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How to create a simple, elegant Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece

This centerpiece would work well for any holiday meal.

Looking for a last-minute Thanksgiving centerpiece (or an idea to file away for next year?) A DIY cranberry topiary for under $10 is just around the corner.

HANDOUT Looking for a last-minute Thanksgiving centerpiece (or an idea to file away for next year?) A DIY cranberry topiary for under $10 is just around the corner.

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By Jessica Garringer, Contributing Writer 6:33 PM Wednesday, November 23, 2011

I can’t believe it is already here, but Thanksgiving has arrived.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, I am sure you have already purchased your Thanksgiving dinner trimmings, including your turkey, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce.

What you may have forgotten is what you are doing as a centerpiece. To reuse one of your summertime flower pots, try this great DIY cranberry topiary. If you have the materials on hand it can be put together quickly, or you can keep the idea in mind for any upcoming holiday meal. For just $9.93 you can create a centerpiece your friends and family will remember. If you have some additional money you would like to spend, add a decorative ribbon, votive candles or miniature pumpkins around your topiary.

You will need

Purchased

• Styrofoam Topiary Form, $4.95 at Flower Factory

• Straight pins, $2.99 from JoAnn Fabrics

• Fresh cranberries, $1.99 at Kroger

Items I already had around the house

• Flower pot

Directions

1. Sort through your cranberries, discarding any that are not firm or have been bruised. You want to just use the firm cranberries or you will get juice everywhere.

2. Starting at the top and working your way down the topiary form, place a straight pin in each cranberry and pin it to the form.

3. Cover the entire sphere so the ball is completely covered with cranberries.

4. Place in a decorative pot.

Jessica Garringer is a bargain hunter, DIYer and a couponer who loves to save money! You can reach her at JessicaGarringer@gmail.com. Get more money saving tips, ideas and projects at www.SaverSavvy.wordpress.com or at www.Facebook.com/SaverSavvy.

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