How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

With all the pastels in sight for Easter, it's easy to bring some spring cheer to your tables or countertops. Don't worry if you don't have experience making centerpieces because there is no time like the present to add some more skills to your personal repertoire.

Materials

The easiest way to go is by starting with a basket. Find a basket that will match your décor or color choices. You might even have one already sitting around the house. If you want a wider centerpiece, you should find a basket that is somewhat flat (i.e. similar to a bread basket). For a higher centerpiece, choose a basket with a good-sized handle. Although natural wicker colors go with just about any home, you can find more specific colors in painted wicker to achieve the look you want.

You will a lining in your basket, whether it is just some tissue paper, a cloth napkin, or some scrap material. Simply line the basket with the corners of the material used dangling slightly over the sides that are handle-less.

If you want a silk floral arrangement or a fruit arrangement, purchase accordingly. Silk flowers require wire cutters, a variety of large and small buds (plus greenery), floral foam, and some ribbon. A fruit arrangement can be made of real or plastic fruit (look for better quality fruits that don't appear 'fake') and some ribbon.

Decorate

To decorate you will need to start with the base. For a fruit arrangement, give a good base of larger fruits (apples, oranges, or grapefruit). You will need to add smaller fruits to the top and accent with grapes or other colorful small fruits. Grapevines look great as garnish and are easily found in craft stores at a low cost. Tie the ribbon into a bow on the handle or around the rim of the basket for the finishing touch.

For the base of the floral arrangement, insert the floral foam so that it fits somewhat securely into the bottom of the basket. Place larger flowers into the foam, evening out the number on each side of the basket handles. You should then add smaller flowers and the greenery last. You can weave the chosen ribbon through the outside of the basket, just below the rim, or choose to weave it around the handles and make a bow to one side. Do final arranging by placing it on your tabletop and observing it from different angles. If you don't like the look, than you can re-do it easily by trimming stems to vary the height of the arrangement and changing the color selection.