Hilary Farr Shares A Chic Holiday Centerpiece Idea For Festive Decor On A Budget

Looking for a chic holiday centerpiece that won't blow your budget? Hilary Farr has you covered. Decking the halls begins at the heart of your home — your dining table — which is front and center in every holiday meal. Don't let budget hold you back in finding a fun tablescape idea for every occasion. Hilary suggests using items you already have on hand to craft a memorable and sustainable centerpiece for your festivities. Take a look around your home and yard — you may be surprised at what you can find!

To create a sustainable centerpiece, first see what you can forage from your yard. You may be able to clip branches off of shrubs or evergreens in your yard or use extra greenery that you snip off when shaping your live tree. Also, look for pinecones and berries that you can place throughout, or even live ivy or other vines — you can put the cut ends in a small glass of water to help them stay fresh as long as possible. However, if your centerpiece will end up where children or pets could reach it, make sure you stick to non-toxic plants. If you aren't sure what you've gathered, you can easily identify plants from the palm of your hand using a plant-finder cell phone app. Your greenery is sure to instantly make your centerpiece winter chic!

Start by choosing the base for your centerpiece. Baskets and trays work well, such as this Round Rattan Serving Tray with Handles or this Hanobe Rectangular Long Narrow Tray. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough that you can build off of it. Next, layer greenery in the tray or basket, starting with the largest pieces. Your greenery should have a fresh, woodsy smell, and you could consider tucking in a few cinnamon sticks as well to add to the holiday scent. This provides a layer of Christmassy charm, instantly making your arrangement look festive. 

Next, look for other accessories that you can add, such as ornaments, candlesticks, and bottles you have lying around the house. Hilary suggests not being too matchy-matchy, instead embracing an eclectic look. Consider adding chunky candles of various sizes, such as these Antizer Flameless LED Candles. The centerpiece can also be an unexpected way to repurpose old vinegar bottles and wine bottles. Dig deep for old ornaments that you didn't put on your tree this year for your centerpiece. If they feel a little worn and dated, you can bring them to life by using a common kitchen ingredient to give your old ornaments a new look. Don't be afraid to experiment with color palettes and textures. Soon, you'll have a gorgeous Christmas centerpiece made with sustainable materials found around your home.