Fall and Holiday Centerpiece and Decorating Ideas

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

28 Oct 2008 10:08 AM

Over the summer, Better Homes and Gardens published an idea for a nautical centerpiece that used an old lantern, some sea glass and a lemon. While it wasn't exactly my style, I though the idea could really be adapted to fall and holiday decorating, especially with a few changes. The concept is very flexible, and you can adapt it to suit your own particular style.

For example, why not substitute the nautical lamp for a hurricane lamp? This may give you a more homey, New England or country feel to the decor. Actually, any type of container that has some glass would do a trick. You can go more elegant and festive with a cut glass decanter, for example.

So let's concentrate on what items to fill the lantern, lamp or container.

For a nautical adaption of the original idea, fill the container bottom with sea glass or shells and add a single significant starfish.

To go classic or have something else for the bath, you can use the same sea glass and add a cream-colored candle. or try a tiny vase of flowers in the container, surrounded by river pebbles.

For a real fall theme, fill the lantern, lamp or container with natural items, such as crab apples, dried leaves (no lit candle with leaves please), small gourds and mini pumpkins, and interesting seed pods. You can use a base of pine needles or spanish moss.

For winter and the holidays, there are so many ways to be festive. Try pine cones, a small pine bough, cranberries, glass ornaments with tinsel, and of course candles. Popcorn mixed with cranberries is also a fun idea.

For a tropical look, adapt the original idea and fill your centerpiece or decorative item with small oranges, the lemon on a leafy stem or limes. It may bring a bit of summer color to your home.

Do you have any ideas for creating a unique centerpiece or decorating element?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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