Mums are versatile blooms, as charming in casual arrangements as in considered ones. Pale-yellow 'Ginger' and orange 'Gold Strike' mums are made livelier by crimson dahlias; clusters of ruby-red rose hips gleam like jewels between the flowers. As a centerpiece, the display sets a cheerful tone for a weekend brunch.

Centerpiece How-To
Rose hips grow on sturdy stems that can act as a support system for the other blooms. We arranged them in a ceramic container, and nestled that inside a tin mold. If your mold has an irregularly shaped bottom, set it on a tray before displaying on furniture in case it tips.

1. Fill the container three-quarters of the way with water, and add rose hips; trim stems so the fruit spills over the container's edge. Set container inside mold.

2. Clip mum and dahlia stems slightly longer than those of the rose hips; tuck the flowers into gaps in the display. This arrangement should last about a week.