Holly in the House

Okay, you can't grow holly indoors, but if your branches can stand a little pruning by now, you can still enjoy the beautiful greenery in vases. This morning, I cut back my hollies just a little, and took a few cuttings from my neighbor's Leland cypress (shhh..I should've asked first. But he won't mind. I hope.) Then I filled some vases I already had with florists' foam, stuck in the branches, and added some shiny red Christmas balls I'd attached to thin wires. Now I've got a nice centerpiece for my mantle, and I didn't have to spend a penny--I just used what I already had on hand.

You can make your own Christmas floral arrangements with whatever you have around the house, too. If you don't grow hollies, try cuttings of yew, arbor vitae, mistletoe, white pine, magnolia, or whatever you can find outdoors that still looks good. Just be sure that pets and children can't get to your arrangements if you use any berries or plants that might be toxic. Add jingle bells or ribbon, spray with artificial snow, or add pinecones dressed up with gold or silver glitter, and stand back to admire your handiwork!