The project is two-fold, as we will be creating both a centerpiece and miniature centerpieces as place settings. If children will be at the dinner, the miniature pieces can be placed at their seat and serve as a holder for a bag of Easter candy and goodies. (You can do this for the adults too!)
Supplies needed are: 1) one 12" willow or straw wreath (you can make it larger or smaller) 2) 3" to 4" willow wreaths (the number you need will be determined by the number of guests) 3) 1 bag each of pink, yellow, green Easter basket moss 4) 1 bag regular moss 5) beige raffia 6) 6 to 8 silk fern fronds (you may substitute any type of greenery such as deep green eucalyptus, plumose fern or silk ivy) 7) several stems of assorted brightly colored dried flowers 8) 1 plastic Easter bunny or chick apx. 3" to 5" tall, height can vary 9) miniature birds and butterflies, the tiny 1" to 2" type 10) assorted tissue paper in Easter colors of pink, yellow and lavender 11) assorted candy 12) name cards if applicable 13) glue gun 14) clear glue sticks 15) silk 1/4" ribbon in assorted colors (optional).
The idea behind the centerpiece is to create a woodland tableau of the bunny or chick nestled in the greenery and flowers and accentuated with colorful birds and butterflies.
We'll start with the main centerpiece first. Place the wreath on a flat surface. Arrange and secure with hot glue an even portion (a nice handful) of regular moss on top of the lower half of the wreath, from one side to the other. On top of the first layer, add just a little green moss to add a touch of color. This will serve as the platform to build the setting.
Next, select either the right or left side of the wreath and insert the greenery stems into the wreath. If you're using a straw base this will be much easier as you can just stick them into the base though I always add a little hot glue for extra security. If using a willow base it's a little trickier. Insert the stems between the braided spine areas and secure with hot glue. Add a few of the taller flower stems in front of the greenery and secure with glue. Next step is to place the plastic bunny or chick and secure with hot glue. At this point you should have your plastic Easter piece bordered from behind by greenery and flowers.
