Unique Spring and Summer Centerpiece Ideas from Rachael Ray

I was checkin' out the Rachael Ray web site for the first time tonight, and came across a variety of SUPER adorable and SUPER easy DIY centerpieces. And they're inexpensive, too! Check out the cute ideas below!

How cute are these for a candy buffet centerpiece? I just love these - I think they're so colorful and cheery... I guess they kind of give me a mental tooth ache, too! :)

I thought this were so simple and classic looking. I love how flower doesn't come out of the glass, but it's still the focal point. A line of these would make for a cheap, but classy centerpiece.

Planning a garden-themed or tea-party anytime soon? How about a mother's day brunch? How fun would this centerpiece be? Hit up your local antique shop or thrift store and check out their teapot selection! I'm sure you could find a few different patterns to display in different areas or tables at your gathering.

I thought this would be great centerpieces that do double-duty as favors. They're soooo easy and cheap - buy yourself some cute patterned socks and just wrap them around a cup or a flower pot and voila - you're guests now have a cute little flower to take home and tend to! How cute would this be for a bridal or baby shower?! Or a garden party! :)

What better way to add some dimension to your party than to use some spool as plate stands! Pairing bright colored spools of ribbon that coordinate with your party's color scheme will make for BEEEAA-U-TEEE-FUL plate stands! I love the bright colors chosen above paired with dainty desserts and finger foods. It's just TOO, TOO cute. (can you tell I loved this idea!)

I really liked this idea for an outdoor dinner party. I believe you could use any lentil, but I'm thinking some coffee beans would be great for this centerpiece. Add a tea light, a little twine around your votive (I believe the above are just OJ glasses...) and place a cute little stand and call it good. This would create a nice little ambiance to your evening meal. Simple. Cheap. Love.

I just love how a simple centerpiece can completely dress up your event. I also love that there are so many centerpiece ideas out there that you don't need to spend a FORTUNE on to make look good. Once I move into the new house I'm challenging myself to create a centerpiece using items that I already own... I'll share the results when I figure it out! Hey, maybe that will be my own monthly challenge! :)




What centerpieces have you made for your spring and summer events?

Is it SPRING yet?!?!

I saw this amazing centerpiece on Martha Stewart's web site and just had to share it with you all!

How delicious and pretty does this look! This would be a great addition to feature at any spring party... especially a garden party! This would also be a great thing to bring to a party as your gift to the host/hostess. You can check out all the things you need to make this great centerpiece here.

Oh man, do I love Martha!

Cute centerpiece idea!

So I mentioned in my post last night that I totally love the Hostess with the Mostess web site and blog. Well, while I was parusing the blog this afternoon, I came across this awesome idea for a centerpiece or gift. Now, the original post was for a Thanksgiving centerpiece, but I figure you can be as creative as you want! I'd love to make one for both Valentines Day and St. Patrick's Day. Another fun way to use these are at wedding receptions. Seriously, the possibilites are endless - one of the reasons I love it!


Are you wondering how you make it? Here you go!

What you will need:


Rectangular vase or planter
Green floral foam (approx. 1.5 brick)
Black river rocks
White lollipop sticks
Chipboard letters
Artificial flower leaves (orchids, daisies, etc.) or other greenery
Satin ribbon (1.5 - 2" wide)
Hot glue gun
Tape and/or craft glue gun


How to assemble:

• Fill the vase with floral foam - trimming the foam as necessary to fit. **Make sure to leave at least 1" of space between the top of the foam and the rim of the face.
• Cover the foam with the river rocks.
• Insert the artificial flower or greenery leaves at an angle into the foam on one side of the vase and place more river rocks or other decorations around it. (**Idea: pink and red foam hearts for Valentine's Day; Shamrock's/Four-leaf clovers for St. Patrick's Day)
• Embellish the vase with a band of satin ribbon.
• Using the chipboard letter and craft or hot glue gun, add the word you'd like to the ribbon on the front side of the vase (example, the "thanks" on the ribbon of this example shown in photo above).
• Using a hot glue gun, secure each letter of the other word you're including in your centerpiece onto its own lollipop stick (like the "give" in the photo example). Let the glue dry then insert the sticks through the rock layer into the floral foam.

You've now got an inexpensive, but adorable, centerpiece for your upcoming dinner party, holiday decor, or to use as centerpieces for the tables at your wedding **Idea - choose different phrases on each table and put those phrases on your guests place cards as an easy and creative way for them to find their seats!