Centerpiece Ideas

Hint Courtesy of Ben McElhiney

A fun and eye pleasing centerpiece can add to any formal or in-formal occasion. These are just several ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Take these ideas and customize them however you like. 

The Artichoke arrangement: 
It is a beautiful and fun splash of color and texture as a centerpiece but can become a side dish the next day 

What you will need:
About 12 artichokes
Lemons
Eucalyptus leaves (available from florists) 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pile the artichokes pyramid-style in a shallow bowl.

2. Fill in with small lemons and sprigs of eucalyptus.

3. The artichokes should keep on the table for a couple of days. When you're finished with the arrangement, steam them and serve with lemon juice and butter.
   

Cranberry Delight Centerpiece:

This colorful, elegant arrangement of cranberries and red and white roses is perfect for that special romantic occasion - especially popular at valentines day.

What you will need:

A glass compote which is a stemmed glass dish used for holding fruit or candy
An antique framed mirror 
Large green leaves or other foliage 
Floral foam 
Roses 
Rose leaves
Fresh cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line the glass compote with green leaves or other foliage.

2. Cut a piece of floral foam so it extends an inch or so above the dish. Soak foam in water.

3. Cut rose stems to three to five inches; insert compactly in the foam.

4. For additional color, fill in with rose leaves 

5. Set the compote in the center of an antique framed mirror and scatter fresh cranberries over the mirror.
   

Autumn Harvest Fruits and Vegetables Centerpiece

Fruit brings a breath of fresh air to the table even on chilly days. A few turns with a zester releases the scent and creates an eye pleasing pattern of shapes.

What You Need: 

Fruit - apples, lemons, kumquats, pears and limes or be creative 

Vegetables - radishes and brussels-sprout florets 

Juniper sprigs - usually available seasonally from florists

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Carve the limes using a lemon zester Try to create swirling designs - envision a spiral path cut from top to bottom of the lime. Brush the cut out portion of the limes with lemon juice or soak in a commercial solution to prevent browning.

2. To make the brussel-sprout florets, cut off the top third of the brussel sprouts, soak in water in the refrigerator for several hours, then peel back the leaves to make petals.

3. Rub a thin layer of oil onto the radishes and limes. This will prevent them from drying out.

4. Fill a frosted or clear bowl with the pears, apples, lemons, and limes.

5. Fill in the arrangement with radishes, kumquats, and brussel sprouts.

6. Add the juniper sprigs.