Making Affordable Holiday Crafts from Fruit and Candy

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

11 Dec 2008 05:47 PM

Don't break the bank trying to deck your halls this holiday season. Rather, look around your home for inexpensive materials that can be transformed into festive seasonal decor.

Two of my favorite frugal materials: fruit and candy. Both are popular this time of year, and you can cut down on costs even more by using fruit and candy that have been given to you as gifts. It's very simple. Take a look:

FLOATING CRANBERRY CANDLE

Materials:

1 large clear glass punch bowl

3 12-oz. bags of fresh cranberries (amount will vary depending on size of bowl)

4 floating candles

6 fresh flowers of your choice, stem cut to 1-inch (roses and lilies work best)

Water

Directions:

Fill bowl 3/4-full with water. Add cranberries and floating candles. Arrange candles so they are evenly spaced amidst the berries.

Carefully place blooms around the cranberries and the candles.

Replace berries once a week.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY CANDY VOTIVE

Materials:

Votive candle holder

Votive candle (in holiday colors)

M&Ms or Reese's Pieces Holiday Candy (red, white, and green)

Directions:

Place candle in votive holder.

Pour candy pieces around candle.

Candle should be nestled firmly amongst candy.

Light candle before guests arrive.

Remember to extinguish candle when it reaches the bottom of votive.

HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CANDLE CUPS

Materials:

6 clear wine goblets

1 12-oz. bag fresh cranberries

6 votive candles

Greenery and your favorite fresh flowers

Directions:

Fill goblets 2/3 full with fresh cranberries.

Nestle a votive candle on top of the cranberries.

Arrange fresh blossoms and greenery around candle.

Tip: Be careful to keep flames from directly touching the cranberries; the heat of the flame could cause the berries to burst. Discard cranberries when they become soft (about a week) and replace them with fresh berries.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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