How to Make an Inexpensive Holiday Centerpiece

Creating an inexpensive holiday centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table can be easily achieved with a few items from your garden or pantry. With a little creativity, you can create works of art for your table with little or no money spent.

Here are a few ideas to consider for your next Holiday gathering.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foliage
• Pine cones
• Candles
• Fruit
• Containers

1. Decide on a container to house your centerpiece. You can use platters, small shallow bowls, large cylinders or even Mason jars. Consider your tableware and linens if using colored or patterned containers to avoid creating something that clashes with the rest of the table.
   
   If you have a long or extra-large table to decorate, you may want to consider making two or more centerpieces. If you have a smaller table that seats 4-8 people, one centerpiece will suffice.

2. 
   A simple glass bowl, candle and assorted fruit can become a charming centerpiece.

   Take a look around your home for items you can incorporate into a centerpiece. Be creative and think outside the box.
   
   *From a garden, hearty herbs like rosemary or lavender can be used, along with other flowers, leaves and stems.
   
   *From your pantry or kitchen counter, items like citrus fruits, unshelled nuts, raw cranberries, whole pineapples or whole vegetables (eggplant, squash, etc.) can all be used to create simple and colorful centerpieces.
   
   *Traditional items like pine cones, evergreen boughs and holly are great to incorporate too.

3. Assemble your centerpiece. Keep in mind the proportions of the table and the room. If your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast will be served in a room with low hung lighting or a low ceiling, go with a centerpiece that is shorter in height. Once you have finished it, place it on the table and take a moment to view it from several different vantage points. You want your centerpiece to be a beautiful focal point for you and your guests - not an obstruction or distraction.

Tips & Warnings

• If using candles in your centerpiece with flowers or other foliage, be sure to keep the area around the flame free and clear of anything that could be flammable, or harmed by melting wax.
• Never leave candles unattended
• Do not use leaves, berries or other items that can be harmful to children or pets if you are planning a gathering where either will be present.

[fcmosher]

on 12/2/2009 Cool ideas. Nicely Done! 5*****

[sonni57]

on 11/18/2009 Making a centerpiece sounds like a fun project for the holidays.

[jenng]

on 11/17/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Make an Inexpensive Holiday Centerpiece 5*

[fareeha1016]

on 11/15/2009 A very creative idea. Your idea of making the center piece is easy to follow. Article is also short and written nicely. 5*