We tried Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack - it is unbelievably simple!

We love how it honors the seasons, but hers looked much prettier

Joanna Gaines budget centerpiece hack
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)

Interiors expert and star of Fixer Upper Joanna Gaines has shared a simple way to make a striking centerpiece without spending a ton of money at the florist. 

In a previous episode of the home renovation show, she reveals a budget centerpiece hack using glass vases and single leaves cut from the front yard to add a touch of green to a dining table.

Always on the hunt for dining room ideas, we tried the incredibly simple trick for ourselves, on our own best dining table and best coffee table.

Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack

Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack demonstrated on a coffee table - showing leaves places inside of glasses, with a floral arrangement on the side, and a sofa beyond

(Image credit: Future)

'One of my favorite things to do is set a table,' Joanna begins. 'With a centerpiece like this, I think the simplicity of it goes a long way. In this case, we went outside and cut some greenery from the lawn,' she says. 'Literally one single leaf goes in. I think it's the pop of green that really makes a statement here.'

She goes on to say that you don't have to be a florist to create something like this, and you can alter it depending on the current season. The interiors expert also suggests taking clippings from your Christmas tree as part of a festive, winter centerpiece - an idea we love.

leaves placed in glasses of different heights on a coffee table, Joanna Gaines budget centerpiece hack

(Image credit: Future)

Given just how simple it looked, we gave it a go. To recreate Joanna's centerpiece, we went outside and foraged some seasonal leaves from the garden. While we think that the hack has potential, it definitely has more of an impact if you have large, striking leaves to work with. A glossy monstera leaf would definitely look nicer than the ivy leaf we found in the garden, but we weren't willing to take the scissors to our houseplants on this occasion. 

We also tried placing some blossom in the glasses, but it just didn't look right. Joanna uses nine glasses, and it's definitely a case of the more the merrier when creating impact with this hack. This said, we were surprised at how effective the trick was for the price tag – which was nothing, essentially.

We were limited by our collection of glasses and empty jars at home, and we'd recommend trying a large glass vase like Joanna used for a more striking look. Though, even if we say so ourselves, among a beautifully set dining table with your best dinnerware, the vases would be a pretty modern dining room idea.

Joanna Gaines budget centerpiece hack demonstrated on a dining table, with leaves placed in glasses

(Image credit: Future)

We love how the centerpiece idea honors the season you're in. We imagine that a fall version with rich orange and red hues would look great on your dining table.

If you're able to get your hands on large leaves, you could make a huge statement for your next dinner party with this idea. Though we should note a degree of artistic skill is required for this hack, which we're still mastering. For more kitchen ideas, take a look at our dedicated page.

Will you be trying Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack?

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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