Holiday Centerpieces: Lush Juniper and Carnation Bouquets

For this frilly and full centerpiece, I gathered juniper branches and the palest mint green carnations.

The much maligned carnation actually comes in some wonderful subtle colors, such as this minty green, and has a lovely clove-like fragrance. They are ruffly and pretty and unexpected on the holiday table.

I pulled down from my shelves short French green glass jars, which remind me of the color of the cold Northwest ocean in winter.

After filling the jars with water, set snips of juniper in them, and then pack the vases with the carnations. You can vary the ratio of carnation to juniper as you please.

I put mine on a table set with red candle holders and a colorful runner featuring a Scandinavian heart motif.