Carnation balls for Memorial Day

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Memorial Day table and Fourth of July table, and they're easy to make.

Thoroughly saturate a sphere of floral foam with cool water, then insert short carnation stems — cut to an inch below the calyx — in a concentric, coiling pattern until the sphere is almost covered. Each of these 4? spheres holds about 50 carnations.

Display carnation balls individually, or cluster balls of varying sizes — and color — on a favorite vase or tray to create a distinctive and dramatic centerpiece. Place sphere with its "bald spot" in a glass or saucer of cool water; refresh daily and it will last a week.

Oh, and don't let me forget to say these are sooo easy to make, your friend and even your parents will be impressed!