When it comes to dinner parties, I like to think outside the dining room sometimes to create a more magical experience for our friends.  I’ve always wanted to do a big outdoor sit-down dinner, but various technicalities have gotten in the way.  This year, it’s happening.  I built a table (more on that later) and have been starting the planning process.

One thing I knew I wanted to include were some white name card holders.  Although actual white pumpkins can be used, they’re fairly pricey and don’t last super long once cut.  I made a very sleek, modern version using some run-of-the-mill foam pumpkins from the Home Depot.

The result is a beautiful, serene tablescape that isn’t a cacophony of color (which you know isn’t my thing). The white gourds lend themselves well to the other colors incorporated in the table and won’t compete with any of the other decor.  The best part is that since they’re faux, they’ll last throughout the whole season and I can use them all of the way through Thanksgiving.

It’s a super easy project that I’m almost embarrassed to call a ‘DIY’ but sometimes it’s the little things, right?  Let’s go! 

ONE lay your gourd down on the table and see which way it naturally falls.  TWO cut a 3/4″ deep slit directly perpendicular to the table with a serrated kitchen knife. THREE paint the whole gourd white.

I love the way they turned out and how they really bring the whole table to a very calm and classic place.  I do have another surprise for you though… There are three other DIYs in this tablescape  (can you spot them) that I’ll be sharing over the next couple of weeks!  *hint hint, the table itself was a project that took just over an hour and $100.

How do you feel about this project?  Right up your fall alley?