Centerpieces for the DEC Christmas Party

This year Whimsical Welcomes was honored to donate the centerpieces for the Christmas luncheon at Marjeanes for the workers (and their families) from the Developmental Enterprises Corp. - North Penn Training Center. I'd like to introduce you to Bill, a member of our family - who used to work at that workshop, but always attends the party with Glenn's Aunt Carolyn. A good time was had by all. Next year I hope to be able to attend the party too, if I don't have another wedding to prep for. I hear the DJ rocked and everybody loved the dancing! I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the arrangements that we made for the party.


This is a red sleigh that I filled with flowers so that Bill could bring a little bit of Christmas back to his group home.






Several people had given me a variety of baskets. I painted them all red and then decorated each of them differently with ribbon and all sorts of cute decorations - presents, sleds, sparkle.... Each basket was later filled with a variety of winter greens and flowers. We had a great time making these for the party.

I couldn't have taken on this project without the help of Sue L. - who helped me decorate and deliver all of the baskets - and Kathy F. - who helped me arrange all of the flowers. The centerpieces were given away as prizes. It was so much fun that we're definitely going to do it again next year!

And finally, an arrangement that I made for Glenn's Aunt Carolyn, as a gift, that sat on the gift table. Happy Holidays everyone!

How To Holiday Centerpiece

Here is an example of a centeriece that I've previously made. But holiday centerpieces don't have to be difficult to make yourself. Cute and easy works just as well. I've written down directions for a centerpiece that I made sitting in the front of the picture below. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Happy Holidays to All!!

1. Purchase an 8" round glass bowl. Michaels has them.

2. Add stick on dots in a pattern around the bowl. Choose from white, green, or red. You can find them in Staples or in the office supply section of Walmart.

3. You'll need at least 15 carnations to fill in the top. Arrange the first layer in a circle so that the heads lay right on the rim of the bowl. Fill in the next layer of carnations against them and finally fill in the center. You can use red, white, or peppermint carnations. They normally come in bundles of 25. Allow them time to warm up after you bring them home and "fluff" out the petals. Carnation stems will snap if you work with them when cold.

4. Add a few drops of food coloring to dye your water either red or green. It won't hurt the flowers. If you have a package of flower food, add it now. If not, a tablespoon of non-flavored Listerine will work.

5. Finally, buy some small Christmas tree balls. You'll need to attach them - with a hot glue gun - to a dowel or stick of some type. I've used wooden sticks that are sold for shishkebob. If you buy balls that are attached to a wire - wrap the wire around the stick to stabilize it more. Insert the balls among the carnations. Centerpiece done! You can also do this for Chanukah with white dots, blue water, white carnations and blue balls. Perfect!

Let me know how they turn out! I'd love to see pictures.