The Best Table Centerpieces

Creating a focal point for your dinner table starts with a beautiful centerpiece. Tables for holiday parties, weddings and birthday dinners can all be decorated around a centerpiece. No longer do centerpieces have to be solely created out of flowers. Just use your imagination and a little creativity and you can make a lovely centerpiece for your table. Does this Spark an idea?

Sweets

Create a centerpiece that will satisfy your guests' sweet-tooth. For weddings, arrange tiered plates with smaller versions of the wedding cake or cupcakes in the centers of your guests' tables. For birthday parties, paint small pots white and fill with jelly beans and candy conversation hearts. Then arrange colorful lollipops in large and small sizes into the pots. Place two or three of the candy pots in the center of the table.

Gifts

Arrange various gifts on the table to create a festive centerpiece. For Christmas parties, wrap boxes in holiday colors such as green, red and gold. Trim with ribbons and bows and arrange on the table or buffet. For weddings, fill boxes with fancy soaps or mints that you want to give your guests to take home. Wrap the white or pastel paper and trim with ribbon. Arrange on cake stands in the center of each guest table.

Candles

Set candles of different sizes in glass candle-holders and place on mirrors for a reflective centerpiece. This type of centerpiece can be used for weddings or for Valentine's Day parties. Or use white votive or tapered candles in silver or pewter candle holders for an elegant centerpiece.

Rocks and Crystals

Use polished river rocks to create a natural centerpiece. Arrange rocks on the table in interesting patterns and add inexpensive beads and small crystals interspersed with the rocks. Place white votive candles in glass holders and name cards that are stamped with vines or leaves amid the rocks to keep with the theme. Or fill martini, wine and other stemmed glasses with colorful necklaces, stones and other baubles. Arrange in the center of the table for a sparkly centerpiece.

Board Games

Some wedding planners are now using board games as centerpieces. Place checkerboards or chess boards in the center of the table. Or arrange group games such as Monopoly or Life so everyone at the table can play the game.

Fruit

Create a fruit arrangement to use as a creative centerpiece for a baby shower or if you are hosting a wine club. Use cookie cutters and a melon baller to create shapes out of pineapples, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries and grapes. Arrange the shapes on wooden skewers. Place flower foam or clay into a themed-container. Arrange the skewers into the container to create a fruit bouquet.