Celebrity Florist Shares Simple, Effective Thanksgiving Centerpiece Tips

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — As Thanksgiving approaches, the task of choosing a centerpiece for your table may be made easier using simple tricks from the professionals.

For many, a perfectly set table for Thanksgiving is just as important as the meal itself, with a centerpiece that makes or breaks the holiday atmosphere.

Celebrity florist David Mark suggests that the perfect centerpiece doesn't need to cost much, or anything at all. Mark recommends starting by taking different botanicals from your own back yard.

"I like cornucopias, wreaths, gourds, pumpkins, corn, working with seasonal flowers that are available around Los Angeles," Mark said. "You can get a lot of these things in the back yard: autumn leaves, oak leaves, pumpkins from the store."

Taking it even further, Mark says the key to putting together the perfect centerpiece is to mix fresh and dried elements. Craft stores, such as Michael's or the 99 Cents Only store, are a good place to start, while the Flower Mart downtown is convenient for your fresh flower needs.

Mark demonstrated how easy the decoration can be, starting with some leaves, which can be cut right from a tree outside. After dropping the leaves into a basket container, a small wreath of hydrangeas was placed around them. Seed eucalyptus, sunflowers and small ornamental kales were also used.

After decorating the concoction with some gourds and a couple of pumpkins, some roses can be added for an extra flare.

For designs from David Mark's Los Angeles floral studio, visit his website, Designs By David.

For unique botanical bouquet designs from other top florists, visit Bloomnation.com.