Christmas Centerpieces-How to Create A Christmas Centerpiece

     We all love and admire a beautiful table display, but how do you get that look? Does it have to cost an arm and a leg? Can you just use things that are already in your home? 
     I get asked these questions a lot, so in honor of the upcoming Christmas season, I'll share a few tricks learned throughout the years. I'll walk you through my process of creating  an elementary table vignette-once you have the basics you can tweak it to suit your own taste. Make it as simple or elaborate as you wish.
     I will only pick from a few basic items that are in the store and interchange items for color, interest, and variation. From very primary to more elaborate centerpieces. All very easy to re-create using things you may already have.
     Get your fun hat on! Leave your scared hat in the closet.

     This first centerpiece simply consists of "snowy", glittery pinecones, glass Christmas ornaments and a silver tray. The common denominator that relates all the items is that they are all shiny, glittery objects. Truly simple, but charming. Need color? Add red or green balls-whatever color that you want.
     This centerpiece would be perfect for a coffee table, or dining table that seats two. It is too small in scale for the large table I photographed it on. If you had a huge silver punch bowl and filled that, then it would be lovely on a large dining table.
      Another option to beef up the centerpiece size is to add large candlesticks. Just make sure that they, too, are gleaming and sparkly. I would prefer silver but crystal candlesticks, but this is what I had and they still work.This would not be the place for brown wooden candlesticks.

     If you change out the candlesticks for colored ones and add colored vintage bulbs to a tiered pedestal silver dish, you get a whole other look.
     Note; these items as well, are all sparkly. No grasses or organic things going on here.

    You can throw a doily or a table runner under it and the same centerpiece pops!

     Take away the candlesticks, add a champagne bucket with a miniature tree in it and you have another look.
     There is a tree in this mix (organic) but it ties into the tablescape because of the shiny red ornaments.

     For the record, I would place a table runner under this arrangement and the one pictured below to connect the whole grouping together and make it show up better against the wood grain of the table. That's MY personal preference, but do what pleases YOUR eye.
     Your home, your rules!
     Remember, a table runner can be ANYTHING. A scrap of lace, linen, burlap or velvet. I have used fancy embroidered pillow cases, quilts, skirts, scarves....you name it, I've used it.
     Just remember the same concept, if it's a primitive/rustic centerpiece use a rustic piece of fabric like a quilt or piece of burlap. Use a more elegant fabric for a more lavish tablescapes. All pieces that are used should be "related" to one another.

     Change out colors, dishes, containers, filler and runners for a completely different look.

     A runner is used here as well to separate the wood of the table from the wood of the
carpenter's caddy.

     For height and drama add twigs OR glitter sprays, depending on the style of your arrangement (the ones in the picture are too long for the vase they are in, but they are for sale in the store, so I couldn't cut them down). 

Here are some items that you could use for your centerpieces:

• Candlesticks/Taper candles                         
• Bowls                                                            
• Pedestal Dishes
• Ornamental Balls
• Greenery/Flowers (preferably fresh)
• Carpenter's  Caddys
• Statues/ Figurines
• Organic treasures (pine cones, fruit, buckeyes, gourds, etc.)
• Platters
• Urns
• Lanterns
• Jars
• Fat pillar candles (varying heights)
• Books (for elevating things)
• Seasonal fruit (real or artificial)
• Crèches (Nativity sets)
• Topiaries 

     The above centerpiece is basically one color. Whites and creams with silver and gold accents. Try to keep colors to one color story (variations and shades of one color) with possibly a touch of an accent color. Or you can use two colors with a pop of an accent color (yeah, I know, the tool caddy had every color Christmas ball in it, but once you know the rules, you can break them)!
Here are some places that could use a centerpiece or tablescape.

1. Buffet/Sideboard
2. Coffee Table
3. Entryway Table
4. Sofa Table (Long high table placed along the back of a sofa)
5. Dining/Kitchen Table
6. Kitchen Island
7. Armoire Top

     So now you are armed with a few ideas and pictures. At least ATTEMPT a centerpiece this season. Be brave, have fun, and remember to send me pictures of your final vignette. I always love seeing what you create!
    Or just call me and I'll come do it for you..............