• Your Christmas table centerpiece should take on an importance almost equal to your Christmas tree, despite being just one out of several holiday decorating projects you might undertake. Christmas dinner is the climax of the holiday and the centerpiece is what your guests see throughout the meal. Don't leave it to the last minute. Plan ahead, have some simple materials on hand to work with, and keep the size and height appropriate to your table You may be surprised how easy it is to create an enchanting centerpiece that will create holiday memories.
  
  

Edible Centerpieces

• Inexpensive candy trees can be purchased at most discount general stores. Hang gum drops on the tree and place on a coffee table for guests. These candy trees usually stand between 12 and 18 inches high. Circle the tree with several smaller clear Christmas tree candy jars. Fill the jars with peppermints. Sprinkle irridescent snow confetti around the display to create a centerpiece that resembles a winter wonderland.
  
  

Gift Boxes

• Gift boxes make perfect plant holders. Line a Christmas present box in plastic. Set a poinsettia in the center. Surround the space between the poinsettia pot with foam peanuts. Set small ornaments on top of the peanuts to complete your centerpiece.
  
  Another way to create a centerpiece with gift boxes is to stack various sizes in the center of the table and adorn with beaded garland and a few small fir tree branches.
  
  

Battery-Operated Decor

• Battery-operated fiber optic Christmas trees can be a lovely addition to any table. Surround the tree in battery operated gift box ornaments that can be purchased at your local discount department store. Just remember to turn them off before bed since the gift boxes rarely have replaceable batteries.
  
  

Candles

• Create a handmade centerpiece with small gold-painted pine cones and a simple cardboard circle, measuring about six inches in diameter. Paint the cardboard circle with gold spray paint. Then hot glue the gold pine cones around the edge. Hot glue miniature ornaments in between the pine cones to hide gaps and any exposed cardboard. Place a pillar candle in the center and place on your dining table. For a sturdier base, use plywood. Precut circles of wood are generally available at hobby stores; or if you're handy with a router or jigsaw, you can cut your own circle.
  
  

Ornaments

• Ornaments add cheer to any table and are relatively easy to put together as your centerpiece. The easiest method for displaying those colorful ball ornaments is to stack them in a hurricane lamp bowl. Set the hurricane on a small charger, just large enough to provide a base. Mix beaded garland in between the ornaments.
  
  

The Non-Traditional Centerpiece

• Who says centerpieces have to be placed in a small sectioned area of your table? A couple of fun ideas include unique table runners. Use Santa's belt and buckle as a table runner. Line your coffee table with your collection of snow globes. Alternate pillar candles with miniature gift boxes along the length of the dining table.