Anyone know how to make sure pine cones are clean for a wedding reception centerpiece??

You rinse them off and let them dry on paper towels. How dirty can they be if you know where you gathered them ?

Tick

Just wondering if they'd have bugs in them that would crawl out onto the tables! LOL

Maybe for the bug issue, you could bake them low 200' for a time, so if there are any bugs, they would be dead and unable to crawl.

I have never seen bugs in pine cones. I think the pine syrup keeps them away.

Tick

Thank you all so much for your answers. I did find some info on the Internet as well. Thanks!!

You can soak them in bleach water, they will shrink up, but as they dry they open up again. I soaked them before when I made wreaths for the chruch. Its easier to put them on the wreath rings.

I would soak them in soapy water with a small amount of bleach. Rinse thoroughly, then let them dry thoroughly and brush on some Mod Podge. This acts as a sealant and gives the cones some luster and enhances the color of the cone. You can find Mod Podge in any craft store.

I would choose the high gloss but there is a mat one also. When first brushed on, it will appear milky but dries clear. Click below to check out what Mod Podge is.

Click Here: Mod Podge, Glue & Decoupage Products from Plaid Enterprises (http://www.plaidonline.com/apmp.asp)

Now go have some fun!:D:rolleyes::p!!!

Instead of brushing on stuff, I used spary sealer. Its a lot faster, easier. There is hi,semi,and matte glosss to choose from.