I am an affiliate partner for some products mentioned in this post. All expressed opinions are my own. However, I may receive commission for the sale of some items or services.
Last fall, I laid eyes on a DIY pumpkin succulent centerpiece while browsing Pinterest. I decided to attend a workshop at Terrain to gain knowledge – and have an excuse to wander around the garden center, let’s be honest. This year, I recreated the project with a few enhancements. I am obsessed with pumpkins and tablescapes, so this project was truly a labor of love.
Pro tip: This project makes a lovely gift for the Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving hostess!
You will need…
- Pumpkin – Some squash, like the acorn variety, also work for this project.

- Succulents – Live or faux.


- Moss – Mixing colors and textures is encouraged!

- Found fall objects – Pinecones, berries, and acorns can be found outside this time of year. Alternatively, you can purchase fall-themed potpourri if you prefer to forage in your local craft store or garden center. I made the tablescsape more cohesive by borrowing a few pieces from a craft store wreath.

- Hot glue gun
Let’s do it!
Begin to break apart the moss and assemble a “nest” on top of the pumpkin.

Work in layers, adding the succulents last.

Carefully remove the nest in one piece, if possible.

Prepare the hot glue gun.

Glue the nest to the top of the pumpkin. Repeat after me: there is no such thing as too much glue!

It’s time for the finishing touches. Add leftover pieces of moss to fill in gaps, and trim anything that doesn’t look quite right.

Great job! You did it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin or leave it intact?
This is the question I receive most often: whether to plant the succulent in the pumpkin or glue everything on top. The experts at the workshop taught me that the centerpiece will last much longer if the pumpkin is not carved. Unless you really want those pumpkin seeds for roasting, I would advise against puncturing it. Otherwise, you may end up with a decomposing pumpkin on your Thanksgiving table, which probably wasn’t what you pictured when you created your “fall tablescape” vision board.
How do I keep my centerpiece looking its best throughout the season?
While it remains part of the centerpiece, mist the succulent with a spray bottle every few days. It can last for weeks—sometimes more than a month—with this treatment. When the pumpkin begins to soften, carefully remove and plant the succulent in a more permanent home.

Do you have fall craft fever and an extra pumpkin that needs some love? Check out our pumpkin painting post for more ideas! Questions or ideas for fall centerpieces? Share them in the comments!
If you want inspiration like this delivered straight to your door quarterly, check out the D20 Theory Roll the Dice subscription box!