Love this pic from the Crate & Barrel catalog of a modern and understated floral arrangement in a simple white platter. I suppose it would be easy to replant the succulents after your event?

The same idea could be applied to poinsettias for your Christmas tablescape, although they’re poisonous, so this wouldn’t work if you have curious kiddos around who love shoving anything and everything in their mouths. Pair red poinsettia blooms with green spider mums and white carnations, or white poinsettias with succulents and red carnations.

 

Add a few shiny ornament balls for some extra pizzazz. Even better? A shiny ornament ball in an unexpected color, like purple or turquoise. Why not?

The trick is finding flowers like these that aren’t overpoweringly fragrant–scents that are too strong can detract from the nostalgic smells of your holiday meal and dull your appetite.