Centerpieces ala Spring!

Edith Shaeffer, in her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking, shares her belief that there should always be a centerpiece on the dining room table. She emphasizes how this brings grace and beauty to the home, and how children benefit from the centeredness that results from this tradition. Centerpieces do not need to be expensive or store-bought. She empathizes the use of objects found in nature; things that children can help gather. Twigs, shells, rocks, leaves, moss, and flowers are all things that can be found outside quiet easily. Even in the coldest months of winter, evergreen branches or dry twigs can be used. Ever since reading her her book, I have tried to keep a simple centerpiece on the dining room table. It changes according to mood and what is available. My centerpiece for early March was made of a place mat, a round plate, sea shells, and a potted daffodil plant. Simple, yet effective, it helped bring SPRING to the dining room table!