Holiday Centerpieces

For your holiday table you can order an arrangement from the local florist - or you can gather some pinecones, and old vase, a floating candle and voila - you and your tiniest assistant can create a terrific centerpiece in moments. Take a look at these suggestions and then you can try some of your own.

Shimmering Fruit Centerpiece
Use a clear deep bowl such as a trifle dish, fish bowl or wide mouthed vase. Fill the container with fresh whole apples, pears, kiwis, oranges or other fruit. Place fresh flower petals such as mini-sun flowers, rose petals or daisies along the sides of the bowl. Fern leaves, maple leaves and cherries also make good filler between the fruit pieces. When the bowl is stuffed full, pour cold water all the way to the top of the container. The finished product is an encased fresh fruit centerpiece that shimmers when reflected in candlelight. Make as many as you need and alter the size of the containers on your buffet and dining tables. The centerpieces will stay fresh for a couple of days and each one cost only a few dollars. After the holiday, drain the bowl, and eat the fruit!

Candles and Pine Cones
Pillar candles add interest to every dinner table. Group them in varying sizes in the center of your table or incorporate candles into a great centerpiece. Place several different candles in a large glass container. Drop pinecones around the inside making sure that they are lower in the bowl than the candle flame. Out of glass containers? Use whatever you have on hand to create a centerpiece. Display candles and pinecones on a raised cake plate or pile pieces of fruit in and around tall candles (on holders) and place directly onto the table for a very easy yet welcoming centerpiece.

Pumpkin or Pineapple
A hollowed out pumpkin or pineapple make great containers for fresh flower bouquets. Place a glass container inside the fruit. Fill the container three fourths full with water. Place the flower stems in the water to just above the height of the fruit. Tie twine or raffia around the pineapple container for a rustic effect.

Single Vase
Use a tall, clear vase to hold long stemmed roses or tulips. Add some fun to the effect by filling the bottom of the vase with tiny cumquats or cherries. Add water to the vase and place the rose stems on top of the fruit.

Bell Jars
Take advantage of glass containers with dome shaped lids called bell jars. Place green apples in the jar and cover with the dome. Or, create a display with pinecones on the table and cover with the lid. Place uncovered glass vases on each side of the dome lid that are filled only to the top with stems of sunflowers. And, you can fill a vase with fruit, flowers and water and then float a lit candle or two on top.

There is no limit to what you can fashion - once you start! Have fun and give it a try.

Also see:
• New traditions for Thanksgiving
• Turkey leftover ideas
• Quick meals to impress the in-laws

Jorj Morgan is the Lifestyle Director of BlueSuitMom.com and the author of four cookbooks including At Home In The Kitchen.