To decorate the luncheon table for your entertaining menu or just pick up an entry hall or coffee table, a floating flower in a low bowl is easy and inexpensive. Rhododendron is in bloom in the northeast right now and one large, perfect blossom in a large crystal bowl makes a dramatic centerpiece. You can get the same effect with any flower that's in season where you live.

Items

*   A rhododendron, peony, hibiscus, lily, an orchid on a bed of palm fronds, oleander, lotus, plumeria, camellia- or a flower purchased at the grocery store or market stand

*   Water

*   A low, wide bowl (crystal, ceramic, silver, etc)

Steps

*   Cut most of the stem off the flower so the blossom floats.

*   If the flowers you have are small, like ranunculus or roses, and your bowl is large, use three of them, or cover the surface of the water with an odd number of blossoms.

*    As the bloom begins to fade simply replace it, but also replace the water, to keep it fresh and nourishing for the flower.