How to Make a Living Table Centerpiece

Some very lovely centerpieces are made with non-living objects such as silk flowers, candles, twigs, pine cones and rocks, but for a more interesting and fresh centerpiece, consider making the decorations for the tables at your party from something living. The living focal point of the centerpieces will provide entertainment for guests and even party favors for your company to take home.

Instructions

1

Place a thin layer, an inch or less, of fish tank gravel on the bottom of a decorative glass bowl. Choose a gravel color that coordinates with the party theme. Spread the gravel evenly.

2

Place a small sinkable item that matches the party's theme in the bowl. Select a castle for a princess themed party or a ship for a pirate themed event, for example. Move the item back and forth to dig it into the gravel a little so it isn't just resting on top of the small rocks.

3

Fill the bowl 2/3 full with water. Take the fish in the bag from the pet store and let the bag float around in the bowl for 30 minutes to allow time for the water in the bag to become the same temperature as the water in the bowl. This allows for a smoother transition between the water temperatures for the fish, preventing shock and possible death.

4

Remove half the pet store water from the bag and replace it with bowl water after 30 minutes, using a cup. Close the bag back up and let the bag continue to float another 10 minutes. Dump the pet store water out in the sink, not in the bowl, to prevent bringing contamination from the pet store to the fish bowl.

5

Open the bag scoop the fish out with a net. Let the fish free in the bowl.