how to create an easy fall centerpiece using dried beans

Centerpieces and floral arrangements can be so expensive! When it comes to seasonal decor, I typically don’t like to spend much since it’s only going to be out for a short period. I love to find beautiful vases to display floral stems, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit and take a different route! Clear vases can be found everywhere…thrift stores, yard sales and pretty much every retailer that carries home decor. They are so inexpensive, and the transparency allows you to have a little fun using a variety of fillers for the bottom. Today, I’m going to show you a super SIMPLE vase filler idea! It creates a pop of color that works perfectly with beautiful autumn stems!

Everything for this project was purchased at the Dollar Tree! I used the following supplies:

• Bag of pinto beans
• Bag of red kidney beans
• Bag of great northern beans
• Clear cylinder vase
• (3) Floral stems

Dollar Tree has some really good floral stems right now! Sure, they are not super high quality, but the colors are on point for fall! They also had several pumpkin and acorn picks. I snatched a cute little pumpkin pick covered in dry moss. It complemented the green and yellow tones in the other floral stems. 

First, I took the red kidney beans and poured about 1/3 of the bag into the cylinder vase.

You can use any variety of dried beans. Most large grocery stores have a large selection of beans in a variety of colors. Dollar Tree was limited, so I grabbed pinto beans, red kidney beans and great northern beans. 

Next, I poured a layer of brown pinto beans. Each layer does not have to be equal. You can pour as much or as little as you want.

Then, I poured the white northern beans to finish. I chose to leave a few inches open at the top, but you can fill it in however you prefer.

Finally, I popped in my floral stems and pumpkin pick! 

I know this seems just too simple, but simple and inexpensive DIYs are my JAM! This is SO EASY, but really packs a punch! It’s little unique touches like this that spruce up seasonal decor!

I love that after the season, I can just pour the beans into a bag and use the vase for another holiday! I don’t have to worry about storing it for the next year. 

What do you think? I would love to know what YOU use for vase fillers!

Last Updated on August 16, 2023