Ideas for Elegant Table Centerpieces

A centerpiece is an item or group of items placed in the center of a table. A centerpiece is often designed to give guests something to look at as they consume a meal. The right centerpiece can be the perfect finishing touch to help add elegance to any formal occasion. Create a centerpiece to tie in a theme as well as express your personality.

Make It Small

Go small. A centerpiece need not be large to make an impression on guests. A petite and delicate grouping can be just as impressive as a large display. Smaller centerpieces are particularly appropriate for intimate gatherings designed for only a handful of people. Start with a single beautiful vase. Look for those that have intricate decorations that can only be discerned up close. Chased metal items with raised relief patterns can help achieve this effect very easily. Simple yet interesting shapes, such a curved glass vessel or flowing crystal vase, can also work well. If the vase has a clear surface, fill two thirds of the vase with stones in a dark color such as ruby or emerald green. If the vase is metallic you can skip this step. Search for three to five unblemished flowers. The flowers should have no drooping petals or darkened leaves. Long-stemmed roses are ideal for this purpose. Make a collar for the flowers with a lace doily that has been cut out in the middle. Pull the roses through the doily. Tie a large ribbon around the flowers in the space between the doily and the flowers. Place the flowers in the vase.

Be Bold

Make a statement. Large displays can be equally sleek. Start with a flat bowl at least six inches in diameter. A metal bowl should be free from stains and have a thick and heavy base. Glass bowls should washed carefully and also have a heavy base to help avoid any tipping over. Line the bowl with florist's foam. This will help keep the flowers fresh. Add a layer of tissue paper on top of the florist's foam. Place airy flowers such as baby's breath on the tissue paper. Top the baby's breath with thick bunch of flowers such as hyacinths, tiger lilies, trilliums and buttercups. The flowers should flow over the edge of the bowl slightly. Place taller and thinner flowers such as calla lilies in five or six spots over the bowl for a finished look.

Incorporate Different Materials

Use varied materials. Start with a mirrored tray. Scatter flower petals on top of the tray in an irregular pattern. Make sure the flowers are free of blemishes. On top of the flowers place six to eight candlesticks. The candlesticks should be appropriately scaled for the tray. Use small candlesticks if you have a small tray. Place candles of varying heights and colors in the candleholders. Coordinate the colors of the candles with the colors being used in the party for an elegant and detailed look. Scatter additional items such as glass paperweights or small colored beads in between the candles.