How to Make Memorial Day Centerpieces

Celebrate Memorial Day

The Memorial Day menu has been chosen, the guests are invited and now you need that special centerpiece to compliment your patriotic theme. These centerpiece ideas are simple, fun and easy to make which will leave you more time to enjoy your family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Containers
• Memorial Day party supplies
• Floral foam
• Floral sticks
• Floral wire
• Candy
• Fruit
• Ribbon
• Flowers

Instructions

1. 

   Assemble red flowers (fresh or artificial) in a white vase. Insert small American flags or pin wheels throughout the arrangement. Tie a wide, blue ribbon around the vase and let the ends of the ribbon drape all the way down until they touch the table.

2. 

   Fill a tall, narrow, clear container (glass or plastic) with individually-wrapped candy peppermints. Cut six or more lengths of metallic blue ribbon and tie them around the container about one-third to half way down from the top. The ends of the ribbon can be curled by running them across the inside blade on a pair of scissors.

3. 

   Glue floral foam in the bottom of a basket and insert red, white and blue balloons tied to a tall stick. Cover the floral foam, underneath the balloons, with shredded construction paper. Attach pre-made patriotic bows to the outside of the basket using floral wire.

4. 

   Turn an American flag hat (better known as an Uncle Sam hat) upside down and make a liner using paper or linen napkins. Fill the hat with jelly beans or your favorite candy.

5. 

   Place strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and white grapes in a deep, rectangular casserole or serving dish. Use a table runner underneath and place bowls of cream-cheese fruit dip at both ends of the serving dish. Dip can be colored with a few drops of food coloring if you want to adhere to the red, white and blue color scheme.

6. Use your cupcakes on a three-tiered serving stand as the centerpiece. Dessert will be the last course and the cupcakes will entice everyone's appetite.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle red, white and blue confetti on the table before placing your centerpiece in the middle.

• When using a centerpiece outside, put several large strips of double-sided tape underneath to secure the container to the table or tablecloth.

• Surround the bottom of centerpieces with garlands to draw attention.

• Indoor centerpieces should be low and not interfere with eye contact and conversation around the table.

• Make centerpieces the appropriate size for your table. Large picnic tables may require two or more centerpieces placed at intervals.

• Just 2 or 3 drops of food coloring are sufficient. You can always add more to get the desired color.