Need a few ideas for quick, innovative May Day decorations for a spring-y look for your next garden party, family gathering or even spring outdoor wedding reception? Try these, and you’ll get compliments galore. 

MAYPOLE: Here’s a surprise use for the center pole of an artificial Christmas tree (any type of old aluminum type will work). Attach wide ribbon or crepe paper streamers in a variety of colors to the top of the center pole. You can use a knife or screwdriver to poke the streamers into the edges of the fitting at the top of the pole. Using alternating colors of ribbon, weave the streamers back and forth around the pole until they cover about 8 to 10 inches of the top. Insert silk flowers and ivy in the holes where you would ordinarily put the tree branches.

Extend the streamers, one or two at a time, to within a few inches of the edge of the table and tape down. Serving bowls (including flowerpot serving bowls as mentioned below) can be placed over the end of the streamers at the edge of the table for light refreshments — or even a buffet. 

FLOWER POT PARTY: Flowerpots of all sizes make wonderful decorations. They’re inexpensive and can be used in many ways to enhance and enchant your May Day and springtime guests. Planted with spring pansies or violets, they make charming table decorations — for indoors or out.

At this May Day flowerpot party, however, flowerpots are used for everything but flowers. Additional uses include using them as serving bowls with flower spoons, as salad bowls, as cake pans and at the end of a Maypole.

One strong word of caution before you try these: If using pots as serving bowls, only use unglazed clay pots, and always line them with aluminum foil or plastic so that food doesn’t come in direct contact with the pot. Never use glazed pots, which can produce lead poisoning, or ceramic pots, which may contain highly toxic cadmium.