How to Make Stunning and Inexpensive Artichoke and Tulip Centerpieces for Your Party or Wedding Reception

If you want something unusual yet budget friendly to decorate your party or wedding reception I have just the thing! These tulip centerpieces and artichoke votive decorations are easy enough for even a beginner to make. The green tulip stems are a great match with the fresh garden green of the artichoke votive holders. All you need are a few simple tools and some readily available materials to fashion a fresh design with style and simplicity.

You will need the following items to create these table decorations:

• A sharp knife, kitchen shears, or garden shears to cut the flowers and the artichokes.

• Fresh artichokes, one for each votive decoration desired.

• Fresh cut tulips in a color to match your wedding style and theme. You will need three to four tulips per centerpiece depending upon personal preference and container size. The parrot tulips used in the photo are great for either a garden style or a European style setting. Dutch tulips have smoother edges and would be at home in either a more traditional style setting or a contemporary setting. Dutch tulips are usually much less expensive than parrot tulips or French tulips.

• One clear glass lily bowl or similar shallow glass bowl per centerpiece. The pictured centerpiece is in a 12" lily bowl. Squat cylinder style bowls and globes also work well. If you think buying all of this glassware is not in your budget you can rent the containers. Some florists rent out their glassware for a fraction of the cost of buying it.

• Colored marbles, sea glass, seashells, or stones to highlight the design and secure the votive candles. Which type you choose is dependant on the style of your party. Sea glass or seashells would be marvelous for a tropical themed party or a beach wedding. Natural stones or river rock can create an organic or garden look. A variety of flat or round marbles can be found to match just about any style or color theme. Many florists sell these but the best prices on these accents can be found at dollar stores and discount stores.

• Votive candles in a color to match the theme and style of your celebration. You will need three for each centerpiece and one for each artichoke votive decoration you desire. These are generally least expensive when bought in bulk packages. Many colors are usually available at Walmart or Target and at the wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam's Club.

To make the artichoke votive holders cut out the centers of each artichoke using either a sharp knife, kitchen shears or garden shears. Then cut the bottom of the artichoke so it is as flat as possible so the votive holder will stay upright. You can store these in a plastic bag in the refrigerator with a wet paper towel for moisture for up to four days. To assemble, simply plunk a votive candle into the center of the artichoke.

To assemble the centerpieces, cover the bottom of each bowl with your choice of marbles, sea glass, seashells, or stones. Then add enough water to just cover them. Cut three to four tulips to length and gently curve them inside the dish with at least part of the cut end of their stems in the water. Save the votive candles for last, especially if you are transporting these centerpieces because the wicks can get wet and then won't light. Arrange the three votive candles in the center of the design and gently twist them into whichever medium you used in the bottom of your bowls and straighten their wicks before lighting.

You can arrange the centerpieces and votive holders however you wish on your tables. For example, you could use one centerpiece surrounded by three votive holders on each table with extra votives for use on the food tables. Or you could put three to five votive holders alone on some tables and use the centerpieces alone on others. A single artichoke votive holder works great to add a little class to a cocktail table, too. It's all a matter of budget and personal taste.

I took the photo after the centerpiece and votive holders had been left out at room temperature for well over a day. These decorations can be assembled a day ahead of time without refrigeration or several days ahead of time if you have access to a cooler. Of the many centerpieces I've created in my years as a professional floral designer, these are among my favorites both for their simple style and ease of construction.