s the one tip that will really help you with this arrangement!
The Big Tip
Layer pinecones in the bottom of your bowl.
Doing this one thing will…
- Add a base to your arrangement.
- Fill the bottom of the bowl so you don’t use a lot of extra decor that isn’t seen.
- No florist foam.
- Take up lots of space.
- Pinecones are sturdy and can handle heavy items on top of them.
- Makes it easy to put things in place, so they stay where you put them.
If you use foraged pinecones, you will want to clean and debug them. How To Make Beautifully Scented Pinecones will show you how. It’s easy and important!
Try this tip with any arrangement—it will transform how you style every one you make.
How To Create A Dough Bowl Arrangement
Add enough pinecones to fill the container about 1/2 full. Use cinnamon-scented pine cones to make your arrangement smell like fall!
How To Make Scented Pinecones is an easy step-by-step tutorial for making wonderfully scented pinecones.
I started by adding the mini Indian corn to the bowl first, fanning out the husks before I added them to the dough bowl. Here’s another tip…If, for some reason, the husks pop off, just stick them back on with a dab of hot glue!
After the pinecones were in the base of the bowl, I added 3 Indian corn ears to one side of the bowl resting on the pinecones.
The white pumpkin is just weighing down the pinecones so they don’t shift. It will be taken out later.
On a side note… store Indian Corn in plastic shoe-type boxes from year to year. My corn must be a decade old! Just make sure the box is plastic and the lid is secure. No mice, thank you!
I added 2 mini Indian corns to the other side of the bowl using the same technique above.
Next, I added 2 anchor elements opposite the mini corn.
I used an orange pumpkin and a small green and white gourd, resting them on top of the pinecone filler.
So I have decorative elements at 12-3-6 and 9 if the bowl was a clock… well, close enough.
The heavy element came next. I added one big gourd to the center of the dough bowl arrangement on the very top.
After the big gourd, I added a couple white baby boo pumpkins and one orange one. Here’s another tip… try to fill in the gaps and holes. The dough bow arrangement starting to take shape!
I continued to add pumpkins and pinecones to fill the overflowing arrangement. I love to use pinecones in fall decor! They are not just for Christmas.
Here’s where you can layer things! I made sure my pumpkins faced in a direction that was becoming the arrangement. There were still some gaps in my fall arrangement, so the next thing I did was fill them in.
To finish this fall arrangement, I filled the big gaps with what I like to call fluff.
Fluff is any fluffy, frilly leaves or other organics, real or faux. To soften it, I filled any gaps with faux boxwood and added it around the edges of the bowl!
Fluff takes arrangements to the next level! I also used small clumps of green leaves and berries plucked from a swag. Look at the difference fluff makes!!!
Finally, I scattered acorns over the arrangement like they had fallen off a tree and just happened to land perfectly in it!
Here’s another tip that will help you decorate this dough bowl arrangement…
Rule Of Thumb Arranging Tip
The smaller the element, the later it goes on to the arrangement.
Pretty!
With just a little practice, you can assemble a beautiful and bountiful fall arrangement in about 30 minutes!
Now, let’s get some fall organics and make a pretty arrangement! And let’s NOT drag around any big bins with fall decor!
FAQs About Doug Bowl Arrangements
More Fall Arrangements
Happy fall decorating, friends!
You sure make things beautiful in 5 minutes! Gorgeous decor. I can’t wait to see your tour on Friday. ~Sonya
Thanks for sharing those good tips for arranging a Fall bowl! Hey, I saw “your” magazine this week and bought a copy…can’t wait to have a few minutes to read every word and take in every picture of yours in “Decorating Shortcuts”.
Thanks so much for buying one!
From where have you bought?
I’m not sure. Another reader said I was in a Christmas magazine. I did not hear about it, yet.
Yvonne – Amazing what you accomplished in5 minutes. It looks great. Pinning this!
Good Morning, Yvonne! Thanks for the great ideas. I especially love the “fluffing” idea….genius! That is just what bowls of fall (or Christmas!) need to soften them! Never thought of that! Thanks for always inspiring me to take my decorating a step further!
