Insert Screws

7. Turn over to back and lay out the candles in the location you want them to sit on the piece. Mark the candle placement with a black marker.

8. Use a metal drill to pre-drill all holes where the black markers are placed.

9. Insert all screws in the locations — only part way through.

10. Move the piece to a place where you can fully insert the screws so they are sticking out of the front of the metal. Finish by tightening the screws by hand. Be careful handling the centerpiece with the screws now exposed through the top.

Add Floral Wire and Buttons

11. Drill holes along the two unfinished ends. You may need to slide a piece of scrap wood underneath the metal while drilling the holes.

12. Use floral wire to create a fringe that closes the edge. You can make it decorative or close it like a seam.

13. Use buttons or something like furniture protectors to lift the piece off the table and to keep from scratching it.

Attach Candles

14. Carefully screw in the large candles into the screws.

Optional: Take pieces of plastic leaves and place along the edge (tuck under) once placed on the table.

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.