Holiday Star Table Setting

This dazzling centerpiece shimmers like winter ice. If possible, choose crystal or cut-glass vintage vases for the most sparkle.

• 3 tall glass vases
• 3 small glass vases
• 18 long-stemmed roses
• 1 round silver tray
• Scissors or small garden shears
• Broken safety glass (see below)
• Work gloves
• 1 yard of wide satin ribbon to match table decor

1. Put glass in vases. Fill the bottom of all the vases with small chunks of broken safety glass. To avoid the chance of accidentally getting a nick, wear sturdy gloves whenever handling broken safety glass.

2. Add water to vases. If using floral preservative, mix it with water in another container, then add the water to vase.

3. Remove the leaves from the rose stems.

4. Add flowers to vases. Trim 1/2 inch from 15 of the flower stems and add 5 flowers to each tall vase. (Put each flower into a vase as soon as you cut the stem.) Fill in around the flowers with more glass chunks. Trim remaining 3 roses to about 2 inches taller than short vases. Place 1 short rose in each small vase and fill in with safety glass.

5. Arrange vases on tray. Place tray in desired location. Place the 3 tall vases equally spaced around the tray. Place the short vases in between the tall vases. Fill in around the tray with glass ornaments if desired.

6. Add bow. Tie the ribbon in a big bow around one of the tall vases. Trim the ends or let the excess ribbon "puddle" onto the table, as desired.

• Ask a glass company to save some broken safety glass for you; most companies will be happy to do it.
• Tell your florist you will be cutting the stems short on 3 of the roses; he or she may have several large roses with shorter stems available for a reduced price.