DIY: Embellishing with Air Plants

Whether you're anti-flower or are just looking for a very non-traditional way to decorate your guest tables, using air plants may be right up your alley.

These little plants are inexpensive (ours cost under $5 each) and couldn't be easier to work with! Air plants take all of their nutrients and water through their leaves (as opposed to their roots), which makes the need for them to be planted in a container with dirt unnecessary - so you can get quite creative with presentation!

They are fabulous displayed on their own, as we have done here, or even paired with other flowers. The end result is a little bit exotic, a little bit modern, and a lot sophisticated.

Stick them inside clear vases or under glass cloches for an super minimalist look, or clustered along a tray for a low centerpiece. Mixing them with other natural elements, like shells and rocks, adds another layer of texture and visual interest.

The size of these plants makes them ideal for place settings or as favors. We filled tiny containers with moss, wrapped them with fabric and twine, and inserted a plant inside each one. Or, simply lay a single plant on top of a plate with a name tag and you've got a completely unique place setting.

If your guests will be taking home the plants as favors, be sure to include a little note with care instructions. They need need watering at least twice a week via a good submersion in a sink or bucket, and then set aside to dry. They also do best in bright light, so setting them no more than 10 feet away from a window is ideal.

Enjoy working with these one-of-a-kind plants -- the possibilities are endless!

Idea/Images: Mary Swenson