DIY A Budget-Friendly & Unique Centerpiece Using Dollar Tree Items

Centerpieces are sort of like the cherry on the top of an awesome milkshake. Sure, you'll take it without one, but boy does it make it look awesome. Even the simplest centerpiece can elevate a dining table or create stylish kitchen countertop decor in scenarios where a bit of showiness is desired. And centerpieces can come in all different shapes, sizes, and setups — which means they will also come with different price tags. However, if you're searching for budget-friendly table decor ideas, there are plenty of DIY options that produce an amazing centerpiece for your room, including this project. All you need to do is take a trip to Dollar Tree and purchase a set of beaded necklaces, a green foam floral ring, a small bud vase, and an LED tealight. 

If you can't find a vase at Dollar Tree, look for another slender option, like the $10 Lingmai tall conic vase. Note that you'll also need a metal transition basket (or metal napkin ring) and a clear tealight holder for the light. You can find these items online for a few bucks each. Just be sure to note the sizes to ensure they'll fit on top of the vase. The tools for this project include E6000 craft adhesive, a serrated kitchen knife, newspaper, Rustoleum metallic paint, and a hot glue gun — all of which are available for under $10. The bead application may require some fancy handwork, but, overall, it's a fairly simple project to take on.

For this centerpiece, the vase sits on the table, and the ring sits upright, connecting to either side of the vase to look like the loop runs through it. To gauge the width of the opening in the ring, lay the vase on its side on top of the floral ring. Then, cut a piece out of the ring that's roughly the same width as the vase where the ring will go. Place the ends of the ring on opposite sides of the vase about 3 inches from the mouth, then secure them with adhesive. Next, take one beaded necklace and cut it to make a string. 

Starting at the side of the vase, wrap the necklace around the ring in a single layer. Add a bead of glue to each new wrap. You can also create a diamond pattern, using your thumb to hold the beads, while you wrap the necklace around. Once the ring is completely covered, place your new centerpiece on newspaper, and apply the metallic paint over everything. Pop a few faux flowers in the vase to use it as-is, or glue a metal napkin ring on the vase with a glass votive holder on top. Then, add a battery-operated tea light.

There are several ways to customize this easy and affordable Dollar Tree DIY. Change the paint color to one that accents your decor, or paint each part a different color. You can even change the type of vase. Aim for urn, cubed, or bowl-shaped vases to add sculptural and dimensional elements to your room. Ribbon, rope, or gold-leaf paper can be substituted for the beaded necklaces. For a subtle urban or steampunk appeal, substitute a cork or hex nut for the metal transition basket.