My good friend, Mary, told me of this great idea she saw for pumpkin candleholders. I am going to make a pumpkin "village" for my centerpiece using the white variety because it's more decor friendly. Start with an assortment of about 3 medium to small sized white pumpkins with stems. Next, cut open the top and remove the innards. Make sure that the inside bottom is nice and flat so that a candle can be placed inside without tipping over. With a precision carving tool, (available at craft stores) cut out a front door and two windows. (It helps if you draw them on before you cut.) You can add a lot of visual interest by carving the windows with windowpanes. This takes a bit more patience, but will really look great with soft glowing candlelight flickering through. Place a votive candle in each little "cottage," and replace the stemmed top for a roof. Place them on a bed of autumn colored leaves in the center of your table. I recommend using artificial leaves which you can purchase at craft stores. They are reusable, and much less messy. Place a potted fall Mum on either side of your little village. I will be using white to match the pumpkins, but you may use any color you choose. There you have it...the perfect fall centerpiece. Enjoy!
