Centerpieces are attractive or ornate decorations for the center of a table, typically used for meals or formal dining experiences, and they help set the mood for an event. Like the events for which they are used, they can be formal or informal, elegant or whimsical, or they can be used to make a statement. Centerpieces are often included on tables for holidays, corporate events, weddings, showers and other celebrations, and are typically customized for each event. Does this Spark an idea?
Classic, Elegant Centerpieces
Most classic, elegant centerpieces incorporate a formal flower arrangement of fresh flowers in a vase, bowl or urn. Alternatively, you could use silk flowers, but fresh are preferred for formal events, and special care should be taken to ensure the holder for the flowers is elegant and classy. You can incorporate a ribbon or bow on the holder, if desired.
Another elegant centerpiece idea is candles. You can create an entire centerpiece using nothing but candles and candle stands of various sizes, such as a group of three or five pillar candles of varying heights on pillar stands. As a rule, use an odd number of candles in any close grouping. Always be sure candles are placed on appropriate heat- and fire-resistant stands to ensure wax does not melt onto a tablecloth or you do not catch a paper table covering on fire. If desired, you can also incorporate a candle ring or other flowers in your centerpiece, especially if you are using a single candle.
Clear glass or ornate, colored glass bowls filled with water also make attractive elegant centerpieces when you place floating candles in the water. You can purchase floating candles in various shapes and colors to add interest. You also could put shiny, interesting stones or colored glass stones or marbles in the bottom of the bowl to incorporate texture, as well.
Another idea is to simply place a number of candles on a candle plate and surround them with polished stones.
Classic, elegant centerpieces work beautifully for weddings, corporate events, wedding showers, bridal showers, dinner parties, holidays and almost any occasion.
Fun, Whimsical Centerpieces
While they may also be considered elegant, balloon centerpieces are fun first and foremost. Balloons may be used as a centerpiece all on their own, either singly or in bunches. Simply inflate balloons with helium, tie them to ribbons of varying heights to create an attractive bouquet, and tie them to some kind of a decorative weight so they stay in place on the table. A simple weight can be made from a rock wrapped in shiny Mylar paper and tied with a ribbon.
Balloon bouquets can also be used in combination with other centerpieces to add a touch of fun and whimsy to a celebration. Simply tie the balloon bouquet to the primary centerpiece and let the balloons float above it.
Other fun and whimsical centerpiece ideas incorporate flowers, but they often do so in an informal, unusual way. For instance, you could arrange flowers in an old cowboy boot to create centerpieces for a western party or wedding, in a rain boot or galosh for a rainy day party theme, in a small tabletop grill for a barbeque, in hollowed-out pumpkins for a fall corporate gathering, or in theater popcorn containers for a movie premiere celebration. You can put flowers in any container that can hold water to create a whimsical centerpiece; if the container won't hold water, use silk flowers instead. The more unique the container, and the closer it relates to any theme you are using, the more delightful it can be.
Holiday Centerpieces
Holiday centerpieces may include florals in appropriate colors for the season, but often, holiday centerpieces are made up of decorations for the particular season showcased in a mini display in the middle of the table. For instance, chocolate bunnies, Easter grass and colored eggs in a basket make a fun Easter centerpiece. A horn of plenty, or cornucopia, filled with small gourds, pumpkins, acorns and fall leaves makes the perfect centerpiece for autumn or Thanksgiving.
A tiny replica of a sleigh filled with small, wrapped gifts makes a nice Christmas centerpiece, and a clear glass pumpkin jar filled with candy corn works nicely as a centerpiece on Halloween.
Think Outside The Box
You can use many objects you might typically use for art or dcor in other areas of your home or garden for table centerpieces, as well.
For instance, you can incorporate art --- like a small sculpture or piece of garden statuary --- into a centerpiece arrangement. You can elevate this piece of art on a small pedestal; place it on a doily; encircle it with a silk flower garland; sprinkle colorful, shaped confetti around it; place it inside a grapevine wreath wrapped in ivy; or do any number of other things to make it more prominent or featured in the center of the table. Or, you may find it is most striking as the sole centerpiece on its own.
Themed items make great centerpieces, like replica model airplanes or cars for a vintage plane or car show, small teddy bears for a teddy bear-theme baby shower, or creations made from Legos for a children's birthday party.
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