Looks so beautiful Yvonne.
I just love your arrangements! These are great tips on how to create a beautiful focal piece. I pulled my fall box out of the attic and saw that I have a lot of “tired” fluff. I need to purge so I can attempt to put together something pretty for the table ;-). Thanks for inspiring me!
Blessings,
Nici
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips and photos Yvonne, your fall arrangement is gorgeous! I too have been getting rid of the bins, all that “stuff” had been making decorating feel overwhelming and not enjoyable. This year I am keeping things simple and having more fun with the holiday decor. Happy fall!
I love this, I’ve decided to downsize my Halloween collectibles this year. I’ll keep my ones that I truly love (vintage-style), but want to decorate with more simple, natural elements this year. I love your idea for storing/keeping Indian corn because I always thought you had to throw them out. Now I can keep them and re-use every year. Thanks for that tip, especially “fluffing” out the ends of the Indian corn. This arrangement is absolutely gorgeous! Have a fabulous day!
5 minutes to decorate sounds good to me! Love how you kept this simple but beautiful all at the same time. Everything you touch turns to gold, Yvonne. You definitely have a gift for decorating and an eye for what looks right. Thanks for the inspiration!
I LOVE quick and easy! I have inspired me again!
Thank you for the step-by-step. I tried a fall arrangement with my round wooden bowl last year, and it just fell flat. This year’s will be great with your instructions.
I love how you add a little this and a little that and you get BEAUTIFUL in just minutes!
As always, so beautiful.
Amazing what you can do in such a short period of time. Thank you for the inspoiration!
How did I miss this on your pinterest page? I can’t see it to PIn but I’ll try again. I may have to add a bit of fluff to my giant arrangement of tiered gourds and pumpkins. Pinecones are hard for me to get so don’t have so many to play with. I may improvise with what I’ve got and show you. Love this. Did eliminate more junk. But then got inspired by a wreath so pulled the long narrow leaves from goodwill pile and made a type of mirror hanging I will spray paint now. I think your enthusiasm keeps me from feeling silly creating
Oh, Yvonne…there aren’t enough words for me to describe how your home and decor and gorgeous photos make me swoon!
JP
Very pretty. Thank you for sharing your tutorial.
Just Beautiful- Ben doing this for years-BUT forgot the “fluff”, and the pinecones. Can’t wait to put it out-
i’ve been trying to take a “less is more” approach too yvonne…a few years ago i started storing all like-type items in a clear bin with “Fall” taped to all four sides (so my husband can CLEARLY see what bin to retrieve!) and sometimes I’ve added a few pictures in the bin showing how I used the items so I can refer to it from year to year. however, i need to take a hint from you and get rid of a lot of items as i don’t use near as many things to decorate with as i have in years past.
thank you for sharing all your great ideas and photos!
You are a smart one!!! Great ideas, Judy!
A bowl full of Fall goodness! I’ve too, streamlined my seasonal decor. More meaningful to have what people have made or given me through the years. Kathleen in Az
You are so talented. I am so happy I found your blog. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas and your beautiful home. You have created a wonderful oasis for your family.
You have such a talented way of making everything look doable. One of the many reasons I love you and your blog! This is one of my favorites!
Thank you so much for stopping by…you raise the bar for great blogggers!
Jane xx
Perfect! I need to get me some “fluff”!! Looking forward to your tour!~~Angela
A lovely tutorials my friend. Thank you for sharing xo
Yvonne,
A beautiful fall arrangement with clear, concise excellent directions for how to recreate a similar arrangement. Thank you for your inspirational decor and for your generosity in sharing how you do it. I learned several things to help me with my own arrangements.
Judith
Very pretty! Thanks for the step by step directions! Now, to go round up what I have and make my own!
Now I don’t feel so bad for doing mine in 5 minutes!! I think we have started a trend. Love it and YOU!!
