Simple decorating tip

I love reading Real Simple magazine, if only to dream of all the ways I can effortlessly and cheaply transform my home to look like the rooms in their pages. Of course, I never do any of it. (Does anybody? I'd really like to know.) This month may be different. On page 46 of Sept 2007's issue they have a two-step centerpiece that requires ingredients I actually have on hand.

You need: smallish vase, little rocks or pebbles, a straw, a flower.

1. Cut the straw so that it's an inch shorter than the vase. Hold it upright in the middle of the vase and fill the vase with rocks.
2. Stick the cut flower into the straw (which helps it stand straight). Fill halfway with water.

You can also do this with dirt or sand. Wonder if rice would work?