FLOWERS & DECOR

Everyday Flowers, Easy Party Style

Autumn Potted Flowers

Store-bought indoor mums, or other small potted flowering plants can be the basis for lovely, easy-to-do centerpieces. Place the plants in decorative baskets, or wrap each in heavy wrapping paper or fabric (such as burlap) and tie each with ribbon or raffia, all of which are available at craft stores. Group the mums with miniature pumpkins or gourds, or with gold and orange pillar candles of different heights.

This simple and inexpensive idea works well at any time of the year or for any holiday. Buy small potted flowering plants that are in season, use color-coordinated ribbon, or color that reflects the holiday - e.g., red, white, and blue - for July 4th, and you've got instant, reasonable, and pretty party centerpieces.