How to Use Wine Bottles as Centerpieces

We've all been to the small Italian restaurants that use empty wine bottles as candle holders. And while the dripped wax-covered bottles add a certain charm to a dive restaurant with red and white checkered tablecloths, it might not be exactly what you're looking for as a centerpiece for your formal event. There are ways to use wine bottles as table centerpieces, though, that add whimsy, sophistication or beauty to your event dcor, and most are inexpensive and easy to create.

Instructions

1

Print custom wine labels. If you're using wine bottles as a centerpiece for a wedding or anniversary reception, print labels with a photo of the couple and attach them to full bottles of table wine. For a fun touch, create a custom name for the wine, or fill the labels with trivia questions about the couple that guests can answer during the party.

2

Use the wine bottles as table markers. Print labels with the table number and attach to the bottle, or attach the table number sign to a stake and insert it into the wine bottle cork.

3

Cut the bottom from wine bottles and place the remaining upper half over a tea light or flameless candle to create a wine bottle "lantern" for your centerpiece. Embellish the bottle with a ribbon or tulle bow to add interest and coordinate the bottle with the rest of the dcor. If you do not have the tools, or the desire, to cut the glass yourself, contact a local glass company or professional to inquire about having the bottles cut for you.

4

Group several wine bottles together and use them as candle holders. Choose non-drip candles to avoid the Italian restaurant effect. Use bottles of varying heights, but all the same color glass to create a cohesive look.

5

Purchase wine bottle candelabras to place in your wine bottles. These mini candelabras are sized to hold votives or tea lights. Use the wine bottles on their own, or place the bottle in the center of a ring of flowers for your centerpiece. Alternatively, purchase a wine bottle candle wick for the bottle; fill the bottle with kerosene, add the wick and you'll have custom lanterns for your centerpieces.

6

Spray paint the exterior of your wine bottles in colors to coordinate with your event. Use the painted bottles as vases; group several of them together to create a dramatic centerpiece.

7

Cover the outside of the wine bottles with flowers, leaves or moss to create custom vases for your centerpieces. Moss is sold in sheets at most floral suppliers, and can easily be trimmed and added to the bottle using hot glue. Use floral adhesive, also available at floral suppliers, to attach flower blossoms such as mums, roses or daisies to the bottles. Fill the bottles with a simple arrangement of flowers --- a single stem of the flower used on the outside of the bottle, for example.