Elizabeth Dehn - HER LIFE Magazine

tiny gourds, squash, pinecones and pods. As filler, scatter oakleaves, acorns and moss amongst the other natural elements.Make this project a family activity and collect your items duringan afternoon walk in the woods with the kids.also, tiny pumpkins make festive placeholders for aholiday dinner or brunch. Simply write the guest's name onthe outside with a colorful marker and place one personalizedpumpkin at each table setting.Cranberriesthe berry of the season is the cranberry. Although plasticand glass versions are easy to find and fairly inexpensive to buy,homemade cranberry bead strands are simple to make and lookelegant. Try trimming cranberry strands around stair railings,windows and doorways. Also, strew them around chandeliers,lamps and mantles. Here’s what you’ll need to make yours:strong thread, whole cranberries and a needle at least 1.5inches long. Thread the needle and tie a large knot at the end ofSeveral oranges combinedcan act as a tablecenterpiece while providingeasy access to a healthyholiday snack.your thread. Thread cranberries onto the thread, making surethe knot holds at the end. Continue until your strand reachesyour desired length, and then tie a large knot at the other end.Foodit’s simple and celebratory to decorate with consumablefood like nuts, fresh fruit and cookies. Plus, many of the fooditems keep well and can be eaten long after holiday events. Trymaking these easy tea light fruits for a frugal investment with avery festive look. Choose fruits that will sit firmly on a table likeapples or oranges. Wash and dry three large apples. Using a tealight candle for a pattern, press the top of the tea light into theapple and cut this shape a bit deeper and remove this portionof the fruit. Rinse with lemon juice to prevent browning. Thenplace a tea light candle and light.utilize as a centerpiece for dinner or as a welcome foryour entry table. Try robust veggies for a different look. Anddon’t forget the traditional gingerbread house. Easy recipes andhouse plans can be found online and kids love to help decorateand eat later!Mother Nature has given us “free range” when it comes toseasonal decorating from scratch. Stroll your own backyard togather a myriad of ideas. If you need a little assistance, checkyour library, local extension office or the Internet for moresimple organic decorating tips. Happy (natural) Holidays.Information for this article was found atwww.countryliving.com and www.care2.com.HERLIFEmagazine.com 43