60-second centerpieces

<em><img alt="Maura McEvoy" title="Maura McEvoy" src="http://img.timeinc.net/realsimple/i/p/Nov02/1102_centerpieces_1.jpg" align="left" width="180" height="240">Transform your table with these simple yet beautiful arrangements</em> <p><strong><em>Natural</em></strong><br> <strong>The Elements:</strong> Oversize dried leaves, like these from a magnolia; $8 for 10 leaves, the Depot, www.flowerdepotstore.com. </p><p><strong>The Container:</strong> A galvanized tub or any opaque container that hides the stems. </p><p><strong>The Tip:</strong> Make sure the stems aren&#39;t all the same length. The arrangement should mimic the natural, free-flowing form of the leaves themselves. </p><p><strong>Learn <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/gallery/0,21863,1124613,00.html?xid=yshisecce1">Alternative Ways to Dress Up a Table</a> at <em>Real Simple</em>.</strong> </p><p><strong><em>Glowing</em></strong><br> <strong>The Elements:</strong> One dozen pillar candles of various heights and widths. Pillar candles, $5 to $10, www.illuminations.com. </p><p><strong>The Container:</strong> A shallow platter, tray, bowl, or pan. </p><p><strong>The Tip:</strong> Make sure no candles of the same height sit side by side. This centerpiece also looks great on a coffee table. </p><p><strong><em>Sunlit</em></strong><br> <strong>The Elements:</strong> One dozen lemons (about $7), one pound hazelnuts (about $5), and three small branches of lemon leaves. </p><p><strong>The Container:</strong> Any glass bowl -- preferably with a pedestal, for added drama -- such as this clear glass compote. </p><p><strong>The Tip:</strong> Juxtaposing large, smooth, shiny objects (lemons) with smaller, textured ones (nuts) creates a compelling composition. </p><p><strong>See <em>Real Simple</em>&#39;s Guide to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1683690-1548768,00.html?xid=yshisecce2">Setting the Holiday Table</a>.</strong> </p><p><strong><em>Fruitful</em></strong><br> <strong>The Elements:</strong> Six pomegranates (about $1.50 each) and two dozen Italian plums (about $1.50 a pound) or fresh figs (about $4.50 apound). </p><p><strong>The Container:</strong> Any white bowl with a sensuous line. </p><p><strong>The Tip:</strong> When you mix two fruits, their size and shape should be different, but the tonality of the colors should be the same, as with these jewel-toned plums and pomegranates. </p><p><strong><em>Bountiful</em></strong><br> <strong>The Elements:</strong> Eight dozen red carnations (about $8.50 a dozen). </p><p><strong>The Container:</strong> A wooden salad bowl. </p><p><strong>The Tip:</strong> When working with mundane materials, the more the merrier. Cut stems to three or four inches, depending on the size of the bowl. Put a glass dish inside for water. Carnations are hardy, so if you change the water every few days, this arrangement should last two weeks. </p><p><strong>More from <em>Real Simple</em>:<br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1841009-1555528,00.html?xid=yshisecce3">Dinner Party Seating Strategies</a><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1841009-1550118,00.html?xid=yshisecce4">40 Ways to Simplify Thanksgiving</a><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1841009-1673240,00.html?xid=yshisecce5">Trouble-Free Thanksgiving</a></strong> </p>