by Lorri Mealey

Created on: January 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

For a luxurious looking Thanksgiving centerpiece (but without the luxurious price tag) try making a running floral arrangement that goes the length of your table. This centerpiece is also a great because unlike tall vases, all the dinner guests can easily see over it.

You will need the following supplies:

-Flowers- I recommend at least three different types of flowers in coordinating colors (I use coral roses, yellow marigolds, and white Gerber daisies.)

-Greenery- you can get green filler right at the florist. Or, if you are lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, you can probably find some right outside.
-Floral Picks
-Plastic Window Boxes
-Black Spray Paint
-Plastic Wrap
-Mini Pumpkins and Gourds
-Florist Foam (Wet)

Start with as many plastic window boxes as you need to run the length of your dinner table. I knowplastic? Trust me.spray paint will make them look like they are strait out of Pottery Barn. Be sure to leave enough room at each end of your table for a place setting. Try to use narrow window boxes, rather than wide. By doing this you will leave more room on your table for serving dishes and need less flowers and fillers for the centerpiece.

At least two days before Thanksgiving coat each box with black spray paint. I use black because it goes with most anything, and I can use it in any season. You can certainly use another color, if you want.

The day before Thanksgiving cut florist foam to fit inside each window box. The top of the foam should be about an inch above the edge of the box. Soak the foam according to directions. While the foam is soaking, line each box with two layers of plastic wrap. You do not want to have to worry about a leaky centerpiece while eating your turkey dinner!

Next, trim all your flowers and greenery stems to about four inches. Now for the fun parttake your main flower (I used coral roses) and place them in a line, strait down the center of each box. Their petals should just brush one another. They should stand about three inches above the foam. Next, select a different flower and do the same thing along each side of the roses (I used white daisies). These flowers should be about two inches about the foam. Fill in all the bare spots with greenery and the third flower selection (I used yellow marigolds).

For an added seasonal touch, you can spear mini pumpkins and gourds with floral picks and place them in the arrangement as well. If you don't want to spend the money on real flowers you can create the same look with fake flowers and autumn leaves. Simply switch the wet florist foam for dry foam. If you do use fake flowers, there is the added bonus of keeping your arrangement year after year. Simply remove the flower arrangement from the window boxes (because you can reuse the boxes for the upcoming Christmas season!) and wrap the arrangement in tissue paper, place it in a sturdy box until you are ready to use it the following autumn.

Happy Decorating!

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