The Common Kitchen Ingredient You Can Use To Create A Stylish Natural Centerpiece

Did you know the bay leaves sitting on your spice rack can do more than make soups taste amazing? Yes, that's right -– bay leaves can double as a chic, natural decor element for your home. Whether you're setting the table for the holidays or just want to impress guests during a regular dinner party, bay leaves are a lovely way to create a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Their deep green color and elegant shape make them wonderful for adding a touch of nature to your table.

What's more, you don't need to be a DIY expert or have hours to spare to pull this off. One of the prettiest ways to use bay leaves is to wrap them around thick white candles, securing them with raffia. The combination of green leaves, rustic raffia ribbon, and clean white candles? Chef's kiss. It's a simple yet elegant way to decorate with nature in your home. And here's the best part: This centerpiece works for all kinds of gatherings -– seasonal dinners, birthdays, or even a cozy meal at home. Plus, since bay leaves are a pantry staple, you might already have most of what you need. This DIY is budget-friendly, sustainable, and so easy to personalize. And don't worry if you're not crafty — this project is practically foolproof.

First things first — gather your materials. You'll need bay leaves (fresh or dried), thick white pillar candles, some hot glue, raffia twine like CREATRILL raffia ribbons, and any extra accents you want to add, such as cinnamon sticks or small flowers. Fresh bay leaves are ideal because they're more flexible, but if you're working with dried ones, just soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them up.

Start by grabbing one of your candles and gluing the leaves together in layers. Hold your candle upright and place a bay leaf vertically with the stem facing down. Layer additional leaves slightly overlapping each one, working your way around the candle to cover it fully in a lush pattern. Once the candle is covered, wrap the raffia around it a few times to secure the leaves in place, tying it tightly to hold everything together. You can leave it at that or get fancy with a bow — it's up to you.

You can even incorporate cinnamon sticks into your decor or sprigs of rosemary by tucking them into the raffia for a little extra flair (and a bonus of lovely fragrance). If you're going for a seasonal vibe, scatter some pinecones or acorns around the candles. For a year-round look, try adding slices of dried citrus or small fresh flowers. It's all about making the centerpiece your own. When you're done assembling, set up your masterpiece on a tray or directly on the table.