A Thanksgiving Centerpieces Using Beans and Candles

Holly Lefevre
by Holly Lefevre
I have used beans for decorating since the late 90's! They are fun, easy inexpensive and versatile. This year I decided to switch it up and try dyeing beans in a some new colors...and love the results. Here I used them in a pretty simple centerpiece for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Every year I like to create a special table for Thanksgiving...even if it is just the 4 of us. I let me kids add their own touches later.
I started a Halloween project using Rit Dye and beans but never posted it...so I tweaked it for Thanksgiving.
I used Lima Beans for their size. I experimented with a couple different colors of dye too. Follow the package directions on the dye. I also used a plastic container, colander and protective gloves. The beans will (May) open up as they dye but personally I loved that effect. After your selected dye time, remove them from the dye and dry them: either leave them out to dry, if it is still warm enough where you live or bake them at 250 for 2+ hours until dry.
I personally love the crazy funky shapes of the beans and the color! See below for a few idea for creating a similar look without having to dye beans!
This is a very simple idea and you can swap out other elements if you do not want to dye beans: popcorn, lentil or other colored beans work!
I used a simple white ceramic tray (Sandra Lee Collection from Sears) and 3 LED Birch Bark Candle I purchased from Home Depot. I typically prefer a real candle but really liked these (and they are safer!)
I placed my beans all around the candles...and it was simply perfectly what I had in mind!
For the Christmas holidays, just swap out the orange beans for kidney beans or cranberries...or dye some more beans in your favorite holiday color!
Holly Lefevre
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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