Pumpkin Vase

Pumpkins wear many hats this time of year, appearing in pies and soups as well as in centerpieces. Here's another use: Transform one into a colorful homemade vase.

1. Begin by selecting as round a pumpkin as you can find. Cut off the top, and scoop out the inside pulp and seeds (reserve the seeds for a batch of Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds). Inside the pumpkin, place a plastic paint bucket or any plastic container that fits easily.

2. Place a cube of Oasis floral foam inside the container, thinning it to fit. Press the foam down to make it level, and drench it with water (enough so that a small pool collects at the bottom of the container). Arrange seasonal flowers, dried leaves, and berries as desired -- we used lady's mantle, dahlias, maple leaves, and hypericum berries.