Holiday decorating can be very expensive and a store bought centerpiece can cost as much as $100! In fact, a table focal point is one of the easiest of all Christmas décor items to make at home for very little money. Making your own stunning centerpiece for the holiday dinner table doesn’t have to be overly difficult either. If you follow just a few simple rules of thumb, you can create the perfect Christmas centerpiece this holiday season.
Centerpiece Size is Important
From the very beginning of your project, it is important to keep size in mind. A centerpiece should never be such a focal point that it interferes with your guests being able to see and talk with each other. Low and long down the middle of the dinner table is always a wise choice and is visually stunning. If you choose to have a taller centerpiece, try it out first. Find something in your house (a vase, book or plant) that is similar in size to your planned centerpiece. Then have you and a friend or family member sit across from one another. If the centerpiece is too large, you will know right away and save a lot of time, money and planning. Truly, there is nothing more stressful than watching your dinner guests craning their necks and fussing in their seats, trying to talk to someone across the table.
Choosing a Unique Canister
With a plan mapped out for your holiday table centerpiece, it is time to choose the right vessel or container. Use your imagination! The container can be anything that you love and that suits your holiday décor. Things like a wicker basket, wooden dough bowl, or your mother’s Wedgwood soup tureen all work well. If you are using live plants, you need to choose a vessel that will hold water or conceal a smaller, waterproof pot inside your container. It also helps to use florist foam – it keeps everything snug and stable and helps to retain water.
Putting it All Together
Cut a big piece of florist foam to fit your container (or inner liner) and then fill the vessel with water. Wait five to ten minutes for the water to soak into the foam and then add more water, as required.
Time to use your imagination and start arranging your flowers and accessories! The popular floral choices are seasonally appropriate such as poinsettias, red and white roses, holly, mistletoe and of course evergreen greenery. Of course, if you love gerbera daisies and baby's breath, feel free to use these to create a centerpiece that is a true reflection of you. Cut two flowers or branches, similar in size, to the same height and insert them into each end of the foam. Then build your centerpiece, working from the outside corners to the center. The secret is to keep layering until the container is full and interesting.
Depending on your home style, decorating taste and size of your table, a holiday centerpiece can be simple or elaborate; small or large; monochromatic or very colorful. Of course, budget will pay a role in the final product, so price flowers beforehand so you know how large an arrangement you can afford to create. Budget tip: take a walk outside, enjoy the winter air and take inspiration from the nature that surrounds you. Bring home twigs, cedar boughs and pinecones from your walk to use in your Christmas table centerpiece.
Related articles you may enjoy reading:
- Unique Ornament Christmas Tree Toppers
- 10 Best Secret Places to Hide Christmas Presents
- Best Shippable Gift Ideas for Distant Relatives
