Create your own cornucopia for the perfect autumn center piece

October 13, 2009

Wow your guest at your next party with some truly authentic table decorations. The cornucopia, sometimes called the horn of plenty, has been around for thousands of years. The decoration stems from a Greek myth, and cornucopias typically represent plentiful times.

Today the cornucopia usually consists of a horn-shaped wicker basket filled with autumnal objects, like fruit and flowers, and is often associated with the harvest.

To make a cornucopia that will last you for years, pick up a curved wicker basket at a crafts store and scout around for fillings. Look for seasonal items like dried sunflowers, red apples, multicolored corn, tiny gourds and dried pine cones to fill the basket with.

Create a sense of abundance by lining the basket with dried (or fake) leaves and straw. Allow the other items to overflow from the basket and spill onto the table.

Cornucopias make a beautiful centerpiece for holiday meals (they are usually associated with Thanksgiving) or autumn dinner parties, and can also be used to decorate counter tops or doorsteps. A small cornucopia could be the perfect gift for a hostess, too.