Project

Holiday Centerpiece: Gilded Pear Basket

Gold-painted pears look straight out of a fairy tale on your Christmas table. This gold dust, however, isn't magic -- it's available at baking supply stores. Magnolia leaves are also transformed with gold floral paint.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, Volume 145

materials

Nontoxic petal dust, in gold

Pears

Small paint brush

Bowl

Basket

Magnolia leaves

Floral spray, in gold

Cedar sprigs

Satin ribbon

steps

Handle the fruit by the stem. Place petal dust in bowl; apply to fruit with brush. Place in basket; touch up. Coat shiny side of leaves with floral spray; let dry.
Tuck leaves among fruit and sprigs around basket edge. Tie ribbon on handle. Wash pears before eating them.
Tuck leaves among fruit and sprigs around basket edge. Tie ribbon on basket handle. Wash pears before eating.