Wire Wonder

For a holiday table with a country twist, start by shaping trees out of ordinary chicken wire. It's a good idea to wear gloves for protection and to use needle-nose pliers to help bend the wire.

Next, place trees in containers filled with red apples. For an irresistible scent and a soft touch decorate the trees by studding with a mixture of fresh-cut multicolored and solid-red roses.

Substitute with preserved blooms for longer use. Against an all-white dining table, the red really pops. If you have another palette in mind, experiment with different colored roses and container fillers.

Before adding roses, cut stems to about 3 inches. Wrap the stems in wet green moss, or place in florist's water vials. To preserve the roses after dismantling your arrangement, mass them in a shallow container filled with water