Pick up a piece of scrap metal (make sure it can be bent) at a metal shop. Ours was cut to 42" x 16". Be sure to leave at least three extra inches so it can bend over the sides of the wood.
Cut the piece of wood just two inches shorter than the length of your center piece. For a 42" x 10" centerpiece, cut the wood to 40".
Place the veneer face down. Place the board in the middle of the metal and use a flathead screwdriver to mark along the edges that will be folded over.
Turn the piece over and carefully hammer along the edge to help fold it over the sides.
Turn the sheet metal over again and pull the edges together. Carefully fold the edge. They won't be totally flat until they're hammered along the edges. Hammer carefully.
Hammer the back until it is as desired. Flip it over to check the results.
Flip back and place the candles where you want them to sit on the piece. Mark the candle placement with a black marker.
Use a metal drill to pre-drill all the holes where the black markers go.
Insert the screws in all the marked places, only halfway.
Move the piece to a place where you can fully insert the screws so they protrude through the front of the metal. Finish by hand-tightening the bolts. Take care when handling the center piece with the screws now exposed through the top.
Drill holes along the two raw ends. You may need to slide a piece of wood under the metal while you drill the holes.
Use floral wire to create a fringe that closes the brim. You can make it decorative or close it like a seam.
Add felt furniture pads to the bottom of the piece, over the screw heads to protect your furniture from scratches.
Carefully screw the large candles into the screws.
Optional:take pieces of plastic sheeting and place them along the edge (tuck under) once they are placed on the table.
