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TABLE COLLAGE' FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A few years ago, I began designing table collages for my holiday dinners. Lots of work went into the scrumptious meals I served, so I wanted the table to also reflect a special feel-more than just a typical centerpiece.

The term "table collage'" is my own. I arrange a special assortment of items down the entire length of the middle of my six-foot-long table, according to the holiday, or chosen theme. There is still room on either side for placemats, plates, glassware and silverware.

Some examples of table collage':

For Valentine's Day, the arrangement consisted of a big red wicker basket in the very middle of the table, filled with every card and letter my husband and I had ever given to each other for the occasion; a big red bow topped the basket. Surrounding the basket was every heart-shaped knick-knack I had collected over the years, including glass heart bottles, stuffed fabric hearts and candles. Juxtaposed among red cherries and leaves were all of the red roses (dried and silk), that my husband had gifted me with in our time together. Lastly, I placed framed pictures of he and I throughout the collage', in the frames they were already in, adding color and interest.

For Christmas, my table collage' usually starts with a long piece of cottony fabric sprinkled with glitter, for a snow effect (like you purchase to put under the Christmas tree). On it, I arrange my hand-painted Christmas village with white lights underneath. The table collage' is completed and rounded out with my hand-sculpted miniature Elves, Santa Claus', Mrs. Claus and Toy Soldiers. I like to add a few sprigs of poinsetta leaves tucked around the houses, or perhaps some pine cones. It varies from year to year.

Halloween and Thanksgiving table collages don't have to be store-bought cheap paper stuffs. Use your imagination and decorate with the season colors, using unordinary pieces. An example: big glass bowls full of oranges, big glass bowls full of colorful marbles, framed fall scenes of a favorite fall drive you took with your family....lots of bright, bold color. Coat real fall leaves with Mod Podge and you have instance fall decor! Tuck the leaves around knick-knacks, picture frames and such. Use lots of orange and yellow candles in wooden candleholders. The ideas are only limited by your imagination.

Any table collage' is an conversation piece, IF done in a creative, interesting way....use your imagination and take your time. Guests will love it!

Learn more about this author, Sharon K. Shubert.
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