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“Christmas Tree” Centerpiece

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David Pippin

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Bring a little magic to your holiday table this year by turning some ordinary pots and greenery into a “Christmas tree” centerpiece sure to turn heads. Here’s how to do it:

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Photo Credit: David O. Pippin
Step 1

Step 1: Choose at least three terra-cotta pots in graduated sizes, and line them with a watertight container. (I’ve chosen 4-, 6- and 8-inch pots for my design.) Cut floral foam to fit snuggly into each watertight container. (The foam should be level with the top of the pot.) Slowly add water to each foam piece until it’s completely saturated.

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Photo Credit: David O. Pippin
Step 2

Step 2: Using a hot glue gun, glue a colorful Christmas ribbon around the top of each pot. (Another option would be to paint the pots to match your décor.) Place a small piece of plastic on top of the foam in the two larger pots (plastic wrap works fine). This will prevent water from soaking into the pot that’s sitting on the foam. Stack the pots.

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Photo Credit: David O. Pippin
Step 3



Step 3: Add short pieces of evergreens that you’ve cut from your garden (or purchased at a florist/garden center). For this design, the foliage should have small leaves or needles. I’ve chosen American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), but rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) or arborvitae (Thuja sp.) would all work well, too. You can also use several types of foliage to create interesting texture in your design, if you’d like.

Tips
  • Cut and condition the foliage and flowers 24 hours prior to arranging. (To condition, place your cuttings in water with a floral preservative.)
  • Check your arrangement daily and add water as needed. Keep your design in a cool location to increase its longevity.
Tools
  • Ready to shop for your materials? Here’s what should be on your list: floral clippers, knife, several blocks of water-absorbent floral foam, at least three terra-pots in graduated sizes, three watertight liners (that fit in the appropriate pots), plastic wrap, decorative ribbon, hot glue gun, evergreen cuttings with small leaves/needles, assorted cutflowers, small fruits or Christmas decorations.
 
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