Creating Holiday Centerpieces

Before you begin, decide on the spaces you want to decorate. This will help you plan the size of your arrangements. If you are creating a centerpiece for the dining table, keep in mind that it should be low enough that guests can converse without having to peer through the arrangement.

You can create a beautiful centerpiece with candles and a few fresh ingredients. This centerpiece is perfect for the foyer or an occasional table.

1. Select a basket or other decorative container. If you use a basket, be sure to line it with plastic sheeting.
   
   

2. Good Idea: Purchase evergreens fresh and keep them in water. Choose branches that are nicely shaped and have a fresh green color.

   Place another container inside the basket or container and stuff newspaper around it so that it will not move.
   
   
3. Soak the floral foam in water until it sinks.
   
   
4. Place the saturated foam in the inner container so that at least one inch is above the rim.
   
   
5. Insert up to three taper candles of varying height or one pillar candle into the wet floral foam. The candles need to be at least 1" apart so heat from one candle will not melt the others.
   

   Safety Note: Never leave a burning candle unattended.

   
   
6. Wash the greenery to remove dirt. Gently remove the last few needles on the cut end of the branches so that you will have a clean end to insert into the foam.
   
   
7. Cut two similar cedar branches and insert them into the ends of the floral foam. The branches should point downward so the ends touch the table.
   
   
8. Add additional evergreen branches in a variety of types and sizes around the foam. Try holly, juniper, dusty miller, redwood, pine and magnolia.
   
   

9. Good Idea: Buy prewired silver or gold glass ornaments. These ornaments are inexpensive and come ready to use in floral arrangements.

   Cut four medium lengths of cedar and insert into the four corners.
   
   
10. Personalize the centerpiece with ornaments, picks, ribbon and beaded garland. Inexpensive wire garland adds sparkle and interest. Layer as much as you like to achieve your desired look.

Water your fresh centerpiece daily. Lift the leaves in one corner and add water very slowly with a small watering can or water bottle. Check the water level as you go and stop when it nears the top. Place your centerpiece on a platter to help prevent spills.

Want to create a quick and easy centerpiece? Start with an artificial wreath. Add ribbon, garland, candles and holiday picks to give it a personal touch.

1. Place the wreath in the center of the table. If your table is oblong, you may want to shape the wreath into an oval.
   
   
2. Begin by weaving the ribbon through the greenery. Twist the ends of the ribbon around the greenery to secure.
   
   

3. Candle stands add height and visual interest to your centerpiece.

   Next, thread beaded garland throughout the wreath. Add poinsettias, floral picks and ornaments.
   
   
4. Place candles of varying heights in the center of the wreath. Use candle stands to add interest.
   
   
5. Add filler until you have covered the bare spots in the wreath. Vary the type of filler.

Whether you are creating a live or artificial centerpiece, there are several things you can do to enhance your design:

• Design with focal points to make the eyes move over the arrangement. Focal points are often placed dead center or in a triangular shape. Some are placed diagonally from top to bottom.
  
  
• Vary the heights of focal pieces and keep them in odd numbers. Your centerpiece will look more natural and your eyes will flow around the piece more naturally.
  
  
• Keep in mind that an arrangement in the center of a table will be seen from all sides. Walk around it and fill as necessary to make a nice presentation from any angle.

Use a holiday figurine and greenery to create a unique centerpiece.

Be creative with your centerpiece designs. Here are some more ideas to add a seasonal touch to your table:

• Use pieces from holiday village collectibles. Group trees, buildings and accessories together to create a fun centerpiece.
  
  
• Remove the lid from various small boxes and wrap the bottom half of each with holiday wrapping paper. Place poinsettias inside each box for a live centerpiece.
  
  
• Wrap small boxes and tie ribbons around them. Attach decorative tassels, ornaments, etc.
  
  
• Fill low white baskets with evergreen, poinsettias, holly and round Christmas tree ornaments. Top with a bow.
  
  
• Make a gingerbread house and use it as the focal point of your centerpiece.
  
  
• Fill a small glass bowl or decorative holiday bowl with small pinecones or glass ornaments.
  
  
• Fill a basket with your favorite holiday figurine, silk poinsettias and greenery to create a centerpiece with a personal touch.