Cheap, Creative Centerpieces

Well, it's time for spring and that means fresh ideas for brightening up our tables and party buffets with some simple, easy decorating ideas. Easter's over, so this year the bunnies and eggs might have to be put up a bit sooner than usual, but that's okay. There are plenty of other options available!

One way to recycle grocery paper bags: spring "Basket" Boquets from Martha's site via Petit Elephant.

For evening any time of the year, the new Celebrations editor at Real Simple's blog, Jennifer Sbranti, of Hostess with the Mostess, shares ideas for creative candlescapes.

Also, upon searching through the Real Simple archives, I found these great "60-second centerpieces," for all those times when you have someone coming over and you realize that even though the center of your table is clean (at least), it is also bare and devoid of all warmth.

Pillar Candles Classic. And if you're like me, you always have too many candles stored around the house anyway.

Two kinds of fruit Maybe lemons and limes for spring color?

Carnations and a Salad Bowl (Think pink or white for spring!)

Plus, here's 17 more ways to dress up a table. Though meant for more wintry themes, they are easily adaptable. My favorites are using bottles of brightly colored soda, candy in a vase (leftover Easter jelly beans, anyone?), limes, and the ever-simple water and apples.