How To Style DIY Harvest Baskets To Elevate Your Garden Gathering

The harvest basket may have been created with the intent of harvesting and holding the fruits of your gardening labor, but these vintage accessories are still popular today — and can be turned into a super cute and budget-friendly decor piece, especially for the fall season. If you don't have a garden or are looking to make something that will last for years to come, you may prefer to use dried or faux plants — either way, the vintage-inspired harvest-style basket works great as a centerpiece, hearth-side decoration, or welcoming front porch display. You can start with a pre-made model if you don't want to take on a whole DIY project yourself. On the other hand, if you really want a personal piece, you can create your own custom harvest basket. 

If you want to make a stunning harvest basket, there are a few key things you will want to gather, though there is certainly a lot of play room to make it your own. You will need (obviously) a basket, but what you put inside is both up to your preference and accessible items. Some options are fall foliage or dried picks like wheat, mums, or corn, gourds or pumpkins (real, dried, or faux will all work though the latter two are best for longevity), and a blanket or fabric of some sort — burlap or flannel is great for a rustic look. These are the very basic makings of a harvest basket display, but you can really play around with your details by adding things like ribbons, faux candles, lights, or even small woodland creatures for a whimsical look.

They key to making a basket like this successful is in large part reliant on the first step — which is finding your ideal basket. These aren't hard to come by second hand, and it's a creative way to repurpose thrifted baskets in your home. Next you will need to begin filling the basket. While a blanket or fabric does add a soft and cozy element, it's also necessary to help fill up the basket so that you're decorating only the top and most visible layer. Should your basket be on the shallow side, you may not need a large piece of fabric. 

When it comes to any arrangement, it's best to start big and tall and work towards short and small. Starting off with the largest and tallest items is one of the best ways to help you balance your basket. Elements like foliage or other floral picks that tend to be tallest should be grouped more to the back of the basket. This helps to give it more dimension and levels which also makes the arrangement feel more organic. If you're starting with a pre-made basket, you can incorporate a few of these elements or add some little details you think that it may be missing. If you are using this as a centerpiece or mantlepiece, consider decorating around the basket as well with a runner, candle sticks, or additional gourds and foliage. Since you can swap out elements so easily, this is also a subtle way to transition to fall decor, and then, change out the display with the upcoming seasons, if you wish.