Need an inexpensive centerpiece for a holiday table? Here in the Southeast, we still have a lot of greenery in the woods and our own gardens that can make beautiful arrangements.
I filled a hand-cut wooden bowl with pine cones and artifical berries and leaves, and voila--a colorful display for the table by my front door.
You could use whatever you find in your own yard, like dried seed pods, red twigs from dogwood trees, boughs of a Virginia pine, clusters of magnolia leaves, or bunches of holly berries.
Firs and mountain laurels are also good for cutting and bringing indoors; just let them soak up plenty of water before using them, or keep them in vases filled with fresh water. Try the berries from nandina, aucuba, and cotoneaster, too. I especially like Eastern red cedar branches studded with frosty blue berries. (Don't let pets or small children munch on any berries, though, to avoid harm.)
If you like, you can jazz up your natural decorations with some shiny touches, like a length of bright gold ribbon woven through the branches or a sprinkle of glitter or artificial snow. Try a simple white candle for added elegance, or go with a peppermint-striped pillar for fun. Just be sure to keep your lighted candles away from anything flammable, and don't leave them unattended.
For an extra-nice touch, add some potpourri to your decorations to spread the scent of evergreens and pine, cinnamon or vanilla throughout the house. Now relax and enjoy your beautiful creation!
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