How to Make Your Own Festive Holiday Centerpieces
THESE CREATIVE centerpieces are sure to wow guests.
Choose Your Theme
It can be easy to get swept away with this activity, but to make your centerpiece look clean and cohesive, begin by choosing a theme. It could be anything from birds to the beach, cooking to playtime. Have fun selecting a color palette to complement your theme, then stick to it!
Glass Vases
Initially, they may have been filled with flowers, but you can fill them with any eye-catching items. Some foolproof favorites:
- SAND AND SEASHELLS I’m lucky to live near the beach, making this an affordable, accessible choice. Filling the glass containers with sand reveals beautiful patterns and textures. Interspersing shells, sea glass and rocks throughout the vase gives a natural feel to any table.
- FOR THE BIRDS You can fill glass vases with birdseed or sunflower seeds and set them next to a decorative birdhouse; complete the table setting with bird-themed napkins or place cards.
- RAID THE PANTRY Uncooked pasta, displayed in glass vases or jars, provides an Italian ambience. Or you can create a lovely centerpiece by filling a glass vase with layers of dry lentils, dry beans and uncooked rice. Nuts in the shell, such as walnuts, pistachios or peanuts, also have beautiful textures when viewed from a new angle.
Board Games
Do you have a closet filled with old board games? Pull them out and see what catches your eye. Use Scrabble tiles on the accompanying trays to spell out guests’ names or holiday greetings. Incorporate the tiles into an icebreaker game—see who can come up with the most words with their given letters. Monopoly, Battleship and Mouse Trap can be used to create unique centerpieces. Set up Candy Land at the dessert table or Risk at the bar.
Wrapping Paper or Scrapbook Paper
Opt for any colorful paper to put together all kinds of centerpieces. Try your hand at origami holiday decorations. Give your guests a sheet with simple instructions so they can make their own origami creations, or offer scissors and let your guests cut out paper snowflakes.
Cornucopia
Look at the produce aisle in your market with new eyes. Find fruits and veggies that match your color scheme or theme—displays can include an array of apples, citrus fruits, eggplants, gourds, artichokes or asparagus. Use a basket, tray or large bowl to organize items.
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