8 Creative & Elegant Holiday Centerpieces

There's no doubt that when it comes to the holidays, decorations make a big impact on everyone's ability to really get into the spirit of the season. The Christmas tree is only the beginning, and taking the time to go a little bit further can help elevate your home to a holiday paradise. One thing to consider is the Christmas centerpiece.

Not only is it a great decoration when the family is up and moving around, but the centerpiece will also become the focal point of your Christmas dinner as the family sits down at the table for the meal. Luckily, it's easier than you might realize to create a great, elegant holiday centerpiece. Here are 8 ideas to help you do just that.

1. Gift Bags - Instead of stuffing some holiday gift bags with gifts, turn them into a centerpiece by stuffing them with some pine, branches, and pine cones or other seasonal favorites. You can also use brown paper gift bags and use white paint to create a little snowfall scene on the bags. Then, set them up in even spaces in the center of the table.
2. The Floating Décor - Some small vases or decorative glasses can be filled with water first, and then have holly placed into them. The red berries and green leaves are perfect for the season, and the overall look is great as a centerpiece.
3. Ornaments - If you have some silver ornaments or ornaments that match your color scheme, consider using a serving tray and adding several of the ornaments to it. You can mix in some evergreen boughs as well to complete the look for a simple but elegant centerpiece.
4. Apple Tower - A large vase or glass jar filled with apples, placed on a mirror that works as a table runner, and surrounded by some loose greens make a great, natural looking centerpiece.
5. Floating Pine - For a different take on number 2 above, fill up a clear vase with water and add a single clipping off the Christmas tree. It creates a simple, minimal feel that is still seasonally themed.
6. Flowers - When in doubt, you can always use elegant vases or cups and add carnations or roses to them. It's not as creative as some other options, but it's a time-tested centerpiece that holds up to this day.
7. Under The Cloche - Take a dinner plate and add a few items such as a bed of evergreen sprigs, a large ball ornament or a couple of medium-sized ones, and a single flower (like a rose). Position on the plate, cover with a cloche, and you have a great centerpiece.
8. Luminaria - Take plain white paper bags and place in the center of the table. Add battery operated tea lights to the inside of the bags to give them that festive glow. If you're feeling really creative you can also use a scalloped edge punch to clip the tops of the bags and then weave ribbon through the openings.