Sock It To Them With Sock Centerpieces

That's right. Socks! No longer are they just a cushiony buffer between your foot and your shoe or the comfy thing to walk around the house in. They've been re-purposed for greatness. There are tons of ways that you can turn an unsuspecting sock to into a wildly imaginable table accent or centerpiece. From baby showers to kids' birthday parties, there's sure to be a sock centerpiece that's the perfect fit. Besides, what else are you going to do with those orphaned socks from the dryer, anyway?

The Cover Up: Perfect for casual gatherings and children's birthday parties, you can create colorful vases with socks, courtesy of Rachel Ray. Simply slide the socks over a vase, jar, bottle or small plant pots to add a whimsical touch to your table. Because they're stretchy, they will cling to just about any vase. Using stripes, argyles and polka dots, be sure to choose a variety of patterns that fit the theme of the celebration and cut off the bulky bottom of the sock underneath so that the vase sits flat on the table. Fill the pots with anything from flowers to candy. They're great for sock-hops and sleepovers.

Surprisingly Elegant Centerpiece: Who knew that socks could be so beautiful? They are when they're paired with just the right vase. You sort of have to look closely to tell they're even socks! Using solid-color, knee-length dress socks, simply roll them to resemble rose buds and gingerly lay them in the top portion of the vase. Slightly stuff them into the small vase opening to keep them secure. Filling the vase with other items beneath the socks can add interest to the design. This ingenious idea was used at a benefit for the homeless, and the socks were donated to homeless shelters after the banquet. Clever and socially conscious—what more could you want in a centerpiece?

Baby Bouquet: If you can roll a sock, you can make a rose! That's pretty much all it takes to make these baby bouquets. For this afternoon craft project, all you'll need is some floral wire and tape, and the socks, of course. Follow these simple instructions to make your “rosebuds” then display a few of them in a bud vase or gather a bunch for a bouquet. Because they're made individually, you can mix and match the colors as needed. And the Mom-to-be gets a ton of free socks when she takes the baby shower centerpieces home.

Cake Topper: For the adventurous do-it-yourselfer, you might try your hands at creating a diaper cake. If you do, you can use the sock roses as your cake topper. With a few of them gathered together, simply accent with silk greenery or curling ribbon and place them in the top opening of the cake.

Sock Snowman: If it's a wintry wonderland you're trying to create, an ordinary white tube sock can make a quick and easy snowman for your table décor. First, stuff the sock with cotton balls, fiberfill, or other discarded socks to the point where the fabric turns ribbed. (Use the smooth side of the sock or turn it inside out for a snowy sock snowman.) Tie it off with a piece of string, rubber band or twist tie. Create the snowman's hat by folding the top of the sock over or let it stand tall as in the photo. (Optional: Add color to the hat with markers or paint, or use a sock with a different color at the top.) A few inches below the hat, tie a scarf made from a scrap of fabric. This will separate the head from the body. Accent with dots of paint or a marker to make the face and buttons, and you're done!