How to Decorate a Gardener's Christmas Table

Gardeners can have a field day decorating the dinner table for Christmas. Here are some inspirations. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decorate a tiny "tree" such as a Norfolk Island pine, a topiary rosemary or ivy, or a 1-gallon berried holly shrub for a centerpiece. Or use a potted plant you already have, such as a fluffy fern, and stash it in a holiday basket (sprayed red, green or metallic gold and trimmed with a bold ribbon).

2

Embellish a pair of taper candles and holders with a sprig of greenery (holly, ivy, pine, bay leaf or rosemary). Tuck it into a narrow ribbon tied in a bow just above the fluted lip of the candleholder.

3

Continue the growing theme with place-card holders made from 2- or 3-inch potted herbs, red pansies or other starter plants from a garden center. Wrap the pots in festive holiday paper and put a leaf design on a solid-color place card tucked into the plant's foliage.

4

Use almost any compatibly colored tablecloth - even a holiday print - under your dishes and tableware. Pin sprigs of greenery such as holly, ivy, rosemary or pine onto the edge of the tablecloth at its corners (or between chairs at a round table).

5

Roll up each napkin and tie it with a piece of twine, raffia or ribbon and tuck in a piece of greenery such as holly, ivy, rosemary or pine. If you wish, use fabric paint or markers to embellish one corner of each napkin with a compatible leaf design.