What you need: Ikea coffe table ( £45), chalk paint, clear varnish, candles, small stones, screws, jigsaw, ruler, extra length of timber ( I have used a leftover skirting board)

Table before

Draw the opening on your coffee table. Calculate the space to be bigger than your candles.

Cut the opening with a jigsaw. Finish the edges with sanding paper.

Use your off cut as a template to create a bigger piece to go underneath the table. I have used an old skirting board to create my piece. 2cm extra on each side should be fine.

Turn your table upside down and draw the outline of your support piece on it, to make sure that you will screw it in the right position

Pre drill each hole to avoid the wood splitting

Screw the support board to the table

Turn the table back up and give it a quick sand

2 coats of chalk paint ( it dries in no time and doesn't have toxic smell)

2 coats of clear varnish on the top surface and you are ready to decorate your new table