DIY Fall Arrangement with Artificial Dahlias, Proteas, and Figs

As the air begins to cool and the summer sun softens, fall decor takes center stage in our homes, workspaces, and every lives. Autumn is the season of warmth, (of layering faux textures!) and of celebrating nature’s shift toward deep, earthy tones. From richly hued leaves to the sunset tones of harvest, the fall season inspires us to bring a little more coziness into our spaces.

One of the easiest and most stunning ways to do that is with a seasonal flower arrangement or table centerpiece. This fall, we’re trying something new by pairing three standout botanicals, fake dahlias, protea, and artificial figs with fig leaves, to create an arrangement that feels enjoyable and unexpected. The dusty blooms of mauve dahlias bring classic fall, faux protea adds a hint of intrigue, while the figs bring a unique harvest touch. Together, these stems strike the perfect balance of style and the autumnal warmth.

And the best part? We’re using artificial botanicals, which means your arrangement will stay beautiful all season long, from season to season. When finished and placed on your dining table, sideboard, or entryway (or anywhere else!) this DIY centerpiece will instantly set the tone for cozy gatherings, quiet evenings, and even seasonal celebrations.

WHY CHOOSE THESE ARTIFICIAL BOTANICALS?

When it comes to creating a fall arrangement, the right mix of blooms and foliage can make all the difference. Each of the botanicals we used for this how-to—dahlias, protea, and figs leaves with fig fruit—brings something truly special to the table, combining classic autumn charm with a touch of the unexpected.

Dahlias are a go-to autumn bloom, known for their layered petals and rich, earthy tones. In breathtaking shades like dusty mauve, these faux flowers add warmth and depth to vases while still feeling a bit romantic.

Artificial protea offers something entirely different that your usual fall botaicals. These beauties are more exotic and strikingly bold! Their unique shape adds a special something to this arrangement and keeps the overall flower design from feeling too traditional. Fake protea stems can completely transform the look, giving your autumn centerpiece a modern edge.

Faux figs and fig leaves give the design an everyday earthy yet still harvest-inspired vibe. The soft green foliage and rich fruit coloring bring in the feel of the season while serving as a refreshing twist on the usual fall leaves. These fake botanicals bridge the gap between floral beauty and the bounty of fall, making the arrangement feel layered and customized.

Together, these fake flowers and foliage create a floral centerpiece that’s rich in color, loaded with texture, and full of seasonal personality.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

• 5-6 Fall Dahlias
• 4-5 White Waratahs
• 2-3 Fig Fruit Branches
• 3 Fig Leaf Branches
• Ceramic Vase, Wooden Vase, or Woven Basket

STEP-BY-STEP DIY FAUX ARRANGEMENT GUIDE

Creating this fall arrangement is simple, and the results are stunning! Follow these steps to bring your artificial dahlia, protea, and fig-inspired centerpiece to life:

START WITH GREENERY (FIG LEAVES)

Begin by placing your fig leaves around the vase to establish the base of your design. This creates the foundation of your arrangement, adding shape, movement, and a natural flow. You can clip down your botanicals stems to your desired height, or simply bend the wired stems and insert.

ADD IN FRUIT OR BERRIES

Next, tuck in the faux fig stems with fruit. Add them at varying heights and use to feel in any wide open spaces. This step adds an earthy harvest feel and instantly makes the arrangement feel full!

ADD FOCAL BLOOMS (FAKE PROTEA)

Used larger blooms as your statement piece, in this case we opted for blush protea blooms. Position your artificial protea starting with one close to or in the center, and then add a handful more around the leaves and faux fruit. Space them slightly apart to let their larger shape shine, these will be the bold accents that catch the eye.

FILL IN WITH DAHLIAS OR SMALLER BLOSSOMS

Now, add the silk dahlias. Use them to fill in spaces around the protea, letting their softer, smaller petals contrast against the boldness of the tropical protea. Vary the heights slightly for an organic, layered look.

ADJUST, FLUFF, AND FINISH!

Take a step back and take in the whole DIY arrangement. Fluff the stems, bend and shape where needed, check for balance (or asymmetry!), and adjust angles so the design feels intentional, natural, and full from every side.

WATCH THE FULL HOW-TO HERE:

STYLING TIPS FOR YOUR FALL FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

One of the best things about working with artificial botanicals is the ability to shape them exactly how you’d like! Always take the time to bend and shape wired stems, as well as adjust leaves and petals if possible. This simple but very effective step makes the arrangement look more natural and lifelike.

Don’t be afraid to play with various heights and overall asymmetry. A few stems standing taller, or one side slightly fuller or more draping than the other, adds interest and movement. Fall arrangements don’t need to feel overly polished and pristine. Sometimes it’s the more wild, organic, and slightly imperfect shapes that feel the most authentic.

BEST PLACES TO DISPLAY

This artificial centerpiece is versatile and works beautifully in so many different areas of the home! Place it at the center of your dining table to set the mood for cozy gatherings, style it on an entryway table to welcome guests, or give your mantle or shelf a seasonal sparkle by pairing it along with a few other decorative accents.

SEASONAL PAIRINGS

If you are looking to give your floral piece even more of an autumn feel, style in additional warm details. Surround your faux arrangement with flameless candles for a soft glow, place a few small pumpkins for a harvest touch, or lay rustic linens underneath your centerpiece. These added accents help create a complete seasonal design.

ARTIFICIAL BOTANICAL ADDITIONS

If you’d like to take your fall arrangement a step further, you can consider mixing in additional faux botanicals. Faux eucalyptus gives more of an every day feel, while adding in artificial berry stems for pops of color and a bit of whimsy. These accents can give your centerpiece even more dimension and a custom feel. Get creative with it. The possibilities are endless!

Creating a fall centerpiece doesn’t have to be complicated to feel extraordinary. With just a few stems, faux dahlias for rich color, protea for bold flair, and fake figs with their leafy harvest vibe, you can design a personal floral arrangement that feels unique, modern, and of course, seasonal! Together, these permanent botanicals capture everything we love about fall.

The beauty of working with artificial blooms is their effortless longevity. Your arrangement will stay fresh and full from the first crisp day of September to the final celebrations of November (or even longer!), no watering, no pruning, just pure seasonal style. You can enjoy it as a centerpiece for family dinners, as a welcoming statement in the entryway, or as part of a cozy vignette on the mantle, knowing it will hold its shape and color beautifully.

This fall DIY is more than just a project, it’s a way to embrace the style of the season and bring those cozy, inviting fall vibes into your home. So gather your fake stems, play with shapes and heights, and make it your own. The result will be a centerpiece that not only celebrates the season of autumn but also reflects your personal style in a long-lasting, memorable way.

View more DIY arrangements here.