Next I pulled out some old milk jars in various styles and sizes.
I added cuttings from a tea olive bush. I need to go back and trim a few of them again. In a week or so, I may change to holly or flowers. I'll probably keep changing until I'm ready to change to a whole new look.
The arrangement in the first photo worked fine, but then I added tiny lights, as shown in the second photo. The photo doesn't do it justice.
The string of lights are wonderful. They are teeny-tiny. The cord is a copper wire, which means you can bend them this way and that, plus they look pretty. The lights have an on-off switch and you can even use them on a timer. I haven't used them enough to figure out how long the timed setting lasts. One more thing about these lights - you can use them under water. They could really add a whole new dimension to a vase of flowers.
I bought my lights at a local store, Collector's Corner (in Sharpsburg, GA). You may be able to find them online as well, but I don't have info on the brand.
After adding the lights I tried adding a collection of rocks and minerals, but it took away from the simplicity. My collection was multi-colored. If I had used only quartz rocks or something similar, it might have been nice. On the other hand, the lights reflecting on the tray is really nice.
By the way, if I had kids around, I would definitely pull out the holiday decorations. I don't, so this year, I'll keep things simple and focus on the other aspects of Christmas. I'm keeping busy, too, going to parties and get-togethers and lunching with friends. Since I'll be able to see so many other people's decorations, I won't actually be missing out. It's really only MY decorations I don't want to see.