I have done many projects for table centerpieces for the holidays and now I would like to show you how to make a runner for either your table or your buffet. I use this runner for my coffee table and for my buffet.

Image: Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• One yard of outerwear fleece (I used autumn themed material)
• A package of pony beads ( a corresponding color or clear)
• A rotary cutter (you can use scissors for this, but the cutter is quicker and easier)

Remove all selvage from your material. You will want to cut your fabric 16 to 18 inches in width by the length which is one yard. Lay the fabric out on a cutting surface. You should use a cutting mat for this step. Measure 8 inches from each end and make a small cut into the fabric. Cut the fabric to form a pointed end. It should look like this:

Image: Kathy Zengolewicz

I placed a ruler from the small cut in the fabric (8 inches from the end) to the center of the material at the end of the fabric and used a rotary cutter to make the point.

Cut a 2 inch square from the point. Along each side you will need to cut 2 inches into the material 1/2 inch wide to make the fringe.

If you happen to have a loop turner you can use it to thread the beads onto the fringe strips. If you do not have a loop turner you can use a thin crochet needle to push the fringe strips through the pony beads.

Continue to make the fringe on all four sides and attach the pony beads to the fringe. That is it. You have just made a beautiful and festive runner for you table.

Kathy Zengolewicz is an author, ghostwriter, editor and proofreader. To learn more about Kathy and her services, visit her website at kathyzengolewicz.com.

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Fringe Table Runner

Sure, poinsettias are beautiful, festive flowers, but why are they associated with Christmas? Here’s the scoop:

Mexican legend says that there once was a boy who had not gift to put by the likeness of Baby Jesus at his church on Christmas Eve. On the way there, an angel told him to pick some dried weeds for his gift. Once he laid the weeds by the figure, they turned into beautiful flowers.

The first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett, brought the plant into the United States, where it was later graced with the name “poinsettia”.

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Legend of the Poinsettia

Snowflakes are dainty, winter scenes are heartwarming and Santa’s certainly earned his place at the table, but there’s something about a wacky reindeer motif that lightens up the party and makes for a great conversation starter. Here are just a few I’ve been ogling (and chuckling over). See a set you like? Act fast and you can have these little guys on your table by Christmas.

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Reindeer Plates from Crate & Barrel
Reindeer Plates from Shop.com
Reindeer Plates from Wrapables.com
Reindeer Plates from Pottery Barn

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Fun & Festive Reindeer Plates

Think a candy cane is just a yummy garnish in your hot cocoa (well, it does serve that purpose well, doesn’t it?) Here’s a little trivia that might get you thinking otherwise:

• The candy cane begins with a stick of white candy, which symbolizes the purity of the Christmas season.
• The red stripes are for the blood shed by Christ on the cross for the benefit of our eternal life.
• The hook shape of the candy cane is actually a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, or may symbolize the staff of the Good Shepherd.
• The candy’s hard texture represents the Solid Rock, which is the foundation of the church and the firmness of God’s promises.

I am so privileged to live just twenty minutes away from the “World’s Largest Christmas Store”, Bronner’s, of Frankenmuth, Michigan. I will blog more on that later with photos and everything, but I wanted to note that this little do-dad came from their catalog. There are several traditions and legends explained in there, so keep watching for more of these fun factoids.

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Tradition of the Candy Cane

You’ve made the choice to have a live tree this year – great! There’s just something about a live Christmas tree that rounds the entire holiday season out. But choosing one can be a bit difficult. Here’s a handy-dandy list to help you find your way through a tree farm like a pro.

• Balsam Fir - Short, long-lasting needles are rounded at the tip. Dark green in color with a silver cast. Very fragrant.
• Douglas Fir - Slightly longer needles that have a wonderful aroma when crushed. Color is bluish to dark green. Good fragrance.
• Fraser Fir - Shorter, flattened needles which are dark green in color and hold very well. Nice pyramid-shape with strong branches that turn upward. Nice fragrance.
• Noble Fir - Inch-long, bluish-green needles with a silver cast that hold well. Short, stiff branches. Often used to make wreaths, swags, and garland.
• Scotch Pine - Most common Christmas tree in the US. Stiff branches with stiff, dark green medium-length needles. Generally holds needles for about four weeks, but needles will stay on even if dried out. Branches are more open, leaving plenty of space for ornaments. Holds scent throughout the season.
• Virginia Pine - Long, dark green needles that grow in twisted pairs. Strong branches, strong scent. Very popular in the south.
• White Pine - Long, soft, blue-green needles that stay on throughout the season. Very full with hardly any fragrance (which might be good for allergic folks). Slender branches may not support larger ornaments.

What kind of tree will you be looking for this year? Or do you already have yours? We’d love to see Before (Naked!) and After (Dressed!) photos of your gorgeous tree, so please send them to my email address (in the right column) and I’d be happy to feature it. (Just make sure there are no squirrels inside though, wouldja?)

Source: Christmas Trees and More

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Pick a Tree, Any Tree: Top 7 Live Choices