Having a country wedding?  Looking for some table decorations to save some money?  Why not try one of these ideas.

Herb Pots – Go to your neighborhood home and garden center and pick up the following items:  Flower pots of varying sizes, potting soil and either small, already started plants or seeds of different herbs, like basil, oregano, chives, thyme, etc.  You have a couple choices when it comes to the flowerpots.  You can either paint them to match your wedding colors, or leave them natural looking to enhance the country theme.  You can also decorate the pots with different items, like gingham ribbon, or raffia.

Next, take the pots and partially fill them with potting soil.  Release the starter plants, or take the seeds, and place them into the pots.  Continue to fill the pots with remaining soil until about a half inch from the top edge of the pot. Make sure you give each plant some water.  If you are using seeds instead of starter plants, you need to start this project about 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding.  This way the plants will be large enough to decorate your tables with.  You can also use this same idea with dried flowers if you would like.  Instead of potting soil, use flower foam and cover with moss, but by using real herbs you have the added bonus of the fragrance.  Encourage your guests to take the plants home with them at the end of the reception.

Another idea with a country theme is either burlap or linen gift bags.  You can fill them with goodies.  You have the option to purchase pre-made bags or sew your own.  Check you local craft store, or the Internet, for pre-made bags.  If you choose to sew your own, you will need some linen or burlap material, thread and a sewing machine.  Decide the size you would like your give bags to be.  The easiest way to sew the bag is to cut a strip of material twice the length, plus a ½ inch; you would like the finished product to be at the width plus ½ inch.  For example, if you would like your final gift bag to be 3 x 5 inches, then you need to cut your fabric 3 ½ inches x 10 ½ inches.

First, fold the short ends of your material over ¼ inch and sew a straight line to hold the seam in place.  Next, fold your fabric in half  (long ways) with the right side of the fabric on the inside.  Sew a straight-line ¼ inch from the edge to close the sides.  Do this on both edges.  Turn the bag right side out.  You can now fill each bag with whatever you choose (candy kisses, Jordan Almonds, etc).  You have the option of keeping the gift bags clean and simple or to decorate the outside of each bag.  You can use fabric paints, flowers, embellishments, etc.  Tie each bag closed with some ribbon.

Either of these ideas would look great on a country style reception table.  Think about maybe combining both of these ideas together to make your tables look great.

Looking for a DIY project to add color and sophistication to your wedding decorations?   How about flavor infused oil or vinegar decanters that can act as centerpieces?  This project is very simple, but can add beauty and grace to any table-scape.  Here is all you need for a fantastic centerpiece that is not only beautiful but also useful.

1.       Sealable bottles or decanters – these can be of any design but you must be able to seal them, either with a cork, screw top, or any other type of cap that fits securely.  Decanters can be of any size or shape you choose.

2.       Oil or vinegar – you can choose from many types of oils including vegetable, canola, or olive but keep in mind the color of the oil.  The darker color of the oil – the less you will be able to see through it.  You also have many options for vinegars.  We recommend buying these products in bulk at your local warehouse food store.  However, you can also support your local olive oil business if one exists.

3.       Flavors – flavors can include many things such as herbs, garlic, peppers, etc.  Fresh ingredients are always best.

4.       Optional decorations – these can include wax for the top of the bottle, ribbons to decorate the outside, custom labels to place on the outside of the decanter with your wedding date and information on it, etc.

The first thing you need to do is choose which flavor you would like to infuse with which product.  For instance, extra virgin olive oil with garlic.  Next choose which bottle you want to use.  Take your flavor and place it in the bottle.  Keep in mind that the more flavor you put in the bottle the more intense your flavor will be in the product (oil or vinegar).  If using garlic, be sure you peal the garlic first.  You do not have to crush or slice the garlic cloves before putting them into the bottle.  Presentation is actually better if you leave the garlic whole.

Next you need to fill the bottle with the oil.  Use a funnel to help with this step so you do not have oil all over the counter or table.  Fill the bottle as close to the top as possible without overfilling the bottle.

Anything after this point is purely decorative.  You can melt wax (found at your local craft store) and dip the top of the bottle into the melted wax.  Be very careful not to burn yourself.  Only dip about the first 1 -2 inches of the bottle.  Let the wax dry.  You can also decorate the outside of the bottle if you choose.  Just remember to keep most of the bottle clear so you can see the contents.

You can choose to put in more than one flavor if you would like.  For instance olive oil, garlic and rosemary make a great combination.  You can also try combining the oil and the vinegar.  They have a different density so they will normally separate in the bottle.  How about ¾ bottle with thyme flavored extra virgin olive oil topped with balsamic vinegar?

Let your imagination take over.  Think about combinations you use in the kitchen and let that be your guide.  The combinations are endless.