Make your own Ice Bucket

In my last post I blogged about some oyster shooters that I made for a party on the weekend.  The Birthday Boy is a lovely bloke and I wanted to make something a bit different for the party.

I've seen a photo of a homemade ice bucket on Pinterest, and I thought I'd have a crack at recreating it as a centrepiece.

First I sought the advice of the very clever ladies at Suncoast Flowers.  I told them what I was trying to achieve and they sent me away with some good advice and an armful of flowers, berries and vegetation  (which I believe those in the know call greenery).

I chose Dodda vine, Geraldton Wax flowers and Privet berries.  Lauren was quick to point out that Privet is a pest, so I should bin the remains once I was finished with it.

Method:

Step 1 - Place something in the base of the bucket to hold the insert off the bottom.

Step 2 - Choose an insert that will form the hole that the wine bottle fits into - I used one of the Little Sister's formula tins.  Add a weight (like a rock or some sand) to make sure the insert wont float once you've filled your bucket with water.

Step 3 - Arrange your flowers/berries/greenery in layers in the space between the insert and the bucket.

Step 4 - Fill the bucket with water and freeze.

Step 5 - Fill the insert with hot water and run warm water around the outside of the bucket to loosen the bucket from the ice bucket inside.

Step 6 - Place your spectacular ice creation on the table (with a plate underneath it to catch the drips as it melts).

Verdict:

I was rapt with how well this turned out.  It was a beautiful centre piece for the table. Give it a burl for your next party!

PS.  Suncoast Flowers are on facebook - check out their page here.