How to Upgrade a Centerpiece

Are you looking to transform a simple store-bought centerpiece into a stunning holiday decoration? With just a few affordable items and leftover scraps, you can elevate an inexpensive piece into a beautiful arrangement perfect for craft shows or your holiday table.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to turn a $10 Walmart find into a festive masterpiece using supplies from DecoExchange and other affordable sources.

Upgrade a Centerpiece from the Store

What You’ll Need:

• Store-bought centerpiece (e.g., Walmart, $8.98)
• Floral wire cutters
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Wired floral stems
• Various floral sprays (red, silver, tinsel, etc.)
• Ribbon (scraps or new)
• Decorative berries and greenery

Step 1: Fluff and Prep the Centerpiece

When you buy a store-bought centerpiece, it often looks flat and underwhelming on the shelf. Start by fluffing out all the elements. Most of these items are wired, making it easy to adjust and add life. Look for areas that might need improvement—like removing elements you don’t prefer (Coach Jordan suggests tossing the pine cone if it doesn’t fit your theme).

Step 2: Add Focal Floral Sprays

Select the floral sprays that will act as focal points in your centerpiece. Coach Jordan uses red and silver sprays to create a festive, versatile look suitable for Christmas or even Valentine’s Day. Cut the stems into smaller, manageable pieces to ensure you have enough to fill your arrangement.

Next, use the triangle method for placement:

1. Identify the central point of your arrangement.
2. Place the tallest piece in the center.
3. Arrange the remaining pieces in a triangle pattern around the base.

This method fills up the container efficiently and creates a balanced look. Make sure to glue each piece securely into the foam.

Step 3: Add Decorative Berries

Now, add texture and dimension by incorporating decorative berries. Coach Jordan uses “twinkle berries” with small jingle bells for a playful touch. Before placing them, fluff out the stems to give them more volume. Again, follow the triangle method when positioning the berry stems.

Pro Tip: Purchase seasonal items like these in bulk or on sale (50-90% off) to stock up for future projects.

Step 4: Incorporate Extra Greenery

If you have leftover greenery from other projects, this is the perfect opportunity to use it. Coach Jordan adds maidenhair fern pieces from previous designs. The key is to alternate different types of greenery for visual interest—placing one type on one side, another type on the opposite side, and repeating this pattern. This creates a cohesive look while adding layers to the arrangement.

Step 5: Make and Attach a Bow

A bow adds a beautiful finishing touch and a focal point for the centerpiece. Using leftover ribbon scraps, create a small bow that complements your arrangement. Coach Jordan uses a traditional green and red plaid one-inch ribbon. Here’s how to create the bow:

1. Cut the ribbon to the desired length, ensuring you have enough for three loops on one side and one loop on the other.
2. Pinch and twist the ribbon, measuring eight to nine inches for each loop. Repeat until you have the desired amount of loops.
3. Use a leftover stem to secure the bow, or a floral wire if you prefer.
4. Fluff out the bow and attach it to the front of your arrangement using hot glue.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

To tie everything together, add a few more details:

• Look for gaps or empty spaces in your arrangement and fill them with decorative elements like gold berries or additional greenery.
• Ensure all your elements are securely glued into the foam base.
• Adjust and fluff the arrangement as needed for balance and fullness.

Step 7: Display and Enjoy

With just a few easy steps, your $10 store-bought centerpiece is now an upgraded showstopper! Place it on your dining table or use it as a display piece in your home. This versatile centerpiece is perfect for craft shows and can be sold at a higher price point, maximizing your profit potential.

Coach Jordan recommends making several of these centerpieces for holiday dining tables. Arrange them down the center of the table or place them throughout your home. They are lightweight and easy to move, making them a great flexible option for holiday decor.

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Upgrade a Centerpiece

A red and green centerpiece with black and white checkered accents and gold details, displayed against a neutral background to highlight the festive arrangement.

Equipment

• Floral wire cutters
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Materials

• Store-bought centerpiece e.g., Walmart, $8.98
• Wired floral stems red and silver sprays
• Decorative berries e.g., twinkle berries with jingle bells
• Various greenery e.g., maidenhair fern
• Ribbon scraps or new

Instructions

Prepare the Centerpiece:

• Fluff out all the wired elements of your store-bought centerpiece to add volume and adjust the shape.
• Remove any unwanted elements like pine cones.

Cut and Arrange Floral Sprays:

• Cut your red and silver floral sprays into smaller pieces for better placement.
• Place the tallest piece in the center and arrange the rest using the triangle method (one central, two on either side). Secure with hot glue.

Add Decorative Berries:

• Fluff the berry stems to give them more volume.
• Position them using the triangle method around the base, gluing each securely.

Incorporate Additional Greenery:

• Add leftover greenery, such as maidenhair fern, alternating placement on different sides of the arrangement for balance. Glue securely.

Create and Attach a Bow:

• Cut ribbon and create a bow with three loops on one side and one loop on the other (8-9 inches per loop).
• Secure the bow with a floral wire or a stem.
• Fluff the bow and attach it to the front of the centerpiece with hot glue.

Add Final Details:

• Fill any gaps with gold berries or additional greenery.
• Ensure all pieces are securely glued into the foam base.

Adjust and Display:

• Fluff the entire arrangement for fullness.
• Place the centerpiece on your dining table or use it as a display piece for a festive touch.

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Tips for Craft Show Success

• Offer a variety of price points to cater to different budgets. Smaller arrangements like these are a great way to appeal to customers who want a more affordable option than a full wreath.
• Make use of end-of-season sales at big box stores and other retailers to stock up on inexpensive bases and materials. The greenery and foam alone are often worth the price.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning, affordable, and unique holiday centerpiece that showcases your creativity and crafting skills. Whether for personal use or for sale, this project is a perfect way to upcycle store-bought items into high-end decor pieces. Happy crafting!