Peeled to Perfection: DIY Centerpieces

Related To:

pineapple flower vase

LH_FN03_Pineapple1.tif

Prop Stylist: Anna Beckman

You’ve juiced the lemons for your lemonade and into the trash the peels go. If you're a lover of all things DIY, you know a DIY tabletop opportunity was just missed. This summer, as you’re setting the table for your next summer-lovin’ soiree, keep in mind that the freshest tabletop ideas may be as close as your kitchen counter.

Instead of stacking the table high with pricey candlestick holders, high-maintenance flower arrangements, you name it, use something that’s already in your kitchen: vibrant, colorful fruit. With some ingenuity and bare-bones expertise, you can transform a rind, peel or even the fruit itself into a stellar centerpiece.

Really, it’s simple. Try hollowing out a pineapple for a textured and tropical flower vase. Or, if you’re more of a citrus person, use juiced lemon, lime or orange rinds to create glowing candleholders. And rest assured that none of these juicy fruits are wasted in the process; you make and create as you eat.

And that’s just the beginning of these fruitful centerpieces. Head to Food Network’s Summer Entertaining Guide for more fun fruit ideas straight from your produce aisle.

Next Up

Buy These Fruits Now and Preserve Them for Later

Canning jam is easy enough and means you can be eating summer fruit long past their market-fresh appearances.

How to Make a Giant Creamsicle Cake This Summer

This jumbo pop is sure to make everyone smile.

A Complete Menu of No-Cook Recipes for the Whole Day

When it's too hot to turn on the heat, go for crazy-good no-cook summer recipes that make it possible for you to still eat homemade breakfasts, salads, soups and more.

All the Zucchini Noodles

Just as one can never (never!) have too much pasta in life, the same can be true for zucchini noodles in season.

Food Network Magazine: June/July 2009 Recipe Index

Find easy recipes for appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts from Food Network Magazine.

8 Juicy Ways to Eat Peaches Before They're Gone — Summer Soiree

We wait all year to bite into juicy peaches, and now is the time they're at their peak, just waiting for you to take them home by the truckload.

On TV

Chopped

10am | 9c

Chopped Sweets

11am | 10c

Chopped

12pm | 11c

Chopped

1pm | 12c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30pm | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30pm | 2:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

4:30pm | 3:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

5:30pm | 4:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

6:30pm | 5:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

7:30pm | 6:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

8:30pm | 7:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Beat Bobby Flay

9pm | 8c

Beat Bobby Flay

9:30pm | 8:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

10:30pm | 9:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

11:30pm | 10:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

12:30am | 11:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30am | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30am | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30am | 2:30c

What's New