Fresh centerpiece

When cut to the length of your dining table, a piece of weathered barn wood can function as a runner (no ironing required). Use the plank as a stage for seasonal produce, such as plums, pears, apples, figs, and pattypan squash. Weave crabapple branches throughout for added texture, and stagger candles nestled in pebble-filled votive holders for ambience.

Get the look: Barn wood (from $5.95/ft.; old-barn-wood.com); Galej tea-light holders ($1.99/4 holders; ikea.com for store locations)