Kick the kitsch ... Creating the perfect centerpiece

Never underestimate the power of the centerpiece!

When planning a wedding, banquet, or party people often spend a great deal of time trying to think of and create a unique and stunning centerpiece. Some opt for traditional floral arrangements, while others think outside the box (or in this case, vase) and get their guests talking with some truly original ideas. Either way, no party planner haphazardly slaps a vase on their table and calls it a day. The perfect centerpiece is given much thought and consideration. After all, centerpieces do help create the mood, ambience, and tone of your gathering. Why then, shouldn't centerpieces in your home be given the same attention?

Sure, it's easy to think that any old vase will do. Go on; just fill up that space with empty, thoughtless kitsch. We just hope you can sleep at night knowing that your home's interior is dotted with generic junk. Tsk. Tsk.

Ready to make a change? Or are you already a thoughtful centerpiece creator looking for new ideas? Read on and pardon as I play Martha …

Check out the before and after shots of these unforeseen gems.

Sure, some might see the potential in this rustic wood carrier, but others might overlook it, thinking it’s not their “thing.” To get the look, simply fill the compartments with a favorite potpourri (I chose a fresh linen scent), add a candle to the middle compartment and finish it off with a simple raffia bow. Voila! Easy to create and attractive, this piece offers a simple, folksy charm. (For this piece, I also added a few sea shells to the compartments, making this piece appropriate for a nautical or beach themed décor as well.)

I did something similar to the very same carrier, but this time gave it a more festive twist. I added two candles to the outside compartments (along with some apple cinnamon potpourri), accented them with gold painted pinecones and then garnished the center compartment with a large faux poinsettia. Once again, this is a quick way to jazz up a simple, rustic looking piece.

Familiar with antique bun boards? You know those long, relatively thin slabs of wood? Think they’re uninteresting? Wrong, my friend. With the addition of four votive candle holders (complete with votives, of course), two sparkling poinsettia accents and a sprinkle of potpourri, this bun board is perfect for setting at the center of any holiday table. Set it atop your favorite table runner to give the look a little more pizzazz.

Create the same look, but with a spring harvest feel. This time I used only three votive cups, glued small pieces of wooden fruit along the bun board, and completed the look with two bundles of faux wheat that I simply laid beside the votive cups. Easy, effortless and simply handsome too!

Here we go again, another piece of rustic wood. Fill a compartment with potpourri and set a votive cup and candle at the center. Lay a bundle of faux wheat on top. In the smaller compartment, simply add some small wooden apples and another bundle of wheat, bound with red gingham ribbon. Finish off the look with a raffia bow on the carrier’s handle. Simple, rustic perfection …

The look of simplicity isn’t for you? Look at this stunning floral arrangement in a gorgeous porcelain teapot. Elegant, yet bold, this piece will make a statement. The use of the teapot creates more interest than just a standard vase. Create your own arrangement with fresh, dried, or fake flowers.

Note: The above are possible for any and all to do; even the domestically inept (like me).

Find the rustic wood pieces, teapot, and other great items to use as centerpieces at www.merritts.com!