by Becca Badgett

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

Save money during these difficult economic times by making your own holiday centerpieces. One need not be an artist to create an eye-catching display. Add fragrance and beauty to your creation with the use of pine boughs and running cedar clippings. You may find these as close as a wooded area near your home. If you are unable to clip boughs from trees or find a stand of running cedar, you may purchase them from a local Christmas tree lot where they are in abundance.

Add Candles and Flowering Plants

Place clippings in a large vase or jar of water and decorate with miniature bulbs and ornaments or spray with inexpensive Christmas "snow". Add festive ribbons and bows. The fragrance will automatically give your home a touch of holiday spirit. Other options for the boughs include spreading them in a circular position and placing scented candles among them. (Make sure candles are elevated and do not light them after the boughs dry out). Other options are Poinsettias or Amaryllis pots surrounded by the greenery. Pinecones from the forest may be included as ornamentation, either in natural form, or sprayed with gold or silver paint.

Arrange the boughs on a red Christmas tree skirt and place blooming Paper-whites in the middle. Sprigs of mistletoe and holly can be tastefully added to the mixture. Place miniature Christmas balls sporadically among the boughs. Nandina branches are loaded with red berries this time of year. Take advantage of nature's gifts to make an imaginative and festive display.

Wall Decor

Utilize the greenery for door and wall decorations. Secure the bottom of a few branches with a thick rubber band and cover with red ribbon for use as a spray. The more inventive of us may use Styrofoam circles and wire to make a wreath.

Place florist's foam inside a festive container and position clippings into the foam. Place tallest boughs in back, medium branches in the middle and shortest cuttings in front. Running cedar can drape from the pot. Adding water will accelerate the fragrance and prolong the life of your centerpiece.

If your greenery is not in water, keep an eye on when it dries out and discard to eliminate the chance of fire and dropping needles. Misting with water will prolong greenery's lifespan. Replace as needed to keep your display fresh.

Use these inexpensive techniques for fragrant and creative holiday displays for your table, mantle or bar. Involve the kids or grandkids for a family project. Get into the spirit of the season while using your imagination.

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