Take the Tips

As an alternative to the usual flowery branch arrangement, leave the limbs on the tree and cut just a few shortstemmed flowers.

The fringed, full petals and glossy brown leaf tips of this 'Kwanzan' cherry are all you need for a hot-pink teacup arrangement. Almost any blooming tree or shrub -- apple, magnolia, mock orange, deutzia -- will also work.

Once again, this top-heavy short-stemmed design will need to have its stems knotted with string to prevent the taller pieces from flopping over the rim.