A tiered cake stand makes the perfect stage for a centerpiece with height and color.
Mix a variety of citrus fruits (lemons, clementines, oranges, limes, grapefruit) and fresh blooms to elegantly brighten the
table.
In a Box
When you’re tight on time, take advantage of what’s plentiful. Simply gather small wrapped presents, a tiered pedestal, and
some holly or other greenery. Within minutes, you'll have a centerpiece that will last the entire season (or at least until
the gifts are opened).
Spring Ahead
Take those long, lean, spring-blooming bulbs and use them on the table to add height. These are tied with ribbon and set in
tall cylinder vases to become an instant focal point.
Perfect Pair
The combination of red and green pears complements the harvest-colored flowers. To fully connect the two, incorporate a layer
of petals in the bottom of the bowl, making sure they peek out ever so slightly.
Got a Light?
No matter what you're serving or what your table looks like, simple votive candles add elegance and instantly dress things
up. Also try this simple row of lights on a buffet.
Purchase unscented votives in bulk, and place a candle in the bottom of each glass. When one burns out, simply replace it
with another.
Get Twiggy
Instead of flowers, look to brightly colored fall berries as an easy alternative. These instantly brighten the table and creatively
blur the line between indoors and out.
Sugarplum Fairies
Ideal for a children's party but festive enough for grown-ups as well, this mix of peppermint trees and marshmallow snow transforms
any table into a winter wonderland.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Use What You've Got
The perfect idea for a stunning centerpiece may be lying in your cupboard. This red roasting pan is the perfect splash of
color for a holiday table.
When you want something a little more than just candlelight, add a few topiaries. These, planted with succulents, can be transferred
to the garden after the party. Potted plants and herbs also add instant interest to a table.
Blooming Branches
While they're not in season right now, hydrangeas should still be available at your local florist. Their fullness and tissue-paper
appearance add a refined, professional touch to your table when placed on an antiqued tiered serving piece.
Start Off Right
When serving breakfast to your guests, use a pedestal stand to both present your meal and decorate the table. This centerpiece
mixes several types of fruit, but it would also work well with muffins, croissants, and scones.
Brian Francis
From the Craft Store
Add some interest to basic glass vases and unscented candles by dressing them with river rocks, raffia, and grapevine wreaths.
Grosgrain ribbon and a burlap table runner add color and energy.
Look to your own yard for inspiration. Clippings from bushes, plants, and even trees look stunning when gathered in a tall
vase.
Sweet Treats
While you're baking this season, think about trying this idea. Tie decorated sugar cookies with ribbon to a miniature tree.
Cookies can be nibbled on a day or two after hanging, but they'll continue to look good for weeks.
Urning Your Keep
Don’t feel limited to only use glass vases for your floral centerpieces. This silver wine cooler transforms into a wonderful
focal point for a table or buffet with the simple addition of spray roses.
Courtesy of Southern Living
Pot Luck
With this centerpiece, the scent of fresh rosemary fills the room. Plus, these herbs look just like miniature Christmas trees.
Dress up their silver pails or terra-cotta pots with ribbon and cut-out letters to spell out a holiday greeting.
O Christmas Tree
Creating this look can be done with real pointsettia blooms, but their silk look-alikes can be very convincing. Using floral
wire, attach each flower to a floral pick. Then, secure the picks into a cone-shaped block of floral foam. Fill in any gaps
with greenery, and enjoy your blossoming tree.
Brian Francis
From the Hardware Store
Yes, even your local hardware store can be a source in inspiration for your tabletop. Copper wire, balls of twine, and seasonal
plants form an eclectic arrangement with plenty of festive style.
You're sure to have potted poinsettias around the house this time of year. Take a few clippings and place them in bud vases
or glass bottles to quickly dress up a table. Set the vases in a row or in clusters on either end of your table.
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Festive Fruit
A trip to the grocery store is all you need to complete this quick and easy centerpiece.
Brian Francis
From the Garden Shop
Inspired by the outdoors, this table is adorned with pretty pumpkins and sweet-smelling herbs. Soft colors and plenty of texture
create a meal-ready table that's perfect for the season of harvest.
A nontraditional color scheme can still be festive. Here, deep plum-colored flowers, crystal, and linens evoke an autumn feel,
and the pop of bright green (introduced in the china pattern) keeps things light.
Erik Rank
Winter white flowers
Keep your table simple and elegant with a sophisticated bouquet of all white blooms. Cut short and placed in a silver cup
as a vase, this arrangement add a lovely touch without limiting your guests' conversations across the table.
