How to Make a 4th of July Fireworks Centerpiece

Nothing says 4th of July like fireworks. Make this 4th of July safe and festive by making a non-exploding fireworks centerpiece for that backyard barbecue or evening get-together.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 styrofoam cones
• Red, silver and blue spray glitter or regular glitter
• Glue
• Curling ribbon in red, silver, gold and/or blue
• 12 to 15 star picks
• 1 styrofoam sheet, 1- to 2-inches thick
• Wrapping foil or aluminum foil in red, white or blue
• Red, white and blue metal confetti stars
• Metallic braid, ribbon or foil papers

1. Decorate the three styrofoam cones. Use varying sizes for more interest.

2. Spray the cones with glitter: one in red, one in silver and one blue. As an alternative, coat the cones in white glue and cover liberally with glitter until completely covered. Allow to dry.

3. Curl the ribbon. Cut the curling ribbon in varying lengths, but each at least 1-foot long. Run the ribbon tightly along a straight edge, such as the blunt side of a dinner knife or one side of scissors. The ribbon should curl into a tight corkscrew. If it does not, curl the reverse side. Curl about 5 to 8 lengths per cone.

4. Create the explosion. Use picks (wired decorations) from the florist department at the craft store. Look for star picks or any picks in red, white or blue. Stick the wire end of each pick into the styrofoam towards the top. Vary the depth. Shorten the pick wire if necessary to add variety and fullness to the explosion. Glue the tip of the curled ribbon onto the picks and onto the top of the cone. Use approximately 4 to 5 picks per cone. As an alternative, find a star cascade at a part store and insert it into the styrofoam cone.

5. Make the base. Take a 1 to 2-inch thick piece of styrofoam and cover it with foil gift wrap or the shiny side of aluminum foil, wrapping like a Christmas gift. Glue metal confetti stars around the base in a random pattern. Cover the edges in metallic braid, ribbon or foil paper. Add a little spray glitter if desired.

6. Finish the effect. Place the cones on the base; secure with a little glue. Cover the rest of the table with the remaining confetti stars.

Tips & Warnings

• Place Christmas crackers or party poppers to each place setting or around the table for added pop. These fun favors have the sound of the 4th of July as well as create a fun atmosphere.
• Tie the 4th of July fireworks centerpiece in to the rest of the table decorations by making napkin rings from additional star picks. Curve the picks into a circle wide enough to hold a napkin rolled up. Arrange the stars in the center of the napkin.

[SFaloon]

on 6/23/2008 Great idea!