By guest blogger Mark Kintzel, designer
It's apple season! Time for making apple pies, apple crisps, applesauce (yum), and all kinds of other delicious treats. And what does one do with a plethora of apple goodies? Host an autumn party! And since you already have apples on hand, why not decorate with these gorgeous fruits, as well?
Here are four simple yet stunning apple crafts that will make your autumm apple fete as yummy for the eyes as it is for the tummy.
1. Apples and Silver Centerpiece (pictured above). My latest obsession is collecting vintage silver -- it's inexpensive and can be found easily at tags sales and flea markets. This simple yet elegant floral arrangement using foraged elements looks perfect in a silver compote bowl. The stars of this arrangement are the apples, gorgeous dahlias, lamb's ears, decorative grasses, and oak-leaf hydrangea.
2. Apple Place Setting. If you're planning a party and need place cards, why not use an apple to hold them? Using a sharp knife or razor blade, slice the stem of the apple about ¾" down the stem, cut out a decorative card, and insert into the stem. Easy!
3. Apple Votive Holders. Now for lighting, no table setting is complete without some candles. Let's continue the theme by making apple votive holders. Using a sharp knife, simply carve out the top of an apple and insert a tea light. I placed these lovelies on a wood slab topped off with a bed of moss for a finished autumn statement piece. Remember, don't leave your candles unattended.
Here are these three projects all together as a gorgeous autumn tablescape. And the best part is, the apples need not go to waste. They can be sliced up, cleaned, and used for baking after the party's over!
Finally, here's one last apple project to adorn your door or garden gate: a seasonal wreath to welcome your guests.
4. Apple Wreath. After putting together my centerpieces, place settings, and candleholders, I still had some leftover apples and dahlias, so I cut some branches, wired them together with green floral wire, and inserted the apples and flowers. The flowers are inserted into a water-filled floral tube. I added a burlap ribbon and hung it on my garden gate. Now the backyard is ready to party -- welcome!
Floral wire, floral tubes, ribbon, and votive candles can all be purchased at your local craft or floral-supply store.
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Mark Kintzel comes from a long line of crafters, artists, musicians, and farm folk. He first came under the magic spell of flowers while wandering through meadows near his grandparents' farm in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, as a boy. His appreciation for creativity and flowers grew throughout the years, and he now specializes in event planning and styling, garden design, and organic floral arrangements for just about any occasion. See more at markkintzel.com.
For more from Maria Rodale, visit www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com