When it comes to creating Thanksgiving centerpieces, there seem to be two schools of thought: One, they are too hard to make; and two, they are impossible to make.

People get too caught up in making the perfect centerpiece, says Ria Sim, owner of Twigs Studio in Danville, Calif. Instead, Sim says, they should relax and see what develops.

Sim speaks from experience. The mother of two was running a successful event-planning company when one day she needed a floral arrangement and couldn't find what she wanted. She'd never done flower arranging and says she was familiar with only two types of flowers, roses and carnations. But she was desperate enough to give it a try.

Sim pulled together the look she wanted and discovered she enjoyed the creativity. She started making arrangements for most of the events and was surprised when people came to her wanting to know what florist she was using.

With support from her husband, Sim opened Twigs, which she operates from a home office and studio. And she shares her story with others as an example that you don't have to have formal training to create something pleasing for your table.

Here are her suggestions for making a memorable centerpiece with little fuss or stress.

Sim starts with the container, which dictates what type of flowers, plants and decorations she uses. For table centerpieces, you want something that's not too tall (dinner guests should be able to see each other across the table) and not too large (it will be competing for table space with plates, glasses and food).

Sim recommends investing in a nice vase that will add to the appeal of the centerpiece, not simply hold the flowers. But you also can think outside the vase and do what Sim calls "recycling with style."

"Anything that can hold something can become a vase," Sim says, "just by making it waterproof."

She lines boxes with plastic or encases the supporting base in plastic bags - anything that keeps the water where it belongs. Knowing that you can use almost anything expands the possibilities.

Once you've chosen your centerpiece container, gather all the tools you'll need. The most important, Sim says, is a pair of flower shears that are sharp and clean.

You also may need wire, floral tape, a frog (a device that holds stems in place), picks and flower foam. If you're going to be attaching decorations, you may need a hot glue gun.

Like everything to do with your centerpiece, Sim says, keep it simple. You don't need fancy equipment, just things that you can work with. You can purchase your tools at most craft stores and garden centers.

Color: Thanksgiving's tradition colors are red, yellow and orange, but Sim says you can add other colors to create a pleasing surprise. Add purple or lime green to the traditional color palette for vibrancy, or go in another direction and use shades that aren't Thanksgiving standards.

A Thanksgiving centerpiece doesn't have to scream turkeys and pilgrims.

Texture: The different textures in an arrangement are as important as the colors, Sim says. Many flowers have smooth, soft petals, and an entire arrangement can be beautiful, but by adding different textures with glossy leaves, berries, frilled edges, bark and dried seed pods, you provide visual interest.

Flowers: Sim recommends choosing flowers based on their color and texture, rather than on familiarity or because you have a fondness for a particular flower. Think about how flowers, plants and fruits will look together, or about what you need to complete your vision.

Autumn flowers generally aren't as fragrant as those that thrive in the spring, but Sim says to be cognizant of scent. Some flowers with strong fragrances may be displeasing to your guests or may clash with food aromas.

Decorations: Sim thinks foliage used as a filler shortchanges the arrangement. She'd rather use autumn leaves, small fruits, branches, berries or small dried corn cobs to fill out the display. Don't use decorations to fill in empty spots - use them to enhance the display.

One of the mistakes most people make, Sim says, is thinking they can't find exotic or interesting flowers without a trip to the flower market. But Sim urges would-be flower designers to check out their neighborhood grocery stores and specialty stores.

And don't forget to look in your own yard. The garden provides not only inspiration but a bounty of choices. Just make sure the plants are pest-free.

You can gather the ingredients for your centerpiece a day or two ahead. Instead of putting them in the no doubt already-crowded refrigerator, Sim says they should be kept at room temperature, which will allow buds to open and acclimate to the environment.

Beware of keeping them too close to a heat source, however. And if buds are opening too rapidly, put them in a cooler spot.

Prepare your arrangement the day of your gathering, Sim says. But if you're nervous about making a mistake, do a practice arrangement to work out your idea and figure out how long or short stems should be. And buy a few extra stems in case you make a mistake or to freshen up a drooping display.

If you're using floral foam to hold the stems in place, soak the foam before using, and keep the arrangement watered through the day.

Then relax and have fun creating your centerpiece. If it doesn't come out looking exactly as you envisioned, who's to know?

If you're too intimidated to try a large centerpiece, try grouping several small ones together.

Remember to keep it simple. If you do, Sim says, you'll come up with something grand.

FAVORITE FLOWERS

These are some of the flowers, plants and items floral designer Ria Sim likes for Thanksgiving centerpieces, all of which are available at area stores or your own backyard:

Viburnum, red and purple

Scabiosa pods

Helleborus

Craspedia (Billy balls or Billy buttons)

Fall leaves

Chinaberries

Eucalyptus berries and branches

Kale

Chili peppers

Bells of Ireland

Roses

Tulips

Dahlia

Hydrangea

Asiatic lilies

Coxcomb

Apples

Small pumpkins