The next time you're invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, bring a hostess gift that's full of welcome surprises. On the surface, it's a centerpiece of succulents, which is already beautiful on its own. But lo and behold, the centerpiece can be deconstructed to reveal other purposes. Surprise #1: the succulents are individually wrapped and ready to be given as party favors. And surprise #2: hidden in the bottom of the basket are plastic food containers for guests to take home leftovers. All will agree that for this Thanksgiving centerpiece, your creativity doth runneth over.
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Things You'll Need
Fabric
Scissors
Succulents in small pots
Twine
Plastic food containers
Basket
Napkin
Ribbon
Step 1: Cut Fabric into Squares
Using scissors, cut fabric into approximately 12-inch squares. This fabric will be used to cover the plastic pots of the succulents, so I chose a warm flannel plaid to go with the Thanksgiving occasion.
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Step 2: Wrap the Succulent Pots
For this centerpiece, shop for a variety of succulents in small plastic pots. At the nursery, these pots are usually 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Wrap each pot in a fabric square, and secure the fabric with twine.
Tip
For variety, you can also select containers of fresh herbs instead of, or in addition to, the succulents.
Step 3: Place Food Containers in Basket
Line the bottom of a basket with plastic food containers and lids. Allow the containers to reach midway to the top of the basket, leaving enough room to place the succulents later. Position the food containers upside down so the succulents will have a base to sit on. Slide the lids into the back of the basket.
Step 4: Hide the Containers
Cover the containers and lids with a cloth napkin. The napkin not only hides the containers, it protects them against any leakage from the succulent pots.
Step 5: Insert the Succulent Plants
Place the wrapped succulent plants into the basket, positioning the taller ones in the back. If the plants sink into the basket, you may need to add more plastic containers to increase the height. If the succulents want to fall out of the basket, you may need to remove some containers so there's more room for the plants.
Step 6: Add a Bow
For a finishing touch, tie a ribbon around the handle of the basket to make a bow.
The Thanksgiving centerpiece looks beautiful on the table. But the bonuses it reveals are the "gravy" the guests will really love.
