With their quirky sculptural forms and amazing longevity, gourds make the perfect unfussy fall centerpiece. After spending a few years in the Midwest where grocery stores abounded all autumn with waxed gourds, I had all but written them off as mere festive fall kitsch, but these simple arrangements have definitely convinced me otherwise.

With any gourd arrangement, the key seems to be simplicity. Over-styling can look a little too kitschy country.

• 1. Pairing them with large simple stalk greenery like an elephant ear or split philo from the florist is an easy, inexpensive, and interesting alternative to an elaborate autumn centerpiece. I love the contrast between the crisp white table and the earthy shapes of the kettle, bottle, and powder horn hardshell gourds. Arranging them loosely emphasizes their beautiful organic forms.
• 2. The gourd version of the Easter basket!
• 3. Adding simple pillars in a variety of sizes into the mix contributes a bit of glam without taking away from the humble appeal of the arrangement.
• 4. It's hard to go wrong with a simple arrangement of baby-boo gourds. Now that Halloween has passed they seem to be on sale everywhere, but they make a lovely arrangement throughout autumn.

(Images: 1: Coastal Living, 2, 3: Better Homes and Gardens, 4: Country Living)