DIY Versatile Holiday Succulent Centerpiece

Something that I enjoy doing is tending to my little plants. This is obviously a more difficult hobby in the Winter because, well, it's colder and things just don't survive as well without the warmth and with less sunlight. One of the exceptions to this are hardy plants, my favorite being all manner of succulents. Succulents come in all shapes and sizes but one thing is for sure, they're hard to kill, even in the cold weather. Something I wanted to try this holiday season was to create a centerpiece for the table that would travel from Thanksgiving, through Christmas and onto New Years without having to be swapped out.

Finding succulents in the colder weather isn't as hard as you think. Home Depot's house plant section is stocked. We have a small farm store near our house that has a greenhouse and has plants all year round. Just search your area and you'll likely find the same for you! The toddler and I had a day date last weekend and we stopped at Home Depot to pick up everything we'd need for a centerpiece that could sit on the table through every holiday and occasion you can imagine!

It's really easy to plant succulents and create a long lasting centerpiece as long as you build your planter on great drainage and proper potting soil. You can use a lot of different things for drainage and while a lot of planters have holes in the bottom, this isn't ideal for a tablescape centerpiece due to leakage. I like to reuse things like plastic bottles or in this case, the small plastic containers that seedlings can be purchased in. Think of your plants roots. Can they have space to grow and breathe without drowning when you water them? Then you've got good drainage.

Don't be afraid to snuggle those plants up next to each other to find the perfect positioning for your new babies. The beauty of this centerpiece is that it's a great "blank palette" for any manner of holiday decorations like acorns, pine cones, snowflakes, ornaments, and the list goes on. I plan to build my table scapes around this piece since literally all of my dinnerware, napkins and decor for each and every holiday, will compliment this planter that will be here, for months and months to come. Here are some tips and tricks on caring for succulents and I would love it if you shared you favorite succulent planters with me on twitter: @primandpropah!

Join some of the other bloggers taking part in a little holiday decor goodness today! There are SO many great blog posts, I hope that you'll consider visiting each and every one this week! Plus check out the amazing giveaway we're working on together as well!

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DIY Terrariums with World Market

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to take part in a workshop at my local World Market store (Framingham MA) and I wanted to share some of the tips and tricks from this DIY event since I knew it would interest a lot of you! I love all the terrariums at World Market so jumped at the chance to show shoppers and now you guys how easy and affordable it is to build one of these beauties for your home or even a friends home (super gift giving friend you are!)

Cori from Hey, Let's Make Stuff and a part of my World Market Tribe put together some super simple yet super fun steps on putting together your own decorative terrarium that is maintenance free (score!)... I even purchased all the goods to make my own, that's how much I loved this project! Check out my terrarium and everything you'd need to put yours together yourself!

Choose a Container: 

Live terrariums require a more specialized container (because you're keeping things alive) but the beauty of a maintenance free version is that you can choose whatever you want. Jars, wine glasses, apothocaries, candle holders and on and on.

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Fill it with Layers:

One thing I made sure to tell all my shoppers at World Market was that these customized terrariums were all about the layers. Building from the bottom up, you're creating the foundation then adding elements to make it your own. You can use sand, pebbles, glass marbles, soil and more!

Place Larger Elements to Create Height:

Adding some larger elements can help build up the height and add a little special something to the terrarium's personality. Try rocks in different sizes, driftwood, seashells, sticks and anything you can think of really!

Include some "Life":

Want your terrarium to have the live feel? Add faux air plants, succulents, cacti, dried moss and faux flowers to add pops of color and "life" to the little world you're creating!

Add Interest:

Do you have a theme? Is this terrarium for your beach house... add some seashells or dried starfish and urchins. Is this for your daughter's room? Add some fairy lights, butterflies and tiny figurine. Add the elements that make this a special decor item that you'll enjoy.

I would have to say that making a decorative (maintenance free) terrarium for right around $30 is money well spent. You've created something beautiful for your home that is affordable and customized. I would absolutely recommend picking up supplies, a bottle of wine and inviting your friends over to build your own. What a great way to spend some time!

Have you ever created your own terrarium living or maintenance free?

Home for the Holidays with Wayfair and Boston Bloggers

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to attend a day long event with Boston Bloggers and Wayfair, Home for the Holidays (with sweet calligraphy everywhere by Ink Revival) was full of DIY goodness, decor dreamy-ness and lots of great information; this day was just plain fun. Lots of familiar faces greeted me while I also met lots of new friends. It was just such a fab way to get myself into the Holiday spirit! Being a new mother and having this urge to reeeeeally create a fabulous home, this event has sprung into action my decorating and entertaining instincts to the max! I just scheduled a Holiday luncheon and plan to put a lot of what I learned or was inspired by to good use.