How to Decorate a Tiki Torch

You can add a special decorative touch to tiki torches.

For an outdoor affair, such as a wedding or festive party, tiki torches can provide lighting or even mosquito repellent if you use the right type of oil. Yet, the basic tiki torch models that you purchase at the store offer little in the way of decor. Dress up the torch and make this item a combination of function and beauty, which will add to the ambience of your occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Florist tape
• Pre-made bow or wide ribbon
• 3 or 4 live or artificial bunches of greenery
• 3 or 5 live or artificial individual flowers

Instructions

1. Hold a bunch of live or artificial greenery -- stems down -- on one side of the tiki torch pole. Position the greenery far enough down the pole so it won't reach the flaming area of the torch. This will prevent the greenery from igniting when you light the torch.

2. Hold the greenery in place and wind florist tape around the greenery stems and the pole in a spiraling fashion to secure it to the torch. Position another bunch of greenery on another side of the pole and tape it to the torch with florist tape in the same spiraling fashion. Position the greenery at the same level.

3. Add another bunch or two of greenery to the pole.Tape all of the greenery stems to the pole with florist tape to anchor them securely to the torch. Arrange the greenery to conceal the florist tape as best as possible.

4. Tie a wide bow or attach a large prefabricated bow to the torch over the area of florist tape. Insert the stems of individual fresh or artificial flowers to add color to the arrangement.

5. Wind a garland of artificial flowers in a complementary color around the area of the torch below the greenery for extra color. Secure the ends with floral tape.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're preparing the torches on the same day as the event, live greenery and flowers will probably work well. If you must decorate the torches the day before, artificial products will work better.

• Tiki torches are available in a wide variety of materials, styles and prices.

• Wrap the torches with tulle before adding greenery and flowers for a wedding-appropriate look.

• Make sure to anchor all the decor to the torch well so that it won't slip or fall off during your event.

References

• Knack Wedding Flowers; A Complete Illustrated Guide to Bouquets, Ceremony Decor and Reception Torches; Sharon Naylor, Rich Penrose, Anna Adesanya; 2009
• Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas: Tiki Lights Decorated for a Wedding