(NAPSA)—One of the most dramatic ways to set the design tone for a room is by creating a seasonal centerpiece. The makings of a one-of-a-kind centerpiece may already be found in your cabinets and cupboards, says an invaluable new decorating book, “Suddenly a Centerpiece” (Creative Publishing international, $16.95). According to author and floral consultant Sher Simon, a tureen or bowl that has been passed down in the family deserves a place of honorat a holiday or family gathering—anda little dressing up. One way to dress up the bowl or tureen is to place it on a tray and add fresh produce. Choose foods that bring out the colors of the serving piece and complete the design with a length of fabric in a complementary color. Elements Large covered tureen or decorative serving bowl Tray several inches wider than the tureen or bowl Length of soft disposable fabric Chestnuts or other nuts in the shell Kumquats and Brussels sprouts or other small, fresh colorful produce Putting It Together 1. Wash the tureen or bow] and place it on the tray. 2. Arrange the fabric lengthwise on the table, in soft folds and ripples. Center the bowl and tray on top. 3. Cover the tray with a mix of chestnuts and fresh produce. Variation If you are using a serving piece that has nolid, fill the bowl with one full bunch of fresh, fragrant, You may already have the makings of a sensational centerpiece if you have a bowl or tureen. seeded eucalyptus. Cut fresh floral foam to fit the bowl, soak in water and place in bowl. Cover it with green sheet moss. Cut the eucalyptus into short stems. Starting at the edges, insert stems to form a low, round mound. Adaptations * Use a gold or silver bowl or tray. * Use different nuts, fruits and vegetables. “Suddenly a Centerpiece” presents 25 easy projects to transform a dining table from blah to brilliant. Each easy centerpiece is impressive. The projects require no crafting experience and combine wonderful craft materials, faux florals, candles, foods or textiles with decorative objects and dishes you already have. A little of this and a little of that, plus some inspiration from this book, and even the craft-challenged can create a centerpiece to enliven a table or add style to a sideboard. “Suddenly a Centerpiece” is available where booksare sold, including online at www.creative pub.com.
