To make a centerpiece that won’t wilt and can be recycled, tie up small white gift boxes with colorful ribbons. For the most dramatic presentation, use three box sizes and create stacks of different heights — but none higher than eight inches if you want to be able to see Aunt Mary over the centerpiece.

Boxes: 2 1/2 by 1 1/2 by 7/8 inch, 60 cents; 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 by 1 inch, 70 cents; 3 3/4 by 5 1/4 by 7/8 inch, 80 cents: the Container Store, www.containerstore.com. Ribbons: $2 to $3 a yard, M&J Trimming, www.mjtrim.com.