Dried Yarrow in DIY Dried Flower Place Settings

Dried yarrow is a versatile, charming addition to DIY projects, especially when it comes to creating unique and natural place settings. Its vibrant colors and delicate form make it an ideal candidate for adding a rustic or boho-inspired touch to any table setting, whether it’s for a wedding, a dinner party, or a casual gathering. In this guide, we will explore the art of using dried yarrow in DIY place settings, from choosing the best yarrow varieties to crafting beautiful arrangements that complement your decor style.

Why Dried Yarrow?

Dried yarrow has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, but it’s also a favorite in the floral and craft world for its aesthetic appeal. The flower heads maintain their structure and vibrant color even after drying, making them an ideal choice for long-lasting decorations. Yarrow is available in a range of colors, including yellow, white, pink, and red, which means it can be easily adapted to various decor themes.

Here are some of the key reasons dried yarrow is perfect for place settings:

Longevity: Dried yarrow doesn’t wilt or fade as fresh flowers do, so your place settings will look fresh throughout the event and beyond.
Natural Elegance: Yarrow's organic, slightly wild appearance makes it a perfect addition to nature-inspired, rustic, or bohemian decor styles.
Sustainability: Dried flowers, including yarrow, are a sustainable alternative to fresh flowers, as they last longer and don’t require the same level of care or resources.

Preparing Dried Yarrow for DIY Place Settings

To create beautiful place settings with dried yarrow, you first need to ensure you have well-preserved yarrow. You can either purchase pre-dried yarrow from a florist or dry the flowers yourself.

Drying Yarrow at Home

If you want to dry yarrow at home, follow these steps:

Harvesting: Choose yarrow flowers that are fully bloomed but not over-mature. The flowers should be firm and vibrant. Cut the stems long enough for crafting purposes.
Bundling: Gather the stems in small bunches and tie them together using a rubber band or string.
Drying Location: Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the colors to fade.
Drying Time: Let the yarrow dry for about 2-3 weeks. Check them regularly to ensure they are drying properly and not developing mold.

Once dried, yarrow can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for use in your place settings.

Creative Ideas for Incorporating Dried Yarrow in Place Settings

There are numerous ways to incorporate dried yarrow into place settings depending on the overall theme and aesthetic of your event. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire your DIY projects:

1. Dried Yarrow Napkin Rings

One of the simplest and most elegant ways to use dried yarrow is to create napkin rings. Here’s how:

Materials: Dried yarrow stems, floral wire, twine or ribbon, napkins.
Instructions:
1. Start by trimming a small bunch of dried yarrow to about 4-5 inches in length.
2. Using floral wire, wrap the stems together to form a small bundle.
3. Take a cloth napkin, fold or roll it neatly, and tie the yarrow bundle around the napkin using twine or ribbon.
4. For a rustic look, use natural jute twine; for a more elegant touch, opt for satin ribbon in a color that complements your theme.

These napkin rings add a beautiful, organic touch to each place setting and make the table look cohesive and styled.

2. Yarrow Place Card Holders

Another way to incorporate dried yarrow is by using it to hold place cards. This idea works especially well for weddings, formal dinners, or any event where seating arrangements are important.

Materials: Dried yarrow, small wooden slices or holders, place cards.
Instructions:
1. Trim a few small sprigs of yarrow and place them on the table where each guest will be seated.
2. You can use a small wooden slice with a slot cut into it to hold both the yarrow sprig and the place card.
3. Alternatively, you can wrap a thin piece of twine around the base of the place card and secure a sprig of yarrow to the card.

This setup not only serves as a practical place card holder but also adds a touch of natural beauty to each guest’s place at the table.

3. Floral Charger Plates

For a more intricate DIY project, consider decorating charger plates with dried yarrow.

Materials: Dried yarrow, hot glue gun, decorative charger plates.
Instructions:
1. Take dried yarrow stems and trim them into small pieces.
2. Using a hot glue gun, carefully glue the yarrow around the edge of a decorative charger plate.
3. You can create a full yarrow border or arrange the yarrow in clusters for a more subtle look.

These floral charger plates make a statement and can be reused for multiple occasions, providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable decor.

4. Mini Bouquets as Favors

Turn your place settings into a dual-purpose feature by creating mini dried yarrow bouquets that guests can take home as favors.

Materials: Dried yarrow, twine, small gift tags.
Instructions:
1. Bundle a few stems of dried yarrow together, trimming them to a length of about 6 inches.
2. Tie them with twine and attach a small gift tag with the guest’s name on it.
3. Place the mini bouquets on each plate as both a decorative element and a personalized favor for each guest.

These mini bouquets are not only a lovely table decoration but also a thoughtful, eco-friendly gift.

Coordinating with Other Dried Flowers

Dried yarrow works beautifully on its own, but it can also be paired with other dried flowers and natural elements to create a more dynamic look for your place settings. Here are some ideas for complementary pairings:

Dried Lavender: The soft purple hue of lavender pairs well with the natural tones of yarrow, creating a calming, elegant vibe.
Dried Eucalyptus: The silvery-green leaves of eucalyptus provide a fresh contrast to the bolder colors of dried yarrow, adding texture and depth to your arrangements.
Dried Baby’s Breath: For a softer, more delicate aesthetic, add sprigs of dried baby’s breath alongside the yarrow. The tiny blooms create a dreamy, ethereal look.

Color Schemes and Themes

Dried yarrow can be integrated into various decor themes by carefully selecting color schemes and complementary materials. Here are a few examples:

Boho Chic: Pair yellow or pink dried yarrow with earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and rust for a boho-chic aesthetic. Use natural fibers like jute or burlap to tie your place settings together.
Rustic Elegance: White or pale yellow yarrow combined with wooden elements, vintage tableware, and soft linens can create a refined yet rustic look.
Modern Minimalism: For a modern, minimalist vibe, opt for dried yarrow in muted colors like white or soft pink and combine it with clean lines and simple table settings.

Conclusion

Dried yarrow is an incredibly versatile material that adds a natural, sustainable, and long-lasting element to any place setting. From simple napkin rings to intricate floral charger plates, there are endless possibilities for incorporating this beautiful dried flower into your DIY projects. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, holiday dinner, or casual gathering, dried yarrow offers a unique and eco-friendly way to decorate your table and impress your guests. By combining yarrow with complementary dried flowers and natural elements, you can create stunning, personalized place settings that reflect your style and theme.