How to Make a Charity Lighted Branch Centerpiece for a Bridal Shower

This is one of the most thoughtful gifts to have at a bridal shower. Instead of a guest receiving a list of gifts that the bride and groom will need, the guest will receive a list of charities that the bride and groom have chosen. A guest can give any amount, and doesn't have to disclose the donation. Have each guest write on a small card something like I have made a donation to the local food bank . Make sure each guest signs the card. As each guest arrives, their donation will hang on the charity branch centerpiece.

Charity Branch Centerpiece

Large glass vase
Medium sized twigs
White spray paint
White glitter
2 to 3 yards of tulle
Paper punch
Ornament hooks
White stones or marbles
String of battery operated lights
Pictures of the bride and groom

Directions:

1. Gather several twigs from outside that are thin and approximately 12 to 18 inches in length. Take a lightly damp sponge and wipe off dirt or any debris that might be on the branches. Also, remove any leaves that may be on the branch. Place a large tarp on the lawn or on a work area in a large well ventilated room. Place the clean branches on the tarp.

2. Spray paint one branch at a time. Before the paint dries on the branch, sprinkle with glitter. It may take two coats of paint to completely cover the branch. Repeat this step on the remaining branches. Let branches dry completely. Once dried, gently shake each branch to remove excess glitter.

3. Pour the white marbles or stones into the glass vase. Place the branches into the marbles. The marbles will help to stabilize the branches.

4. Weave the battery operated lights throughout the branches. Tuck the battery pack to the back of the arrangement where it will be easy to get access to it. Then evenly weave the tulle throughout the branch centerpiece.

5. Make a small hole to the top of the bride and groom's picture with a paper punch. Hang the pictures throughout the charity branch centerpiece. As each guest arrives, make a hole with a paper punch to the top of their charity card and hang it on the charity branch centerpiece.

Once the shower is over, put the donation cards in a box. Write a thank you to everyone who made a donation, then display these charity cards in a photo album. The bride and groom will have a beautiful centerpiece that can latter be used at their wedding, and have this charity theme carry on at their wedding.

The website www.christmaslightsetc.com offers a great selection of battery operated lights.