Learn how to make these table centerpieces with log vases and garden flowers. Easy and inexpensive table decor for your country garden party or wedding.
Welcome to week two of the OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA! Be sure to check out my trash to treasure tool box planters if you missed last week’s Plants & Flowers party.
This time, it’s all about Decorating & Entertaining al fresco style.
Over the weekend we planned on having an outdoor get-together. Then, the forecast called for buckets of rain and, boy, they were bang on!
I’m okay with it though. My plants and flowers really needed the moisture, not to mention our lawn. Our party guests, not so much. So, we decided to postpone until a later date when the sun is shining and we can properly host a country-themed garden party.
Why country? I guess I equate it with simple food and drinks, no-fuss decorating, and an easy-going atmosphere. Something I could really use in my life right now…
We’re prepared. Our outdoor decorations are all ready to go.
For the table, I wanted something rustic, but pretty at the same time. So, we (aka my husband) created log tealight holders and vases using fallen branches we found by the river.
Country Garden Party Centerpieces
How to Make Log Vases:
- Cut log into sections using a mitre saw (you can read more about that process here).
- Find center of the log and mark with a pencil.
- Drill hole with 2⅛” hole saw with drill bit guide.
- Drill into hole saw using 1½”spade bit.
- Chisel out the remaining wood.
- Repeat process until you’ve carved a 5″ deep cylinder (or enough to hold the flowers).
How to Make Log Tealight Holders:
Drill hole ¾” deep using a 1½” hole saw, followed by 1½” spade bit. Use chisel to smoothen edges.
I guess this is where I thank my husband for all his hard work. I was planting flowers and working on next week’s project while he was making these (sore back and all). And there may have even been a hockey game on at the same time. He’s the best, isn’t he? I think I did mix him a drink afterwards…
To help keep the pesky bugs away, I filled the log tea light holders with citronella candles.
To fill each vase, I clipped a variety of flowers from our yard. Seasonally, I’ll be able to switch things up, making the whole thing so much fun.
For the lining, I used a plastic sandwich bag held in place with an elastic band. Then I filled it half-way with water and began arranging the tallest flowers first.
Before I tucked the filler apple blossoms around the edge, I removed the elastic band and trimmed the plastic close to the inner edge so it wasn’t visible. Then, I topped it up with a bit more water.
So easy and inexpensive. And not too precious or fussy. Just as outdoor entertaining should be, right?
These log vases and tealight holders would be perfect for weddings too.
And, for another rustic table decor idea for an outdoor party, check out this log and succulent centerpiece. Perfect if you’re looking for budget-friendly garden party decor.
More Outdoor Decorating & Entertaining Ideas!
You’re going to love these ideas some of my blogger friends put together. Be sure to stop by and say HELLO!
A Texan Table Setting by The Blissful Bee
Summer Crostini Bar by Craftberry Bush
Country Garden Party Table Centerpieces by Satori Design for Living (that’s me!)
DIY Painted Outdoor Serving Tray by The Happy Housie
Hosting a Last Minute BBQ by Fynes Designs
Fresh & Fun Front Porch Decor by Echoes of Laughter
Be sure to come back next Wednesday to check out our Outdoor Build-it & Paint projects. As well, mark your calendars for our big OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA link party on Thursday, May 28th!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Such a pretty centerpiece. I have some old logs laying the yard – I need to give this a try!
Alicia says
Shauna, the log vase is so pretty! I love that it’s a simple DIY and you can use it all over the house. So pretty!
[email protected] of Laughter says
Such a gorgeous project Shauna! These vases are stunning! They would work for both a casual party but I can also see them being used in formal wedding as well because they are so pretty and have that quiet sophistication thing going on. Have a lovely week! Angie xo
Shauna Oberg says
I told Hayden I have the decorations ready to go if he ever has a country garden themed wedding. Of course he said he really didn’t care about that sort of thing. That’s for the girl to pick out lol!
swell conditions says
Wow Shauna your table setting looks so pretty! That’s also very clever with the plastic bag in the vase, you can’t see it at all and the flowers get their water!
[email protected] says
Beautiful vignette! But my attention was totally captured by the two-tone daisies! What plant is that??? GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Can you tell I’m landscaping this year, plants, plants, plants!!
Love your project!
Shauna Oberg says
Hi Anne,
Yes, those flowers are so pretty. They’re osteopermums and I picked them up at Canadian Tire. Here’s a link for more info: https://www.ballseed.com/Retailers/plant_info.aspx?phid=046105898005863
Hope you can find them! xo, Shauna
Thea says
This is truly lovely Shauna! I quite enjoyed your detailed tutorial too! The weather was quite disagreeable on the long weekend. I hope your rescheduled party is a lot more successful!
Shauna Oberg says
Thank you, Thea! I’m sure we’ll have plenty of gorgeous weekends coming up (hope so anyway)!
Virginia Fynes says
Those are darling, I want to make some! They look so sweet with the country bouquet!
Jeannine says
Such a neat idea and looks so easy!
Lisa says
I love how simple and elegant this looks
Alyssa says
These are such pretty shots. I love how you arranged these, and I am going to mimic some of them in my home.
Shauna Oberg says
Thanks, Alyssa! They were fun to make and I love switching the flowers up with the seasons!