Nothing ties a room together quite like a Christmas table centerpiece. Decorating for any occasion is an art form, an expression of the host that welcomes guests and sets the mood. A centerpiece on your table is that expression at eye level, making it one of the most important aspects of decoration to consider. To get you inspired as you plan your holiday event, here’s a bunch of my favorite ideas to decorate for any holiday occasion.

Treasure Hunt

Rustic, simple, neat and elegant, this centerpiece is pretty amazing and very budget friendly for the thrifty and resourceful. Old, interesting bottles can be found in thrift stores, flea markets, antique stores and even in some under-explored corners of old houses. A nature walk and some thoughtful gathering would give you plenty of material for a personalized arrangement.

Romantic Lodge

A flower arrangement in a wooden box is literally elevated to a classier design by some lightly distressed planks. Antlers are a quaint touch and the distressed silver candle holders are sure to set a romantic mood.

Practically Perfect

Freshen a room with orange pomanders and fresh evergreen boughs for a fragrant display worthy of any table. It’s made by sticking pieces of branches into the green foam blocks florists use. Poke holes in oranges and push in the cloves to make the pomanders, which are fragrant for up to a year. Swap out the evergreens when they wilt and you could have an entire winter of fresh nature scents to help hold that cabin fever at bay.

The Forests of Maine

A more traditional choice for Christmas table decor, this centerpiece just encompasses so much about Maine. The thick arrangement of balsam and cedar plucked from our abundant forests along with the puffs of reindeer moss and perfectly shaped pine cones. Faux blueberries give a nod to another of our important local industries. The smell of the centerpiece is like home and each one is made by hand. Even the candles that come with the arrangement are made by a real person, right here in Maine.

Floating Lights

Bring the tree to the table with floating candles nestled amidst the brilliant reds and greens of Christmas, all resting on a wooden base. It’s as if each centerpiece is one single light from the tree, dropped off to brighten your meal. If you like the look but don't want to use candles, consider this alternative design:

A Succulent Christmas

Succulents are pretty much the best plants. They are so easy to care for, look amazing all year round, and are effortlessly grown as artistic displays. Make a tree and decorate it to your liking for a and watch it transform your decor into something unique and inspiring.

Here's a tutorial video to get you started on these deceptively simple creations.

The Upcycled Arrangement

A playful mix of greens, pine cones, burlap and mason jars transforms something old into something beautiful, classic and bursting with character.  Evergreen clippings freshen the air while burlap peeks out between full pine cones.  A sprig of berries gives a pop of color.  Gather everything in an old washtub, wooden crate or other repurposed container for a holiday centerpiece sure to please the eye and get the conversations flowing.

Any of these centerpieces are sure to brighten up your table decor, whether for a wedding, baby shower, or Christmas dinner.  Recreate one of these gorgeous examples or pluck your favorite elements from a few and piece together something that is your own.  Either way, happy designing!