Design

Autumn Bouquet

Squash brings natural shape, texture, and color to autumn styling. Use it as a vessel, an accent, or a playful seasonal detail.

Botanically, squash is a berry called a pepo. Its hard rind holds its shape when hollowed, making it a natural container.

Carotenoids give squash its orange and gold tones. Rinds also come in deep green, slate blue, and cream, so they're easy to pair.

Cured winter squash can keep for months in a cool, dry spot. One display can carry you from early fall through Thanksgiving.

Turban, acorn, butternut, and ribbed pumpkin shapes all come from one genus, Cucurbita. Mix the forms for an easy layered display.

Dried gourds, close cousins of squash, have been made into bowls, bottles, and instruments for thousands of years.

The Curator's Almanac

Unpack seasonal traditions, savor the changing landscape, and find recipes, decor and practical ideas along the way.