Image source: weddingbee.com
When you hear the word “centerpiece” the first thing you probably think of is a floral arrangement, right? An elegant flower arrangement has the power to transform a simple white tablecloth into a lush and beautiful setting. However, floral arrangements are not particularly practical in the winter. Unless you’re fortunate enough to be living in a tropical climate, it’s not an option to snip an arrangement of buds from your backyard. While your garden hibernates, here are a few ideas for modern winter centerpieces, sans flowers.
1. Centerpiece Using Candles
If you’re going to use candles as a centerpiece, make sure to use soy candles. Why? Well, first and foremost, paraffin candles are made of oil. We all know that oil is not a renewable resource. The United States is the number one producer of soy in the world, so when you purchase soy candles, you are purchasing a renewable resource and you are supporting American farmers. Another factor to consider is that soy is clean burning. If you are going to be eating with lit candles, you definitely do not want the fumes from burning paraffin to interfere with your taste buds.
Parker Collection Soy Candle in Lime Blossom
Have you seen the soy candles that we have here at aHa! Modern Living? The Parker Collection Soy Candles produce hardly any smoke or soot, so there will be nothing offensive combating your meal. They are available in three delicious, delicate scents, too. For an easy centerpiece, try placing a candle in the middle of a bowl or platter, then scattering fresh cranberries and limes or lemons around it. Or, for a cool effect, place a few candles on top of a mirror. Try grouping the candles in an odd number, such as 3 or 5, since this adds visual interest.
2. Centerpiece Using Greenery
Pine branches are a classic and treasured symbol of Christmas and wintertime. But depending on which region you live in, you can add some other gorgeous sprigs of green to your centerpiece as well. If you live in Northern California, you may be lucky enough to find some European mistletoe, or Viscum alba.It crept into this region by way of an apple stock from Europe. If you live in North or South Carolina, you may have already noticed people on the street corner selling large bunches of North American mistletoe, or Phoradendron. Mistletoe is the floral emblem of the state of Oklahoma, too.
For a pretty green centerpiece, try placing some little sprigs of mistletoe in the fun and modern Cube Tube Vases. So simple, so chic. Just make sure to keep the vases out of reach of pets and small children. The waxy white berries on mistletoe are delicious to birds, but poisonous to humans and other animals.
Mistletoe + Cube Tube Vase
3. Centerpiece Using Branches
For a really cool modern look, you don’t need any greenery at all. Just borrow this great idea from the photo below and snip some branches off of a tree. If you want to, you can lay the branches out on some newspaper and give them a quick coat of metallic spray paint. We think they look just as pretty left au naturel, because it’s really about the shape here and not the color. A bunch of thin, twisting branches grouped together in a vase makes a big impact. The higher your celing is, the taller you can go with the branches. Try placing them in the Ivy Pitcher and Vase. Stunning.
Twigs + Ivy Pitcher Vase
What better way to say “whooooo loves you, baby?” The Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers are a great gift for the eco-conscious recipient, since they are made from water buffalo horn. We love the idea of giving a gift that can be used and enjoyed every day. This is a terrific gift for the man or woman who loves to cook, or host dinner parties. Whether you choose to take a cue from the nakedness of the owls is up to you.
Want to give something chocolaty, sweet without inducing a tummy ache? Daub and Bauble presents a delicious solution with its luxurious Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion. This delectably scented, creamy hand lotion is fragranced with a rich chocolate and cinnamon, and formulated with softening Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. For a perfect set, select the Cacao and Spice Hand Wash as well. Then deliver with the following simply sweet message: “I wanna hold your hand.”
Now it’s definitely true that most women would love to receive some gorgeous new jewelry for Valentine’s Day. But when it comes to jewelry, make sure you don’t fall into “the trap.” That is, don’t buy your wife or girlfriend the necklace that has been advertised by all the national jewelry store chains for 3 months now. That’s just boring, and she’s already seen it on television a thousand times. Instead, take a look at this creative and beautiful Birdie Necklace. It’s the perfect way to say, “you make my heart sing.”
Want your love to blossom and to grow? Then give your honey an Eggling Seed Starter. They come with everything the essentials, so all your schnookums will need to do is crack open the top, add the seeds, and water. It is perfect even for those who claim to kill all their houseplants. Plus… who knows… maybe the Eggling Seed Starter will help you to start your own little somethin’ somethin’.
There is no better way to say “I glove you” than with West County Garden Gloves. These gloves are particularly unique because they are the perfect blend of both functionality and fashion. They are a great choice for work around the lawn and garden, and even have a mesh back that makes them light and breathable. Remember, though, that it’s Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the gloves do all the dirty work!
Matchstick Gardens $2.50
Floral Clippers $5.00
