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The table
Champagne flutes and evergreen sprigs form a centerpiece when interspersed with forest green tea lights in clear votive holders. Prunings from some junipers stay fresh for a month or more in water. Other short-needled conifers for this use include Arizona cypress Atlas cedar Douglas fir and noble fir.
Photo: Thomas J. Story
Juniper
Its scaly, rough-textured leaves are very long-lasting in water. For cuttings, we especially like Juniperus chinensis 'Mint Julep', a vaselike shrub with arching branches.
Many types make attractive, long-lasting cuttings. Monterey pine ( Pinus radiata) has 3- to 7-inch-long bright green needles on reddish brown branches.
Spruce
Native to the West, Colorado spruce ( Picea pungens) has stiff, irregular branches with prickly needles that vary from dark green to steely blue.
HOLIDAY DECORATING
Resources:Table Handblown Edge flutes ($10 each) and chunky 3-inch-diameter disk candle-holders ($1 each) from Crate and Barrel (800/ 996-9960). Window Crystal Frost by Design Master ($2.55; available through Springhill Floral Supply, 800/773-2554).
