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Friday, December 10, 2010

Handmade Holidays. . .Easy Centerpiece Idea

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Click HERE for the new and improved version of these centerpieces.  The new post includes new ideas and much better photos!

Last week my friend Sandy and I went to a holiday shop-hop in Grand Rapids.  A floral shop had really beautiful centerpieces on display.  My Mom had a party last weekend and I decided to recreate what I saw for her.  I don't know why I am calling these centerpieces - I guess I don't know what else to call them - but they would look great anywhere, not just in the center of a table.
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Supplies:
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- Tall glass containers.  The two large containers I used here are actually apothecary jars (without the lids) that I usually have on my mantle. 
- fresh berries.  We used rose hips but I think any fresh berry would work just fine.
- floating candles
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These are so easy to put together - just trim the branches and place in your container, add water, and add floating candles.
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The water sort of magnifies the berries and intensifies the red color.  Think of all the other things you could put in the jars.  I think pine branches would look really pretty.
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We also added fresh cranberries around a candle.

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These were a hit at my Mom's party - everyone commented on them and loved how they looked.
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I am off to Chicago to spend the weekend with my sister (if the road's aren't too bad.  I am writing the post on Wednesday night and right now they are predicting quite a few inches of snow for Friday.  Fingers crossed because my sister and I have a really fun weekend planned!).
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23 comments:

  1. These are beautiful. The rosehips look so nice suspended in water. Gorgeous!

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  2. I love this. It's so nice to be able to throw something together without having to run out for supplies. I have several rose bushes and knew I'd find an idea for those rose hips and here it is!

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  3. I love this! It looks so elegant! Also, I LOVE your tree! It's gorgeous! Hope you're doing well and are all done with your holiday shopping:)

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  4. So beautiful, I am trying this for my party this weekend! Thanks for the great idea.

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  5. These are so pretty and simple! Have a fab weekend! :)

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  6. So pretty-I posted something similar yesterday.

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  7. I am trying to think of something interesting to do that with from Northern AZ...something free!

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  8. Great idea I think I will use it myself, with variations of course. Hope you had a perfectly wonderful trip. Sisters are the best!

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  9. i love how the simple projects can look so amazing!

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  10. Beautiful, I would have never thought of the water. Great idea.

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  11. This is SO smart! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. So simple yet beautiful. These centerpieces are so festive and welcoming! I love them.

    I'd love it if you could stop by my blog and check out my 1st giveaway!

    http://theelephantstrunk42.blogspot.com/2010/12/v8-ambition-giveaway.html

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  13. so beautiful and simple. thanks for sharing!

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  14. Love it! you make everything look so elegant!

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  15. So pretty! I love the Bright red!

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  16. Where do you find live rose hips?

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  17. Kate - I tried to respond to you via email but you don't have an email linked to your account. Hopefully you will see this! I buy rose hips from my local farmers market. You could also check with a local florist.

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  18. Wow! J adore! C est géniale comme idée!

    Anne-Marie

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  19. Love this.They add so much to the table.Do you use regular water or distilled water.dianetraverse@att.net

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  20. I am trying to do these for my centerpieces at my wedding but I can't seem to get the sticks to stop floating? Do you add anything to the water to make them sink? Thank you! katiekempton21@gmail.com

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