Like the rest of you, we love a good gourd come fall. But if you’re looking to switch things up this year, may we suggest the eggplant? Yes, it has a rather crude meaning in the emoji world, but get past its salacious reputation, and you’ll find that the fruit, with its rich hues and interesting shapes, can be an inspired seasonal centerpiece.
Proof: This otherworldly eggplant-spotlighting tablescape by our favorite go-to event designers at David Stark Design.
“Visiting the farmer’s market is one of our all-time favorite ways to spark ideas for entertaining at home. This time, our muse is the varied and vibrant eggplant!” he tells us.
Above: Says David: “Not only are these beauties in the most stunning shades of dark purples to variegated maroons and more subtle lavenders, their shapes are so expressive, and they are in season! We think eggplants are edible art and worthy of their moment in the spotlight!”
“Why not utilize your farmer’s market bounty as a centerpiece down the table or as part of a floral arrangement? They’ll look great for the evening and can go on the stove or into the oven the next day.”
Photography by Corrie Beth Hogg for David Stark Design.
The Eggplant Floral Arrangement
Above: Eggplants, on skewers, can be used to add an element of surprise to any floral arrangement.
Above: Pink and plum shades go especially well with the deep eggplant colors. This arrangement, by Susie Montagna, contains eggplants, scabiosa, dahlias, cosmos, allium, and more.
The Eggplant Centerpiece
Above: Eggplants alone can make for an arresting tablescape, especially when resting atop a DIY hand-painted purple canvas tablecloth.
Above: “We arranged our eggplants using discarded blocks of walnut from our wood shop and simply added wooden skewers (from the supermarket) to hold the eggplants in place,” says David.
Above: “Finish off your still life with candles in dark purple, embracing the under-appreciated but oh-so-stunning hue of autumn: aubergine.” The striped amethyst glassware is by LagunaB.
Above: A mini eggplant makes for a perfect name card holder. The napkin, in raisin, is by Sferra Linens; the plate is from Atelier Saint André Perrin.
For more on purple plants, see: