As I joined the NBC's Today Show, I had to come up with creative and fun things for people to make as they celebrate each holiday with their families. This is one of my favorites. Long after I was on the Today Show I would make up these Leprechaun Centerpieces and then put them in my fridge and see if they would last for a month. I love opening my fridge and being greeted by these two special Leprechauns. Have fun creating.

Leprechaun Centerpieces

Sure to delight even the littlest elf in you family.

Paint eyes and mouth on tangerine. Cut a 1” by 5” strip from the green felt for the arms, adjusting the length to fit your apple. Cut hands from flesh-colored felt and glue a hand to the end of each arm. Turn the apple upside down. Place the arm-strip across apple, and insert a toothpick through the felt and partway into the blossom end of the apple. Place the tangerine on the other end of the tooth pick for the head. Attach trim or yarn with glue or pins to form a beard. Decorate hatband with ribbon and place hat on top of tangerine. Keep in place with straight pins. Tie ribbon into bow and place on neck.

Leprechauns are small imaginary creatures who supposedly made shoes for the fairies of Ireland. These little old men have a reputation for being rich and quite cranky. If captured, a leprechaun will try to buy his freedom by telling his captor where to find the pot of gold that he's hidden.

Dian is taking several groups to China this year to look into the healthy aspect of the Chinese lifestyle while seeing such sights as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and much more. Dian still has a couple of openings on her March 25 th trip. She will also be going to China in April 23, June 4, September 10, October 15, November 5, and December 3. Contact Dian by email at Dian@DianThomas.com.