It’s that weird in-between time of year. The leaves are turning, the air has just a hint of winter, and you’re torn: do you refresh your fall decor and call it done… or dive early into the holiday season? Maybe you have a relative who insists it’s too early for Christmas decorations. I get it. That’s why I love this centerpiece inspiration so much: it sits perfectly in the transition.
Picture this: you live in the country, like me, and you’ve got access to all kinds of natural treasures — deer antlers, pinecones, cedar or evergreen sprigs (yes, faux works too) and hedge apples. For some reason, I’m obsessed with hedge apples this season. These quirky green spheres — the fruit of the Osage orange tree — might be overlooked, but they bring in a beautiful texture and color that feels both fresh for fall and appropriate for the holiday shift. And bonus: any farmer friend would be happy to donate a few.
Here’s how to build the look and what you should know about hedge apples — the good, the quirky, and the caution.
How to Build the Centerpiece
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Start with a wood tray or shallow box as your base — this grounds the arrangement and makes it easy to move. Think about the size of the space you want to fill. I think this piece is perfect to sit on a long dining room table!
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Add cedar or evergreen sprigs around the edges to lay your foundation.
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Place a few deer antlers or faux antlers for height and rustic texture.
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Tuck in pinecones of varying sizes to build interest.
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Then plank in 5-7hedge apples, spacing them among the greenery and cones. Their size and round shape create a sculptural element. I always tend to choose odd numbers. A pro tip I received from my Grandma Barbie years ago.
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If you like, finish with a few taper candles or LED lights for a soft glow — layering texture and light is a tip from Better Homes & Gardens when designing fall centerpieces. Better Homes & Gardens+1
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Place the whole display on your dining table, coffee table, or console. The look works great for mid-season: not urgent Thanksgiving, but not full-on Christmas either.
Hedge Apple Facts (and Why They’re Awesome for Decor)
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Hedge apples are the fruit of the Osage orange tree (scientific name Maclura pomifera). Illinois Extension+1
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Years ago, pioneers planted these trees as hedgerows or natural fences because of their thorny branches and hard wood. Nebraskaland Magazine
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The wood of the tree is extremely hard, heavy, and durable — used historically in tool handles, treenails, fence posts, and even archery bows.
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As decor, the hedge apple’s size and unique green hue add a sculptural, nature-inspired element — especially when paired with antlers, pinecones, and cedar.
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On caution: while hedge apples are not known to be toxic to animals, they can pose a choking or blockage hazard for livestock (especially cattle) when ingested whole.
What this means for you: handle with gloves if you’re cutting or splitting them (the stem’s milky juice can irritate skin). And if you’re using them in decor and live on a farm with cattle, make sure none of the hedge apples are accessible to grazing animals.
Pro Decorating Tips from the Pros
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Better Homes & Gardens suggests combining natural and faux elements — cake your centerpiece in texture using items you likely already have or can forage. Better Homes & Garden
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Another tip: start with the tallest element (in this case, maybe antlers or candles) then layer shorter items around it (pinecones, hedge apples, greenery) to create a cascading or layered effect.
Choose a palette and stick to it for cohesion — here you’re already working with green (hedge apples/cedar), brown (pinecones/antlers), and natural wood. That keeps things rooted and calm, not chaotic.
We’re in that sweet spot of the year — when pumpkins feel a little tired but tinsel still feels too soon. This is the moment your home craves something fresh yet familiar, and this centerpiece bridges that gap with effortless charm.
It’s simple, authentic, and rooted in country living — the kind of beauty that comes from using what you already have. Pinecones, cedar sprigs, antlers, and a handful of bright green hedge apples come together to create something naturally warm and inviting.
The mix of textures — from the smooth curve of the antlers to the vibrant green of the hedge apples — feels handcrafted and personal, like something you’d spot on Joanna Gaines’ own kitchen table. And the best part? It transitions beautifully from fall to the holidays. Add a few twinkle lights or red berries when December arrives, and it instantly takes on a festive glow.
If you’re looking for a centerpiece that says autumn but whispers the holidays are coming, this one’s your sweet spot — rustic, refined, and perfectly timeless.
— Adrianne, The Farmer’s Daughter
