Well, we’ve found it!

This gorgeous birch log vase from Etsy floral designer Allison at NHWoodscreations will add that hit of color and texture to your reception tables.

Made of birch bark, the vase is filled with moss, wild rosehips, pine branches, cones and red cardinal.

These centerpieces would make a wonderful take home gift for one lucky guest at each table. If you are planning any wedding games, this would be a wonderful prize.

Vase measures 11″ tall by 7″ wide and retails for the amazingly affordable price of $29.

Bird nests are a wonderful symbol of new beginnings and a great way to add a natural touch to your celebration.

If you’re looking for something other than the run-of-the-mill nests available for purchase on many wedding websites, you definitely want to check out these stunning handcrafted beauties from Etsy Floral Designer Alison at NHWoodscreations.

Each nest is covered with green moss and decorated with cedar cones resembling roses and star anise. Measuring 4.5″ across by 3″ tall, these nests are perfectly suited to hold your wedding rings on your special day.

Another great use would be to incorporate a nest into your table centerpieces.

This amazingly talented artist creates some of the most unique, memorable and stunning wedding DIY accessories I’ve ever come across and generously shares the instructions with all her readers.

One great example is this easy to make Tree Pedestal Cake Stand. See instructional photos below.

Handmade from recycled tissue paper, these flower-like spheres can quickly and easily dress up a “not so charming” wedding venue. Remember to hang them at different heights to add interest and depth.

Hosting an outdoor wedding? These vibrant pom poms would be breathtaking hanging from trees.

Available in sizes 12″, 14″ 18″. See available colors below.

Achieve a coordinated look by adding these adorable pom pom napkin holders to your tablesettings.

The maker of these fabulous paper products, Mohawk Paper Company, has been an industry leader in the conservation of forests, and our environment as a whole, using 100% wind powered electricity in the manufacturing of all their paper goods.

Other eco-friendly initiatives incorporated by Mohawk Papers are the use of only water based dyes and chlorine free bleaching practices.

Looking for an affordable way to add ambiance and charm to your special evening? Why not hang rice paper lanterns. Available in a wide array of colors, sizes and patterns; light weight, battery operated and easy to install, lanterns will add a glorious glow to your reception.

These gorgeous bubble-like lanterns can easily fit into any event design theme. Use various vibrant but complementary colors to create a fun and whimsical atmosphere. Combinations such as orange, pink, yellow, soft lime green and lavender make a wonderfully fun and fresh palette; perfect for a spring wedding.

Want something more elegant and sophisticated? Hang all white lanterns in various sizes for breathtaking results. Also try adding in a few colored lanterns that are in keeping with your color scheme.

Do’s & Don’ts

Don’t skimp. A few lonely lanterns strewn around the room looks cheap and lacks that Wow! factor. Lanterns are best displayed in groupings.

Do consider renting instead of purchasing if budget is a concern. If your venue is too large and you do not have the budget to acquire lanterns to fill the room, consider zone lighting. Hang a grouping of lanterns above the dance floor or above the head table.

Don’t hang with string. The number one mistake most people make is hanging their lanterns with ugly string, twine or wire.

Do consider hanging your lanterns with beautiful ribbon or clear beading cord, otherwise known by its more manly name of fishing line.

Don’t hang all at the same height. Hanging your lanterns at the same height can look a little boring and lacks depth. Try instead to hang your lanterns at different heights; you will achieve greater visual impact particularly when using one color.

Don’t hang to high. Your lanterns should feel like a warm cloud of bubbles above you. You will lose the ambiance by hanging your lanterns to high.

Suppliers:

www.lunabazaar.com (For Purchase)

www.blowflowerdesigns.com (Rental)

These gorgeous daisies are from 1950′s old store stock and still have their original tag attached. Each bloom has four layers of curled fabric petals and a butter yellow center. This generous bouquet of 12 flowers only costs $6.50.

http://www.blumchen.com

Your guests can help themselves to the candy canes during the evening or a few lucky guests can take the complete vase home to use for holiday entertaining. If you plan on playing wedding games during your reception, these make great prizes.

 Materials Required:

• Cylindrical vase or clean empty can
• Two sided tape (found at most hardware or scrapbooking stores)
• Rubber band
• Candy canes
• Wide ribbon (must be wider than rubber band)
• Roses

Instructions:

1. Wrap the two sided tape around the vase/can once approximately halfway down the vase/can. (The two sided tape will help keep the candy canes from sliding out from under the rubber band.)
2. Slide rubber band around the vase/can.
3. Begin inserting the candy cans behind the rubber band.
4. Tie the ribbon around the vase/can taking care to cover the rubber band with the ribbon.
5. Fill with water and arrange roses.

Another “Bride Idea”: Use mini candy canes and baby food jars or small fruit cup cans to create small individual vases which can serve as place cards. Just attach a label with your guests’ names to the ribbon.