Summer Entertaining Simplified: The Centerpiece

I’m back with more trade secrets for successful summer entertaining. This post is all about the focal point of your table: the centerpiece! By now you know I’m all about multi-functional solutions, and this centerpiece is no exception. Not only is it a beautiful alternative to the usual floral arrangement or taper candles, but it smells fantastic and acts as a natural insect repellant! Let’s get started, shall we?

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

You will need to gather the following:

• Fresh lemons and limes
• Fresh rosemary and lavender
• Insect-repelling essential oil such as lemon, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, clove, lavender, etc.
• Cylindrical vases
• Floating candles
• Water

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Start by slicing your lemons and limes into medallions. I used 1/2 of a lemon and a lime for each vase, so cut one lemon and lime for every two vases you’ll be filling. This centerpiece is all about multiples. It looks so great as a grouping!

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Place the lime medallions in the bottom of each vase, and then add sprigs of lavender and rosemary. Keep the herbs as large as you can while still making sure they will be submerged in the water. The lemons will float and the limes will sink, so you want to fill the space between with herbs to add visual interest.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Add anywhere from 20 to 40 drops of essential oil to each vase, depending on how large the vases are and how concentrated you’d like the aroma to be. I went with about 25-30 because I was making six vases.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Fill each vase with water, leaving at least 3 inches at the top for your candle. Place a floating candle in each vase. I purchased my vases at the dollar store and the candles at a craft store.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

You can use a chopstick or bamboo skewer (or your finger) to manipulate the herbs and slices of fruit until you get the look you like. I love how little bubbles collect on the branches and leaves of the herbs. So pretty!

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Once the candles are lit, the stage is really set for your delicious dinner. Speaking of dinner, I’m getting hungry. How about you? My next three posts will be delicious summer recipes to share with friends. Please join me!

The Series

• Décor
• Entertainment
• Obstacles
• Centerpieces
• Panzanella Salad
• Peach & Arugula Salad with Crispy Bacon
• Grilled Chicken with Gremolata

For more tips from this series, visit Camp Makery.