The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright . Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor , and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year .
The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention , with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window . Garlands , candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces . However , when it comes to holiday hosting , attention also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece .
Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive , but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition . Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table .
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8 easy holiday centerpiece ideas
1 . Frosted pine cones : Take advantage of a crisp winter ’ s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees . Gather pine cones from the forest floor and , if possible , a few evergreen boughs . Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint . Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table . Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests .
2 . Holiday thanks : Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme . When guests arrive , ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two , or what they ’ re thankful for . Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them , and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table . Later in the evening , the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments .
3 . Magical forest : Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest . Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti .
4 . Freshly cut : Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section . Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container , such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl .
5 . Glass baubles : Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree ? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments .
6 . Birch wood : The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor . Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood .
7 . Fruit and vegetables : If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece , look no further than the kitchen . Lemons , artichokes , pears , or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby ’ s breath .
8 . Cornucopia : The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday . Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers , fruit and greenery , or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins .
Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate . Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts . n
Thomasville Scene Winter 2023 87