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BY METRO The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their per- sonalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year. The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or me- norah taking a prominent position in the front win- dow. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, atten- tion also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece. Premade center- pieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table. 1. Frosted pine cones Take advantage of a crisp day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests. 2. Holiday thanks Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they're thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decora- tive bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or host- ess can read some of the sentiments. 3. Magical forest Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen for- est. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti. 4. Freshly cut Select attractive flow- ers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holi- day-themed mugs or a punch bowl. 5. Glass baubles Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be trans- formed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments. 6. Birchwood The crisp white color- ing of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermin- gled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood. 7. Fruit and vegetables If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, arti- chokes, pears or pome- granates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby's breath. 8. Cornucopia The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn of wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and green- ery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins. Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Fes- tive centerpieces can be made by hand without much effort on the part of hosts. 8 easy holiday centerpiece ideas SPECIAL DEALS ON QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES! Information, prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, floorplans, elevations, designs, materials, and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Square footage is approximate. Floorplans and elevations are artist's conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Incentives cannot be combined with other offers. *Rates and terms subject to credit approval. See Sales Consultant for details. CA DRE license #00763932 RESIDENCE TWO | LOT 9 Two-story | 1,668 SF 3 bed | 2.5 ba | 2 car garage Best Value! 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