Want to make a pretty decoration for your table or kitchen counter in 5 minutes or less that gives you a pop of color and textural interest?  How about one that’s low cost, eco-friendly, and edible?  And it’s seasonal no matter what time of year it is?   Right now you can make one that lasts weeks.  Other times it may only last 4-5 days.  I bet you guessed it already!  Yes, simple centerpieces of fruits and/or veggies.

Pears in all varieties and attending colors are available now which are a big favorite of mine for their curvy shapes and their sweet taste. But my dilemma is that pears must be watched because they may pass their edible stage without showing outward signs.  Ripening may not cause a color change and it can be difficult to tell if they are past their prime.  Sometimes I just have to give up eating them for the privilege of enjoying their beauty longer.

This is the season for squashes and gourds, so you can make an arrangement that lasts for weeks.  Sometimes just a single squash can adorn a small spot giving visual interest. I’ve seen a single small squash placed at each place setting for a special occasion.  Color is key here.  Choose a color that suits your decor or table settings.  It doesn’t have to be orange!

Next time you’re in the produce section scan the displays for combinations of beautiful colors and shapes that would complement your decor.

I like to display my fruits and veggies on complimentary platters, wooden boards, baskets, metal bowls or chargers, glass pieces such as a cake stand, or a simple dinner plate.  Picking just the right piece on which to display your arrangement is important.  Experiment!

Usually, a flat surface shows off your produce better, but if you have a favorite bowl, cheat a little and fill the bottom of the bowl with crumpled paper to raise the level of your pretty fruit so it can all be seen.

Try this and you’ll be surprised what a lift it is to view beautiful fresh produce as you’re eating or working in the kitchen.  I first was introduced to the idea of decorating my home with simple things as a young newlywed when I read a book called “The Hidden Art of Homemaking” by Edith Schaeffer.  This book changed my life.  It opened my eyes to ways to create beauty in the everyday with everyday things.  I highly recommend it to any woman who would like to use her artistic side to make her environment simply lovely.  Please bear in mind that this was written in 1973.  Yet her message is timeless and I think you’ll agree the book is a classic with a relevant message for today.  You can buy it new here or used here.