Bring the nostalgic charm of summer camp to your dining table with this ingenious potted tree centerpiece that doubles as a s'mores grilling station.
Most ready-made pine planter boxes are sold unfinished. Personalize yours with a self-sealing sealer, applied evenly using a stain pad or rag.
Fill the planter box with packing peanuts, leaving a 3-inch layer of space at the top.
Pick up potted junipers, leafy greens, or succulents from the local nursery (odd numbers like three, five, or seven work best). Choose varieties under 12 inches tall to keep guests visible across the table. With plants well-hydrated, place each inside the box, surrounded by packing peanuts. For flame safety, keep trees 12 to 16 inches apart.
Layer 3 inches of pea gravel over the packing peanuts. This creates a stable surface for the ethanol gel cans.
Center each can between potted plants, maintaining about 4 inches of clearance on each side to protect vegetation from flames.
Hide the cans with small clusters of pineapples. Surprise guests when the centerpiece reveals itself as a s'mores station—light the cans and toast marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers on skewers or sticks.
