Floating Candles in Centerpieces
Floating candles in clear glass vases are such an easy way to add a pretty touch to any space. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just want a little extra glow at home, they always look beautiful.
I started using them a few years ago and love how simple and elegant they are. I even used them for a brunch centerpiece once — it looked great and was so easy to put together.
Long Table Centerpiece
The base for the centerpiece started with fresh greenery — magnolia, cedar, pine, and Nandina berries, all clipped the day before and kept in water overnight to stay fresh. Using natural cuttings gives a casual, elegant feel and works perfectly for holiday tables or seasonal gatherings.
Clear Vases
TThe vases don’t have to match in size or shape — but they do need to be clean. Honestly, that was probably the hardest part of the whole centerpiece!
Just cluster several clear glass vases down the center of the table. I used about five, all different heights. Fill each vase with water, varying the levels just a little for interest, and place a 3″ floating candle on top of the water.
Tuck pieces of greenery in and around the vases, being careful not to place anything bulky underneath — the vases need to stay level and secure. I filled in more heavily at the base of the vases, then let the greenery trail out in a narrower line toward each end of the table.
Magnolia can be a bit bulky if you use full branches, so just snip off individual leaves. The broad, glossy leaves are perfect on their own — they look beautiful and smell amazing. Magnolia is a go-to for year-round decorating, and of course, it’s extra special here in Mississippi… our state flower, after all. 😊
Finishing Touches
Since the table was going to be used for food, I kept the greenery light so it wouldn’t take up too much space.
I added a few clear votives, scattering them along the narrow greenery — letting them meander a bit from side to side instead of running in a straight line.
Once the floating candles were in place, I eased them down into the water. They burned for hours and gave the table such a warm, welcoming feel..
The 3″ floating candles will burn for 8-10 hours, so that’s usually more than enough to cover any event. And you can re-use them until they are fully spent. So don’t discard them after the first use!
You can find them at Amazon, here is my affiliate link for 3″ floating candles: Royal Imports 3″ Floating Candles Set of 12
I used some smaller ones at home since my clear vases were smaller in size. 1.75″ Floating Candles Pack of 20
The smaller ones burn for about five hours.
Once everything was in place, I waited until just before guests arrived to light the candles. That soft, flickering glow made all the difference — it added warmth and a little bit of magic to the whole table.
One tip: use one of those long Bic lighters to light the candles. It’s much easier (and safer) than trying to reach down into the vases with a match!
Artificial Greenery
Simple centerpieces with floating candles work just as well with artificial greenery. I made one for the back porch using a wooden tray that Carrie gave me for my birthday last month — it turned out perfect!
I filled it with a mix of leftover greenery, pinecones, berry balls, and jingle bells from past years. Nothing was new except the candles, which made it a very budget-friendly way to decorate.
Since the floating candles I had were smaller than 3″, I used two or three in each vase to fill out the look. On a smaller table we used for extra seating during our Christmas lunch, I placed a clear vase in the center and added a simple boxwood wreath around the base — quick, easy, and festive!
Anytime you come across a pretty boxwood wreath — like this small tea leaf version — grab it! They’re so versatile and never go out of style. Use them year-round by simply swapping out a seasonal bow or floral accent.
They work great as candle rings too, or wrapped around a clear vase like I did here. Start with a plain one and change it up for holidays or events. No one will know you’re using the same boxwood over and over again! 😉
Simple Decorations
One of the best things about simple decorations? They’re just as easy to take down as they are to put up. If you used fresh greenery, just toss it when you’re done. Pour out the water, and save the candles for another time — or keep the vases out and light the candles in the evenings!
They’re floating in water, so it feels like a pretty safe little ritual to enjoy. 😊
Oh — just a thought! I wonder what colored water with floating candles would look like… have you ever tried it?
Leave me a comment and let me know how you use floating candles. I’d love to hear your ideas! 😊
More from My Blog
