When you find yourself with an abundance from your garden or food that is on the brink of going bad, don’t despair and DON’T get out the crockpot. Instead, use this bounty to create beautiful centerpieces for your table, buffet and mantel.

Stuffed Cabbage

Cut a hole in the top of each cabbage large enough to fit a piece of floral foam. Place foam inside hole and add water until the foam is saturated. Cut flower stems and/or branches at a sharp angle and push into the foam.

Oranges For Flowers

Trim the rind at the bottom of each orange to create a flat spot so it won’t roll.

Cut a drinking straw into two equal pieces. Use a pencil or pen to poke a hold in the top of each orange long enough to insert about 4 inches of the straw. Insert a straw in each hole. Place the stem of one flower in each straw.

Fishbowl Vase

Fill a fishbowl halfway with one or more types of small fruit such as kumquats or key limes or wedges of citrus such as lemons or limes. Add enough water to almost cover the fruit. Gently push flower stems and/or branches into the fruit.