Make an Autumnal Apple Topiary Centerpiece

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

Put fall's bounty on display by making a topiary out of fresh pears or apples as a centerpiece for your table or buffet.

Materials Needed:
foam topiary form (ball or cone shape)
15-20 small fresh apples or pears
fresh sprigs of greenery (boxwood or evergreens)
florist's skewers
pot
pruning shears or sharp scissors
hot glue gun and glue sticks (optional)

Attach Fruit to Form
Place foam topiary form in pot. Secure with some hot glue, if necessary, although the fruit's weight will usually hold foam form in place. Insert a floral skewer into form, leaving approximately 1-1/2" - 2" exposed (Image 1). Press bottom of an apple or pear into skewer (Image 2). Tip: Smaller fruit works best for this project. Large pieces may be too heavy for skewers.



Cover Form With Fruit
Cover entire foam form with fruit, evenly spacing pieces. Topiary may tip if all apples are inserted on only one side at a time so insert one apple on each of the four sides and then fill the rest out.



Fill Spaces With Greenery
With pruning shears or scissors, clip several pieces of boxwood, evergreens, berries or fresh flowers that are 2" - 3" long. Choose greenery with a stiff stem, so it can easily be inserted into foam form, or reinforce weak stems with florist's wire. Stick sprigs into foam, filling in all gaps between apples (Image 1). Continue this process until foam is no longer visible and topiary is full (Image 2). Tip: Refrigerate topiary or store in a cool place to extend its life. Use foam fruit and preserved or artificial greenery to make a centerpiece that will keep indefinitely.



Happy arranging...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne