empty hurricane...what should we do?

candles, flowers & berries, oh my!

I purchased a large white unscented candle which burns within.  This is important as you don’t want wax dripping on the botanicals surrounding the candle.  Unscented is also a must if you are entertaining a lot.  It allows you to burn the candle without interfering with multiple aromas such as perfumes or yummy entrees!  Lastly, notice the scale of the candle.  Sometimes I bring my candle holders with me when I shop for candles so I don’t guess and have to make several trips to the store!

Okay, I also have some winter berries and these beautiful white amaryllis stems.  My idea is to chop the amaryllis really short and frame them around the candle at the base of the hurricane.  Time to cut…wire cutters or strong scissors are a must!

time to cut...

So,  unfortunately, my idea didn’t work so well.  I only cut one to test and it was too squished once it got closer to the base of the hurricane…now what to do with it.  Well,  I have this cute little red vase that I normally don’t put flowers in but figured it worked nicely for the season.  I cut a second amaryllis stem and situated them so they offset the shape of the vase nicely.

looks better here!

Okay, back to the hurricane…how can I incorporate the berries?  I remembered I had some black rocks leftover from another project and pulled those out.  I love how the black creates a nice base for the candle.  You don’t have to fill the rocks too far, just use your best judgment on proportion.

hmm...black rocks may work

almost done!

Now for the finishing touch, I must say this is harder than it looks.  I cut off 2 parts of the berry branches and I still have enough leftover for a future project; that was the easy part.  The hard part was placing them ever so gently in the rocks without them scratching the candle or falling over.  I ended up using scotch tape to hold them together, only from the back so you wouldn’t see the tape.  I love how it turned out and I can’t wait to see how nicely it burns!

voila!

I am also loving the chevron pattern trend which is of course the rug I am slowly saving my pennies to afford at West Elm (see below).

Well, I have just discovered a few other fun black & white pieces to covet…Let me know if you like them, too!

how fabulous will this look in my living room? Zig Zag Rug from West Elm

seriously adorable!! Dottie Chair from PB Teen

LOVE IT!!! Libery of London for Target - Melamine Platter

Durable & Fabulous - West Elm's Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware

Just ordered it, can't wait to wear it all the time! Black Dot Jet Set Tote from PB Teen

Who doesn't need this timeless addition to your jewelry collection? Bloom Flower Ring - Stella & Dot

Show off family photos in style & for super cheap! Liberty of London for Target

Don't forget the tray! Jungle Flower Tray from West Elm