5 Cheap Centerpieces for the Holidays

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a pretty and festive centerpiece. Check out these 5 cheap centerpieces for the holidays.

Bowl of Pinecones

What's simpler or less expensive than a bowl of pinecones? Just fill your favorite holiday bowl and you're done. If you want to up the festive ante a little bit sprinkle it with some holiday greenery and berries. You can always add a fat pillar candle in it as well.

Ornaments on a Cake Plate

Two- and three-tiered cake plates are a stylist's best friend. Place one in the center of a holiday table and then sprinkle a few of your favorite holiday ornaments on it for an instant, elegant centerpiece. If ornaments are a bit too flashy for your table try using pinecones. You can always spray-paint them to match your décor if the natural color doesn't suit.

Candy Cane Covered Vase

Visit your closest discount store and pick up a cheap glass vase. They can often be found for a dollar or two. Then purchase some candy canes. Break off the hooked part of the candy canes so that you've got several sticks of the same length. Glue them around the outside of the vase using a hot glue gun. To give it a nice finish you can tie a piece of ribbon (I would suggest white or red) around the center and tie it in a nice bow. Then fill the vase with whatever you choose. White or red flowers look lovely, as do holiday greenery and sticks (let your budget be your guide).

Display Carnations

If you want a floral centerpiece but you don't want to spend a lot of money consider using carnations. A lot of people think they look cheap but they've really gotten a bad wrap. Carnations are durable, they last a long time, and they're available in a number of different colors. Dark red or maroon looks rich and elegant while white is simple and fits with any and all décor.

The best way to display them is to pack them tightly together and then display them in a bowl or vase. Don't add anything else. If the vase is clear use a large leaf (such as a hosta leaf) and wrap it around the inside. It'll look like a million bucks, but you will have only spent a few dollars. You can also do this on a smaller scale (use a small vase or glass and just a few blossoms) and then place a few of them on the table. And if you really want to save money, display them in a tin can. You might be surprised at how good it looks.

Cranberries and Candles

Fill a clear glass vase or bowl approximately one third of the way up. Stick a white pillar candle in the middle. That's it. It's simple and it looks great.