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.

What kind of centerpiece do you want for your reception? Tall? Formal? Flowers? Pictures?  There are so many choices out there, you are sure to find the right idea for you.  Here are some ideas to get you started.  Are you more of a formal bride?  Like flowers?  Well, flowers make a beautiful more formal centerpiece.  You can choose real flowers, artificial flowers, or a combination of both.  The key thing to think about is height.  Your guests will want to socialize and that is hard to do if the centerpiece is within their line of sight.  Think about making the centerpieces either tall enough to see under or short enough to see over.  If you are using square or rectangle tables you may went to consider flower sprays low on the table. If your reception is going to have round tables then you may want to consider individual vases of flowers.

Another idea for centerpieces is candles.  There are many ways to use candles as a centerpiece.  You can use pillar candles, smaller votive candles, or candle sticks.  Candles can be used individually or grouped together.  Don’t be afraid to be creative.  You do not have to stick with one type of candle, try putting multiple types, shapes, sizes and even colors together on one table.  You can place candles on mirrors to make beautiful reflections.  One thing to be mindful of is the flame.  Try and either place your candle in a container whose sides are higher than the candle or make sure your candles are placed where the flames are safely away from anything flammable.  Another idea would be electric, flameless candles inside opaque holders so that your guests will only notice the romantic glow of the candle not the flame.

Are you a little less formal? How about picture frames as centerpieces?  Pictures on the table are becoming a new trend with brides and grooms.  These frames can be photos of the bride and groom together (remember all those great photos you took during the courting process).  Do you two have something you really enjoy doing together like maybe camping, hiking, skiing or such, then how about pictures that reflect the fun time you had doing those.  Another idea is old wedding photos of other family members (parents, grandparents, etc).  Pictures do not have to be only of people, maybe you have pets that are very special to you and you want to include in your special day.  Do you travel a lot?  How about pictures you have taken on your travels?  Let you imagination be the guide.  One thing not to overlook is the frames.  There are thousands of choices out there, be creative.

If you are the type of person who is maybe a little more eclectic, how about something less traditional like a sculpture, Mason jars filled with interesting items like buttons or ingredients for homemade cookies.  Vintage glassware also makes interesting centerpieces.  Are you into the green movement, then how about small containers of farmers market greenery like basil, oregano, or rosemary?  Love the beach?  How about sculptural seashells, coral like pieces or maybe a large conch shell?  Better yet, all of them together.  Keep in mind that if you are going the less traditional way, with smaller items like above, encourage your guests to take the centerpieces home with them.

Your wedding should reflect who the two of you are.  Use your imagination and have fun.