DIY Plant Centerpieces

Wrap a square of tulle around each potted houseplant, holding it in place with ribbon. Group them in the middle of each table, placing the taller plants in the middle and have guests each pick a plant to take home. Select this type of centerpiece for any dinner party or formal occasion.

Pot colorful annual flowers in a container to match. Choose flowers that match the decor such as marigolds for yellow, petunias for pink or red, snapdragons for pastels. Plant flowers at least two weeks before the event so they have time to grow and become established in their pots. Set a container in the middle of each table. Use for any occasion that calls for bright colors.

Set a grouping of ferns in a basket, arranging the plants so some trail over the basket's edge and others stand up in the middle. Decorate each table with a basket. Ferns give an airy, delicate feel appropriate for a wedding or elegant dinner party.

Plant a shallow tray full of small succulents such as hens-and-chicks. Low enough to make it easy for guests to see each other, create this distinctive centerpiece for a man's birthday, a casual get-together or a backyard barbecue.

Put small African violet plants into mismatched china teacups. Add these delicate and feminine accents to tables at a bridal shower, Mother's Day brunch or a woman's birthday party. Set one at each place setting as a party favor.

Choose a variety of small potted herbs. Tie a ribbon around each pot and arrange them on a silver or porcelain tray, placing trailing herbs around the edge and taller varieties in the middle. Let each guest at a wedding take home a plant.

Provide holiday cheer to the table with small, potted pines decorated with tiny ornaments. Wrap each pot in a square of holiday-themed fabric tied in a bow or attached with tape for an extra festive touch.

Wrap tulle around a 6-inch or larger pot with a dramatically flowering plant such as gardenia, azalea, hydrangea or gerbera daisy. Nice for any occasion and you can have a drawing or game to choose which guest will take home the centerpiece.