Weekend upcycling project: make these pretty foliage candle holders in three easy steps

Bring a touch of the outdoors inside with this brilliant upcycling project. Using foliage from your garden or even foraged finds from a weekend walk in the countryside or park, these stylish candle holders are super easy to make in just a few minutes. Simply grab your best secateurs and head outside to find the perfect foliage for your upcycling project. 

Why not give your festive celebrations a more personal look by adding a few of these homemade candle holders to your table decorations? They're perfect for a simple, traditional scheme and will add a atmospheric touch to everything from a Thanksgiving dinner to a Christmas Day lunch. They'll look just as effective on a side table or windowsill too, so you can use them throughout the season for added ambience. 

Team with long tapered candles for an elegant look – go white for a classic scheme, or mix it up with candles in your chosen shade. Metallic-effect candles are perfect for adding some extra sparkle to the festive season. Keep scrolling for how to make these stylish and budget-friendly candle holders in three easy steps. 

• Thanks to Dobbies garden centres for sharing this DIY project

You will need: 

• Empty, clear glass bottles
• Candles
• Selection of foliage
• Secateurs

Step one: find your foliage

Make use of what you have right outside your own house by collecting foliage from your garden. With autumn colours in full swing right now, it's the perfect time to find beautiful colours of red, orange and russet for your candle holders. Alternatively, forage from a walk with family or even buy from a local florist. Good foliage to try includes ferns, eucalyptus, holly or bay tree sprigs, but it's fine to use anything you have available. 

2. Add the foliage to your glass bottles

Add your foliage of choice to the bottle. Try to go for one or two stems that are around the same length as the bottle to achieve the best look. Once your foliage is in place, fill with water up to about the neck of the bottle.

3: Insert the candles

Add your tapered candles to the bottle, carefully inserting them so they are firmly secured in place. Place your bottle on a fireplace surround, next to a window to create a welcoming glow, or down the centre of a table for a decorative touch, then safely light the candles and enjoy!

Read more:

• How to make bird feeders: keep feathered friends well fed over winter 
• How to make a wall display with on-trend succulents 
• How to make stunning terrazzo planters