Ideas for Inexpensive & Simple Table Centerpieces

Great centerpieces liven up any party, reception or event. They can spark conversation, while at the same time tying in the party's theme. For certain rare flowers or specially designed pieces, prices can soar into the hundreds, but centerpieces don't need to break the bank or take too much effort to construct. So depending on your budget and time, there are plenty of options. Does this Spark an idea?

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables can liven up any table with a splash of color. Fill a glass bowl or vase with lemons, grapes or red peppers. Wrap asparagus around a candle. Or arrange the produce in a wooden bowl. If you want to reuse the centerpieces, select plastic or wax fruit.

Flowers

Floral arrangements can be expensive, but it doesn't mean you can't have flowers. Cut off the stem and float lilies in a vase of water. Or just use the petals, either in a vase or just sprinkled on the table. Using petals drastically cuts down on how many flowers you need. Simple twigs or bamboo also look nice in a clear vase.

Candles

Illuminate the table with candles. Line up three different-size candles or simply float votive candles in a glass bowl or vase. Coordinate the candle colors to match your theme. Or use food dye in the water.

Presents

Simply wrap empty boxes and put a bow on top. Use one medium box or various sizes. Wrapped present centerpieces work for all occasions, from birthday parties to weddings.

Framed Photos

For anniversary parties, frame old photos of the happy couple. Or frame photos to fit the particular event. Black-and-white pictures add a nice touch of class to any gathering.

Pine Cones

Pine cones look nice on the table or in a bowl. To liven them up, spray paint them different colors. Metallic silver looks festive and can work for a winter theme.

Lights

Stringed lights wrapped around a piece of drift wood is a simple way to illuminate a table. Or wrap the lights around any of the centerpiece ideas.

Lollipops

Lollipops add a nice playfulness to the table. Place a piece of styrofoam inside a pot or vase. Then stick the lollipop stick in the styrofoam, and suddenly you have a blooming lollipop plant, sure to be a hit with kids and adults.

Colored Rocks

Place colored rocks in a glass bowl or vase. You can either buy them colored or spray paint rocks you've found. Just clean them off before putting them on the table.