Filed under: Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Parties & Entertaining, Holidays
Forget the florist -- here are some simple DIY centerpiece ideas to wow any special guest.Help Me! I have special guests arriving within the hour, and I don't have the time or money to head to an expensive florist. What are some cheap and easy centerpiece options?
Home Rescue: You're actually in luck. Regardless of budget or time constraints, overdone, grandiose centerpieces are so out. Showing off a minimal, but creative piece is oh-so-chic.
Photo: Alamy Images
"It's important that your dining table looks attractive for a sit-down dinner -- either formal or casual," says entertaining expert Baroness Monica von Neumann. "You want your table to have a sense of simple elegance, and a centerpiece is the perfect finishing touch."
Here's what to do:
If you have an existing flower arrangement or a pre-arranged grocery store bouquet, you can put it to re-use. Toss out any wilted flowers or greenery. Find three small glasses or containers for an oblong table, and cut the remaining stems down to fit, separating the arrangement equally among all three containers. Then place the trio along a table runner. If you need to fill any holes to make up for the tossed-aside stems, trim some simple branches or stems from your backyard. Even a simple leaf branch can add color.
For a round table, take the existing arrangement, place in a clear round vase filled with a layer of fruit at the bottom -- lemons, limes, oranges or tangerines are best. This adds a pop of color and life; add a little extra ambiance with tea lights scattered around the table.
If you're in a flower drought -- nothing to be found in the yard and no time to run to the store -- all hope isn't lost. Simply create a fruit vignette in a stylish pedestal bowl or another decorative piece. Or loosely arrange several tealights onto a pedestal plate (or cake stand) with seasonal decorative items: fallen leaves, beach rocks or shells, etc. This will quickly add life and beauty to any table. Just don't overdue it; keep it simple and elegant.
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