Cheap Holiday Centerpiece Ideas

When choosing a centerpiece for the holidays, keep in mind that people should be able to see each other across the table. Either use low centerpieces or only use one, tall, thin item that is the center of the table. For last-minute table decoration, gather up all the unscented candles you can find. Cluster them together in the center of the table and light them.

Cookie Scene

This centerpiece idea is courtesy of "Martha Stewart" magazine and requires holiday cut-out cookies like gingerbread or snowmen. To make a centerpiece that isn't Christmas specific, make snowflake cookies. Decorate the cookies carefully with whatever frosting patterns you want. You will need glass dry-goods jars with tops. If you don't have any, you can find them at a craft store or even at the dollar store. Pour enough sugar in to cover the bottom inch of each jar, then stand cookies up in the sugar. Put the tops back on the jars.

Pile of Ornaments

Buy a box of ornament balls in whatever color you want. "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine suggests using red. A dozen will be enough for the centerpiece, but you can also buy extra balls for the rest of the table. Stack the balls in a pyramid on top of a cake plate. Use drops of scrapbooking glue to make the balls stick to each other. Fill in any gaps with pieces of garland, and arrange the rest of the ornament balls around the table. "Better Homes and Gardens" suggests placing balls on top of candlesticks in place of candles.

Branch Display

Collect fallen branches from your neighborhood or buy fake branches from a craft store. "Better Homes and Gardens" suggests standing them up in a ceramic pitcher, but you can also use a glass pitcher or large vase. Leave the branches plain for a simple, rustic look. You can also punch a hole in the top of your holiday cards and tie them to the branches using ribbon for a more homey and colorful look.

Card Stock Trees

Design your own tree shape or download the pattern from the "Better Homes and Gardens" website. You'll need to sign up for a free membership to access the pattern. Trace the pattern onto two pieces of thick white card stock and cut them out. Using a craft knife, carefully cut a line down the middle of each tree. The first tree should have a cut that starts at the top and ends at the middle, and the second tree should have a cut from the bottom of the tree to the middle. With the trees perpendicular to each other, slide the second tree down onto the first so that you have a three-dimensional tree that will stand on its own. Make three trees and line them up in the center of the table.

Poinsettias

Cut off individual stems from your poinsettia plants. Fill small vases halfway with water and place a single poinsettia bloom in each one. Use sturdy drinking glasses if you don't have short vases. You can buy a potted poinsettia plant at a plant stand or grocery store, or choose a different kind of flower altogether. Line up each bloom in a tight row down the center of the table.