1. Lay several vine strands together on a table. Place potted ivy in the middle of the vine strands, and wire the strands together at both ends. With scissors, cut flashing to fit the pot; wrap it around the pot and secure it with duct tape. Twist wire around the vine strands, from one end to the other, to hold them together and help secure them to the pot. Divide the ivy so that it roughly parallels the vine strands (the ivy and the vine strands should be about the same length).
2. Place caps on Christmas lights and weave them asymmetrically from one end of the arrangement to the other.
3. Insert flowers in water-filled vials and set them into the centerpiece, putting lilies in the middle and staggering chrysanthemums and orchids down each side. Hide the battery-operated control switch in the greenery where you can easily reach it.
NOTE: If not constructing the arrangement on your holiday table, make it on a cardboard base, so it can be transported easily and slipped into place later.