DIY Table Centerpieces

A centerpiece can pull the decor of a room together, express a holiday theme or liven up a special event. What gives a centerpiece added significance, however, is when it is personally created and/or can be used as a traditional piece or art over time. Remember that when creating a centerpiece, it should please the tastes of the artist first. And it does not have to be expensive but should be made by caring hands. Does this Spark an idea?

Creating a Base

Purchase or find a bowl around the house that has enough depth to hold a Styrofoam shape to support the items in your centerpiece. Keep in mind that you will be inserting items into the centerpiece with sticks, toothpicks, pipe cleaners or wire, so there should be enough depth to allow for this.

Use a Styrofoam shape that you can cut, or that fits the bowl snuggly. This is so the weight of the items does not pull the Styrofoam from the bowl when the centerpiece is complete. Paint the bowl, if desired, and let dry. The paint should be water-based and related to the rest of the room decor or holiday theme, as well as enhance the colors of the items that will be used in the centerpiece. Put the Styrofoam shape in the bowl and fill the bowl with water. The Styrofoam will absorb the water and weigh it down.

Filling the Centerpiece

Select items to put into the centerpiece. This selection can include small items from around the house that express the theme of your table or decor, such as plastic fruit, dried flowers, holiday ornaments, Halloween figures or figurines. Do not be afraid to alter the items with paint or other flourishes, as these touches help to make the centerpiece a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Connect the items for the centerpiece to a stem made of wire or wood and insert the end of the stem into the Styrofoam shape. Try arranging the items in different configurations to get the best effect. Once the main items are in place, add flowers, dried floral pieces or ribbons that will fill in the centerpiece and tie it together.

Other Ideas

Don't forget that a centerpiece does not necessarily have to be elaborate but can consist simply of a few items that bring meaning to the meal or room. For example, try using two candles in candleholders on either side of small branches painted white and placed in a clear vase. You can try painting or embellishing an old figurine that complements the table setting and expresses the theme you have in mind. No matter how elaborate your centerpiece, allow ample time to be creative throughout the process.