Succulents are low-maintenance, don't require a lot of water, and look great in just about any container, which makes them the ideal plant for a centerpiece. Longer lasting than flowers, they're easy to plant in trays, tin cans, or even teacups.

If you want the centerpiece to last a long time, use a planter that has drainage and won't let the roots get soggy. If you're just using the centerpiece for an event, you can use any type of planter and filling you want, and then replant the succulent in a proper container later.

To learn how to properly plant a succulent, see this post from Apartment Therapy or this video from Sunset Magazine.

The examples above illustrate a few different ideas for creative planters. We also love the idea of using unexpected materials, like espresso beans or cranberries, to fill a holiday centerpiece. (Just remember to replant the succulent after your party!)

For specifics on the photos above, click through the links:

• 1 Terisa, Colin & Lauren's Family Home
• 2 PlantTherapy: Centerpiece Ideas
• 3 Homemade Gift Idea: Succulent Planters
• 4 How To: Make Can Planters
• 5 Succulent Tea Party at Flora Grubb Gardens

Photos: Sarah Coffey (1), Matt / PlantTherapy (2), Laure Joilet (3, 4), Susie Nadler (5)