How to Make a Centerpiece With a Bird's Nest & Robin Eggs

Set a block of water-soaked florist's foam in a plastic-lined willow basket. The basket's shape should be either low and round or a rectangle. The foam should nearly fill the bottom of the basket and extend a couple of inches above its rim. Secure the foam with two strips of florist's tape.

Cover the green foam with sheet moss. Secure the moss by inserting U-pins through the moss and into the foam. Allow some moss to fall over the edges of the basket.

Place a section of driftwood or a branch, measuring about 12 inches long, in the center of the basket. It should be slightly curved so that part of the wood sits flat on the moss while the opposite end curves upward. Bend two florist's wires into a U-shape and place the ends over the branch and into the foam so that it is stable.

Adhere moss to sections of the branch using hot glue. This will hide the wires and add texture and color to the wood.

Arrange assorted greenery, like green leather leaf ferns and ivy, around the base of the branch. Press the ends of the stems into the foam. Trail sprigs of ivy or other greenery over the edges of your basket and upward around your branch. The green plants you choose should look full and lush.

Attach a faux bird's nest to the branch with hot glue. Position it in the curve of the branch and tilt the nest forward slightly. Glue moss inside the bottom of the nest. Glue three faux eggs inside the nest, nestled together.

Gather a few tall pussy-willow twigs and insert them into the foam next to the raised section of the branch. Stand them upright to add height to your arrangement. Insert a few shorter pieces of pussy-willows by the end of the branch opposite the bird's nest. Insert them into the foam so they lay in a horizontal position. They will lay nearly flat on top of your greenery and extend beyond the edge of your basket. These will add length to your design.

Arrange stems of blue iris and yellow or red tulips in a pleasing design around the branch. For example, place a few tall stems of iris next to the tall pussy-willows, varying the height of the stems. Place a few stems of iris to follow the lines of the horizontal pussy-willows while varying the length of these stems, as well. Cluster tulips around the nest. Most of the blossoms should be positioned slightly lower than the nest, as the nest should be clearly visible as your focal point. Fill empty spaces in your design with tiny wax flowers or baby's breath.