Create a Fall Centerpiece With a Platter of Nature's Harvest

A trip to the garden, orchard, or grocery store will provide all the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious looking fall centerpiece using fruits and vegetables. What a lovely tribute to the generosity of Mother Nature!

To make this beautiful fruit and vegetable arrangement, you'll need:

• A large oval or round metal or glass platter

• Beautifully colored vegetables such as artichokes, eggplant, mini pumpkins, squash, gourds, or avocados, and Swiss chard.

• Colorful fruit such as apples, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, limes, oranges, and lemons.

• Several small mum plants or branches of flowers.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Place the largest vegetables (eggplant, artichoke, pumpkin) on the tray.

2. Carefully pile smaller vegetables and fruits around the larger pieces.

3. Tuck leaves of greens at the base of the vegetables and between the pieces.

Things to consider with this arrangement:

• Use a variety of sizes and colors for greatest eye appeal.

• If you use fruits or vegetables that will wilt, place then near the top, so you won't have to disassemble the whole arrangement to replace them.

• This arrangement will look lush and wonderful on a kitchen counter, too.

• Combine fruits and vegetables for a good variety.

• Spritz the arrangement with water to keep it fresh and shiny.

• Place it in a refrigerator at night if you have the room.

• Eat the fruits and vegetables before they spoil.

• To keep the flowers looking fresh, place the stems in vials of water.

• You might be able to find good artificial pieces for a longer-lasting arrangement.