I am a former member of the seasonal tote(s) club…oh my the mental and physical challenges they presented. There was a time when I didn’t label the totes, knowing I could surely remember which one had fall, then I realized I needed the labels. Then the storage was a problem as most of them were up above in the pole barn…no way I could retrieve them so I would wait until my husband could assist. A couple years ago I decided enough of that foolishness and I started to go natural and I am now a more relaxed and happy lady! I love your blog Yvonne and have tried many recipes with success! Your decorating is my style and I love it! Thanks so much for all the inspiration you provide me! Have a blessed day!
this is so “naturally” pretty, Yvonne, love the idea of putting the pine cones in first!
I pretty much had on hand all the items you used in your wood bowl (except for the mini Indian corn). I followed your simple steps and it came out beautifully! Will try to send you a photo to see mine centerpiece. Thanks for all your great inspiration! Love your style and your sweet heart!
Gorgeous arrangement!!! With dough bowls seeming to ruse in popularity this year, I pulled out my grandmother’s oval dough bowl & filled it with very similar items – having zero design ability or instinct, it took me a lot longer than 5 minutes tho. One Question? When using “real” pumpkins & gourds, how do you store them from year to year? Thanks!
That sure looks like fall – very beautiful!
Love it!
I love your step-by step tutorials! This is beautiful! I have a bowl of gourds but I think I should add some things in now!
I loved this “how to make it” approach to decorating! I have a hard time making things look not so “home-made” and your tutorial pics really help me to get just the right items and put them together successfully! You always have beautiful thins on your blog! Thanks for writing it!
Have always loved to use nature in my decorating but still seem to have acquired too many of those plastic bins labeled fall,Christmas spring etc. Have promised myself to reduce this madness!! You seem to be reading my mind lately. Love the idea using pine cones for support and structure. Have already put them to use with an Apple and pear arrangement. Works wonderfully. Thanks
That was a very beautiful arrangement. I would like the corn to show more in the display; but, still it was beautiful. I have a wooden bowl so I may try this one. Thanks for all the info you give us. I am going to the Sugar Shack Country Candles new store & candle factory next weekend in Edgar NE to their Awesome Autumn Market and I know I’ll find some good Autumn finds. Love their candles. They light up my life with fragrance.
So simple, yet stunning!! Wish the weather would cool down so I can get into the fall spirit!! :0)
As I get older, I still want to do special things in the house. Now this super fast fall design will help so much without bringing too many things out. Thanks for a great and quick idea. I love all your designs but of course, I must limit which ones to do.
this is beautiful. i’m going to try to make it. i hope it turns out even close to yours. thanks for sharing. 🙂
Love these because you can take it all out and never actually get the same look. I have the grand kids gather stuff the yard and that even make it more special
Thanks for all the great ideas!
I loved your wood bowl centerpiece; and in spite of my scepticism that “anyone can do it,” I decided to click on it to see the directions. I was thrilled to discover that your directions with pics were SO simplified that, indeed, even I could follow them. I’m so excited. All the while, while reading your blog, in the back of my mind, I kept thinking, “Stone Gable…that name sounds familiar.”. Then it came to me. I’m quite certain you and my sister-in-law, blog queen of Worthing Court, share links. I think you have even gone to blogger conferences together. Small world!!!! Anyway, I lived this instructional blog. Thank you for sharing!
Yes, Kathy! I LOVE Suzy! We talk every week! Yes, small world!
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE all your ideas~
I just love all your fall ideas today. The fall arrangements are soooo pretty.
I always look forward to your blog each day ,especially on Sunday.Thanks so much.
Thanks, Debbie!
Where can I find a big wooden bowl like the one you use with your decorating?
Good Morning…….beautiful bowl I have always done this with walking in the fall and find something to add or start a bowl full of fall as i called it …..
It’s amazing what you find……
Thank You for sharing the many things you do . I like to have you as my next door what we can do next gal
Oh, how wonderful that you get to forage! When we go camping I love to do that too. There is a home for sale on my street!
This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the detailed instructions and pictures. You make it so much easier to recreate this in our own homes. Blessings and joy, Yvonne!